Material Selection
Video Intro to Material Selection
Sourcing
You are responsible for procuring your own raw materials.
Material Selection
Raw material selection is critical. Choosing the right material can (quite literally) “make or break” a design. We always prefer if you talk to us before ordering material.
There is an overwhelming number of materials that can be used in the manufacturing of products. You should be selecting the right material for your product and so it can be manufactured. Make sure you are doing the engineering calculations to make sure you aren’t either over or under designing.
We do not accept mystery material! That slug of aluminum, chunk of brass, or hunk of steel you found in your apartment, lab, or makerspace is not an appropriate source of raw material. At best, mystery material damages our equipment. At worst, it can cause harm to you or others! Please, order material from a reputable supplier. We reserve the right to refuse any raw material if it is not clearly identifiable.
Visit our page on laser cutting for list of compatible materials with our equipment.
Recommended Materials
| Format | Preferred | Comments | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | |||
| Round (turning) | 2011 | Safer chip control | Link |
| Plate (milling) | 6061 | Cheaper for plate | Link |
| Sheet (bending) | 3000 series or 5000 series | 3/32″ (.093) ‘max for bending – don’t order 6061 because it will fracture | Link |
| Steel | |||
| Round (turning) | 12L14 | Excellent machinability and inexpensive | Link |
| Bar (milling) | 12L14 | Link | |
| Plate (milling) | 1018 | Inexpensive | Link |
| Stainless Steel | |||
| All forms | 416 | Best machinability | Link |
| 303 | Best machinability | Link | |
| Plastic | |||
| Round (turning) | HDPE (High Density Polyethelene) | Must be mechanically fastened | Link |
| Plate (milling) | HDPE (High Density Polyethelene) | Must be mechanically fastened | Link |
| Polycarbonate | Can be solvent welded | Link | |
| Acrylic | Can be solvent welded | Link | |
| Sheet (laser cut) | Acrylic | Easily cut but solvent welding can cause stress cracking at the edges. Sand with 220-300grit sand paper and use Weld On 3 or 4 cement or silicone sealant to join. | Link |
Recommended Suppliers
Visit our page for our recommended vendors.
Size and Shape
Every machine in EPIC has limitations on how we are able to hold or “fixture” material. For CNC milling, we generally prefer large sheets of raw material rather than discrete blocks. We will always ask for material that is wider and taller than your finished part. Depending on the application we may also require more thickness. Ask us before purchasing material!
Policy on Modifying 3D Printed Parts
We have identified this as a safety concern. Attempts to modify 3D printed parts is grounds for immediate dismissal from EPIC, no questions asked. Redesign and reprint your parts correctly – do not attempt to modify them on our equipment. Minor modifications with hand tools (e.g., dremel, file, sandpaper, hand drill and tap) are permitted.