Materials for CNC machining — choose by application
Material choice affects stability, surface finish and how the part behaves in the next process step. We machine a defined set of model and tooling materials and help select the best route for your application.
Browse materials below, or send a brief and we will recommend options based on surface expectation, size and lifecycle.
- Material selection driven by stability and surface route
- Clear use cases: tooling, mock‑ups, cores and skins
- Practical guidance when you are unsure
- Deliverables aligned with downstream workflows
How we think about materials
Instead of listing materials as a catalogue, we link them to use cases. The right choice depends on what you are producing: a thermoforming buck, a composite plug, a large mock‑up or a production fixture.
If you share your process and target finish, we can recommend a material route that balances performance, lead time and cost.
How to choose
Start with the job the material must do, then decide how stable and finishable the surface needs to be.
- Is it a mock‑up, a core, or a working tooling surface?
- Will it see heat, abrasion or repeated handling?
- What surface level is required for the downstream process?
- Does the part size require segmentation and assembly?
Browse materials
Quick links to the main material routes we machine.
MDF
A practical tooling material for bucks, templates and masters with a defined surface route.
EPS / XPS
Lightweight foams for large volumes and cores; not used for thermoforming bucks.
PU tooling board
Stable boards for plugs, masters, bucks and fixtures where repeatability matters.
Epoxy tooling paste
Hard, machineable skins for large cores when surface performance must scale.
Workflow
Material selection is confirmed early so the machining plan and finishing hand‑off remain predictable.
- Share files and describe the intended use
- We propose a material route and confirm deliverables
- Machining and preparation aligned with handling and finish
- Delivery ready for the next step
Typical outputs
Common deliverables based on material routes:
- Tooling components and stable masters
- Large mock‑ups and volumes
- Hard skins on large cores
- Templates and fixtures for production
Not sure which material to choose?
Tell us what you are building and what process comes next (thermoforming, mould making, production support). We will recommend a practical material route and quote accordingly.
If you have constraints such as heat exposure or heavy handling, include them. It helps us avoid unsuitable options from the start.
Request a quote