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Welcome to Our Material Selection Guide for Waterjet Cutting and Laser Cutting
If you're new to laser cutting, waterjet cutting, or CNC router fabrication, this guide is designed to help you choose the right material for your project. This resource provides a comprehensive overview, though it's not exhaustive. Our expert Application Engineers are available to assist you with any questions. Feel free to reach out for personalized guidance.
USES:- OUTDOOR
| Material | Recommended | Comments |
| Aluminum 5052 | Yes | Durable outdoors but will oxidize to a dull grey over time. |
| Brass | No | Not suitable unless coated or polished; will tarnish easily. |
| Copper | Yes | Ideal for decorative purposes with a green patina. |
| HDPE | Yes | Excellent impact resistance and low moisture absorption, great alternative to wood. |
| Mild Steel | No | Prone to rust quickly if not coated. |
| Stainless Steel (316) | Yes | Best for outdoor applications without additional coating. |
| Carbon Fiber | No | Not recommended for long-term outdoor use due to UV damage to epoxy. |
| ACM | Yes | Excellent for outdoor usage. |
| Titanium(Grade2 , Grade 5) | Yes | Highly stable, will not corrode or patina, slight oxidation possible. |
USES:- HIGH STRENGTH
| Material | Recommended | Comments |
| ABS | No | This plastic offers excellent impact and abrasion resistance, high tensile strength, and is resistant to both heat and chemicals. |
| Aluminum (6061 , 7075) | Yes | 6061 and 7075 series aluminum are significantly stronger and stiffer than our standard 5052 series. In terms of strength, 7075 aluminum is comparable to titanium. |
| Brass | No | Brass is excellent for decorative purposes due to its aesthetic appeal, but it is very soft and ductile. It is not recommended for applications involving load or bending forces. |
| Copper | No | Copper is ideal for decorative purposes due to its visual appeal, but it is very soft and ductile. It is not recommended for applications involving load or bending forces. |
| Delrin 150 | Yes | It offers high strength and great abrasion resistance while remaining machinable. |
| Mild Steel (4130 , AR500) | Yes | Our 4130 series and AR500 steel are very high strength and offer significant advantages over standard mild steel (A36). |
| Stainless Steel (316) | Yes | It is significantly stronger than mild steel and has increased weight. Additionally, it will not corrode or rust. |
| Carbon Fiber | Yes | Our highest strength-to-weight material. Incredibly strong and rigid. Not recommended for use in temperatures over 140 degrees F. |
| ACM | No | It is not recommended for high-strength or load-bearing applications. |
| Titanium(Grade 2 , Grade 5) | Yes | It is one of our highest strength-to-weight materials, incredibly strong and rigid. |
USES:- DECORATION OR SIGNAGE
| Material | Recommended | Comments |
| Aluminum | Yes | Aluminum is relatively soft and flexible and will turn a dull grey if left uncoated. |
| Brass | Yes | Brass is excellent for decorative purposes. We recommend adding a clear coat or polish to prevent patina. |
| Copper | Yes | Copper is ideal for decorative purposes. We recommend adding a clear coat or polish to prevent patina. |
| Birch | Yes | Birch is ideal for cabinetry, art, and craftwork. |
| Mild Steel | No | Mild steel will rust quickly if left uncoated. |
| Stainless Steel | Yes | It is our preferred material for signage and decorative items that will not be painted or coated. |
| Carbon Fiber | No | It is cost-prohibitive for decorative uses. |
| ACM | Yes | It is excellent for signage. |
| Titanium(Grade 2 , Grade 5) | Yes | It is too costly for decorative uses. |
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