Spex uses a wide variety of metal alloys, and some plastics. Here's an overview of the materials we use, and how to choose the right material for your project.
We work with a wide range of metal alloys to meet the diverse needs of our customers. Our expertise spans from common materials like steel and aluminum to specialty alloys such as Monel and titanium. Understanding the properties and applications of different materials is crucial in precision machining, and our team is here to help you make the best choice for your project.
Steel alloys are versatile materials that combine iron and carbon with various other elements to enhance specific properties. These carefully selected additions, such as chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and manganese, improve characteristics like strength, durability, and machinability. At Spex, we work with a wide range of steel alloys to meet the needs of our customers across various industries.
Material Properties (Scale 1-10)
Material Cost: 3
Machining Cost: 4
Durability: 7
Corrosion Resistance: 4
Temperature Resistance: 7
Strength-To-Weight Ratio: 6
Typical Tolerances: ±0.002" to ±0.005"
Common Applications:
• Shafts
• Pins
• Spacers
• Bolts
• Couplings
Stainless steel is a high-performance alloy composed primarily of iron, chromium (at least 10.5%), and other elements such as nickel and molybdenum. This composition provides stainless steel with exceptional corrosion resistance, strength, and durability. We utilize stainless steel for precision machining across multiple industries where corrosion resistance and durability are essential.
Material Properties (Scale 1-10)
Material Cost: 7
Machining Cost: 7
Durability: 9
Corrosion Resistance: 9
Temperature Resistance: 8
Strength-To-Weight Ratio: 6
Typical Tolerances: ±0.002" to ±0.005"
Common Applications:
• Fasteners
• Sleeves
• Shafts
• Housings
• Injectors
• Valve Components
Aluminum is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant metal that's used in various industries due to its excellent mechanical properties and versatility. With a density approximately one-third that of steel, aluminum offers a high strength-to-weight ratio. The ease of machining aluminum and weight make it a great choice for complex designs and weight reduction.
Material Properties (Scale 1-10)
Material Cost: 6
Machining Cost: 3
Durability: 5
Corrosion Resistance: 8
Temperature Resistance: 5
Strength-To-Weight Ratio: 8
Typical Tolerances: ±0.002" to ±0.005"
Common Applications:
• Electronic Hardware
• Manifolds
• Heat sinks
• Sensor housings
• Gearbox housings
Copper is a highly versatile metal known for its exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity, malleability, and corrosion resistance. Its ability to conduct electricity efficiently makes it a preferred choice in electrical components. Copper can be easily machined and formed into various shapes, allowing for the creation of intricate designs and components.
Material Properties (Scale 1-10)
Material Cost: 7
Machining Cost: 5
Durability: 7
Corrosion Resistance: 8
Temperature Resistance: 6
Strength-To-Weight Ratio: 5
Typical Tolerances: ±0.002" to ±0.005"
Common Applications:
• Fittings
• Bolts
• Electrical Contacts
• Bushings
• Bearings
• Fasteners
Brass is an alloy primarily composed of copper and zinc, known for its excellent machinability, corrosion resistance, and attractive golden appearance. This versatile material combines the desirable properties of both copper and zinc, offering improved strength and durability while retaining good electrical conductivity.
Material Properties (Scale 1-10)
Material Cost: 6
Machining Cost: 4
Durability: 7
Corrosion Resistance: 7
Temperature Resistance: 6
Strength-To-Weight Ratio: 5
Typical Tolerances: ±0.002" to ±0.005"
Common Applications:
• Fittings
• Bearings
• Valve Components
• Electrical Contacts
Bronze is a durable alloy primarily composed of copper and tin, though it may also contain other elements such as aluminum, phosphorus, or silicon. Bronze has excellent corrosion resistance, high strength, and wear resistance, and is often used in applications where durability and longevity are critical. A unique combination of toughness and low friction make it suitable for various mechanical applications.
Material Properties (Scale 1-10)
Material Cost: 7
Machining Cost: 5
Durability: 8
Corrosion Resistance: 9
Temperature Resistance: 7
Strength-To-Weight Ratio: 5
Typical Tolerances: ±0.002" to ±0.005"
Common Applications:
• Valve components
• Heat exchanger
• Flow meter parts
• Plunger rods
• Electrical connectors
Nickel alloys are high-performance materials that combine nickel with various elements such as chromium, molybdenum, iron, and copper to enhance specific properties. These alloys are known for their exceptional corrosion resistance, high strength, and ability to maintain their mechanical properties at extreme temperatures. Nickel alloys exhibit excellent ductility and toughness, even at high stress levels.
Material Properties (Scale 1-10)
Material Cost: 9
Machining Cost: 8
Durability: 9
Corrosion Resistance: 10
Temperature Resistance: 10
Strength-To-Weight Ratio: 7
Typical Tolerances: ±0.001" to ±0.003"
Common Applications:
• Housings
• Valves
• Fittings
• Sleeves
Titanium is a lightweight, high-strength metal known for its exceptional corrosion resistance and ability to withstand extreme temperatures. With a tensile strength similar to steel but significantly lower density, titanium offers an outstanding strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for applications where weight reduction is crucial. Its naturally resistant to corrosion, particularly in harsh environments such as seawater and various chemical compounds.
Material Properties (Scale 1-10)
Material Cost: 9
Machining Cost: 9
Durability: 9
Corrosion Resistance: 10
Temperature Resistance: 8
Strength-To-Weight Ratio: 10
Typical Tolerances: ±0.001" to ±0.005"
Common Applications:
• Fasteners
• Pins
• Pistons
• Manifolds
Plastics can’t replace every metal part, but they can be used in a wide variety of situations. The main advantages of plastic parts are the weight reduction, lower costs, and more efficient machining. Machining plastic parts is not too common, but certain high-performance plastics or part designs are better suited for machining. And machining can achieve tighter tolerances.
Material Properties (Scale 1-10)
Material Cost: 3
Machining Cost: 2
Durability: 5
Corrosion Resistance: 8
Temperature Resistance: 4
Strength-To-Weight Ratio: 6
Typical Tolerances: ±0.002" to ±0.010"
Common Applications:
• Connector housings
• Valve components
• Sensor housings