Prototyping Metals & Plastics
Prototyping metals and plastics from OnlineMetals.com - source optimal grades like aluminum, brass, copper, stainless, and engineered plastics. Extensive inventory and technical resources for CNC machining, 3D printing, laser cutting, and sheet metal fab.
Shop
Shop Prototyping Materials
Versatile, strong, lightweight, corrosion resistant, heat treatable, weldable. Used for structural components, machine parts, transportation, aerospace, marine applications.
High strength and hardness, excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, non-sparking, non-magnetic. Used for springs, bearings, bushings, welding electrodes, non-sparking tools.
High strength, good machinability, weldable, can be heat treated. Used for general fabrication, structural components, automotive parts, hand tools.
Learn
Top Prototyping Metals & Plastics Articles
FAQ
Metals are stronger, more durable, and machinable but costly. Plastics are lighter, cheaper, easier to form but less strong. Metals suit high-stress structural parts. Plastics work for complex shapes, low-stress parts.
CNC: Al 6061/7075, brass, copper, stainless, acetal. 3D print: ABS, PEEK, Ultem. Laser cut: Al, stainless, acrylic. Sheet metal: Al, stainless. Pick for properties and ease of processing.
OnlineMetals.com offers ABS, PLA, PETG, Nylon, and Polycarbonate. ABS is strong and heat resistant. PLA is biodegradable and easy to print. PETG combines PLA's ease with ABS's strength. Nylon is flexible and abrasion resistant. Polycarbonate is a high-performance choice for challenging applications. HDT = thermal resistance. Key for picking suitable materials.
Consider properties, machinability, cost, environment, aesthetics. Al = light, corrosion-resistant. Steel = strong, cheap. Stainless = corrosion-resistant. Brass/copper = conductive. ABS = machinable, versatile. Acrylic = clear. Delrin = stable. HDPE = cheap. Nylon = strong. PC = impact-resistant. UHMW = wear-resistant.
Continue modifying your quoted cart?