Cheapest Materials for CNC Machining in 2026 – Cost, Machinability & Trade-offs

Looking to cut CNC prototyping or production costs? The “cheapest” material isn’t always the lowest raw price – machining time & tool wear often dominate (up to 70% of total cost).

Aluminum 6061 – ~$3-6/lb
ABS/POM – ~$1-4/lb
Mild Steel 1018 – ~$1-3/lb

Material Comparison

CNC Aluminum Brass Stainless Steel Parts Comparison

Aluminum, Brass & Stainless Steel CNC Machined Parts

Plastic vs Metal CNC Parts

CNC Plastic vs Metal Parts Comparison

Black plastic and silver aluminum CNC machined components

CNC Cost Breakdown

CNC Machining Cost Structure Pie Chart

Material (30%) vs Machining (50%) vs Other (20%)

2026 CNC Material Cost Comparison

Rank Material Price ($/lb) Machining Speed Cost Savings Best For Drawbacks
1 Plastics (ABS, POM, HDPE) $1–4 1.5–2× aluminum 40–70% Prototypes, non-load parts Low strength/heat resistance
2 Aluminum 6061/5052 $3–6 Baseline (fastest metal) 30–50% General prototypes, lightweight Poor corrosion resistance
3 Mild Steel (1018/1020) $1–3 0.3–0.6× aluminum 20–40% Structural, budget parts Rusts, heavier, slower machining
4 Brass C360 $4–8 1.2–1.5× aluminum 10–30% Aesthetic, conductive parts Higher cost than alu/plastic
5 Stainless 304 $3–7 0.2–0.4× aluminum Baseline Corrosion resistance needed High tool wear, expensive overall

Real Cost Breakdown Example

Same Part: 100×50×20mm Block

ABS Plastic

$17
Material: $2
Machining: $15

Aluminum 6061

$18
Material: $8
Machining: $10

Steel 1018

$30
Material: $5
Machining: $25
→ Plastic/Aluminum are often the cheapest overall

Material Deep Dive

Plastics (ABS, POM, HDPE)

CNC Plastic Prototypes
Most Cost-Effective

Key Advantages:

  • ✓
    Fastest machining speed (1.5-2x aluminum)
  • ✓
    Lowest raw material cost ($1-4/lb)
  • ✓
    Excellent for prototypes and non-structural parts

Limitations:

  • ✗
    Low strength and heat resistance
  • ✗
    Not suitable for load-bearing applications

Aluminum 6061/5052

CNC Aluminum Prototype Part
Best All-Rounder

Key Advantages:

  • ✓
    Fast machining (baseline for metals)
  • ✓
    Lightweight and good strength-to-weight ratio
  • ✓
    Good corrosion resistance with anodizing

Limitations:

  • ✗
    Lower strength than steel
  • ✗
    Poor corrosion resistance without surface treatment

Mild Steel 1018/1020

CNC Steel Brass Stainless Parts
Budget Structural

Key Advantages:

  • ✓
    Low raw material cost ($1-3/lb)
  • ✓
    High strength for structural applications
  • ✓
    Easy to weld and machine with proper tools

Limitations:

  • ✗
    Slow machining (0.3-0.6x aluminum)
  • ✗
    Prone to rust without coating
  • ✗
    Heavy weight increases shipping costs

When NOT to Choose the Cheapest

!

Plastic in High Temperature/Load Applications

Plastic may seem cheap upfront, but it can fail catastrophically in high temperature or load-bearing applications, leading to expensive rework and downtime.

Better choice: Aluminum or stainless steel

⚠

Steel in Corrosive Environments

Mild steel rusts quickly in humid or corrosive environments, requiring expensive plating or frequent maintenance that negates initial cost savings.

Better choice: Stainless steel or anodized aluminum

⚡

Low Strength Materials for Safety-Critical Parts

Using cheap, low-strength materials for safety-critical components can lead to failures, injuries, and liability issues that far exceed material cost savings.

Better choice: Engineering-grade materials

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is plastic really cheaper than aluminum for CNC?
Yes, in non-load-bearing prototypes and non-structural applications. Plastic’s faster machining speed often makes it cheaper overall despite similar raw material costs.
Q: What’s the cheapest metal for CNC in 2026?
Mild steel 1018 has the lowest raw material cost ($1-3/lb), but aluminum 6061 often ends up cheaper overall due to much faster machining speeds.
Q: Does choosing cheap material save money long-term?
Not always. Cheaper materials may require more maintenance, have shorter lifespans, or need replacement sooner. Always consider total cost of ownership.
Q: Can you machine HDPE/POM cheaply in China?
Yes, Chinese manufacturers have extensive experience with engineering plastics. HDPE and POM are commonly machined materials with competitive pricing.
Q: How much does CNC machining cost per hour in 2026?
CNC machining rates range from $30-150/hour depending on machine type, complexity, and location. 3-axis machines are cheapest at $30-40/hour.
Q: What’s the best material for CNC prototyping?
ABS plastic or aluminum 6061 are best for most prototypes. ABS is cheapest for form and fit testing, while aluminum better simulates final production parts.

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