Common materials for manufacturing mechanical parts include metals, engineering plastics, ceramics, and composite materials, with metals and engineering plastics being the most widely used.
Metallic Materials
Carbon Steel: Such as 45 steel and Q235, possessing good machinability and strength, and relatively low cost, commonly used in the manufacture of shafts, gears, and structural components.
Alloy Steel: Such as 40Cr and 42CrMo, with added elements such as chromium and molybdenum to enhance strength, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance, suitable for high-load parts such as gears and bearings.
Stainless Steel: Such as 0Cr18Ni9 (i.e., 304 stainless steel), with strong corrosion resistance, widely used in food machinery, medical devices, and chemical equipment.
Cast Iron: Such as HT150, with good casting performance and high compressive strength, suitable for manufacturing large and complex parts such as machine tool beds and engine blocks.
Aluminum Alloys: Lightweight and with good thermal conductivity, such as 6061 and 7075, commonly used in aerospace and automotive parts to achieve lightweighting.
Non-metallic Materials
Engineering Plastics:
ABS: Easy to process, dimensionally stable, used in instrument housings and appliance parts.
Nylon (PA6/PA66): Wear-resistant, self-lubricating, suitable for manufacturing gears and bearings.
POM (Polyoxymethylene): Low coefficient of friction, high rigidity, widely used in precision transmission components such as gears and sliders.
PVC: Corrosion-resistant, good insulation, used in pipes and seals.
Ceramic Materials: High hardness, high temperature resistance, used in cutting tools, high-temperature bearings, and other special working conditions.
Composite Materials:
SMC (Sheet Molding Compound): Glass fiber reinforced thermosetting material, used in new energy battery pack covers, reducing weight by 20%-30%.
Thermoplastic Composites (PP/PPS/PEEK): Recyclable, fast molding, weight reduction of 40%-50%, a development trend for mid-to-high-end vehicles.
Special Copper Alloys
ZCuSn5Pb5Zn5 (5-5-5 Bronze): Wear-resistant and easy to machine, used for bushings and valve fittings.
ZCuZn38Mn2Pb2 (38-2-2 Manganese Brass): Good casting fluidity, suitable for mass production of pump housings and connectors.
