Turning is suitable for a variety of materials, primarily metals, but some high-performance plastics can also be turned.
Metal materials include:
Steel
Brass
Aluminum
Nickel Alloy
Titanium
Plastic materials include:
Polycarbonate
PEEK
PEI
PP
The machinability of the material and the desired final surface finish determine the choice of cutting tools. For example, when machining hard materials such as steel, high-speed steel (HSS) or carbide tools are typically used to withstand higher cutting forces. Materials such as aluminum and titanium, due to their higher flexibility, are more suitable for precision machining and can be used to manufacture parts with complex shapes.