Which CNC Material Should You Choose?
When sourcing materials for CNC machining, the decision often comes down to more than just material properties. Lead time, cost, and availability can make or break a project.
A customer recently asked us:
“Of Inconel 718, SS17-4PH, and SS15-5PH, which is the fastest to get in Europe, which the most cost-effective, and which offers the best balance of both?”
Here’s what our engineers recommend, and why.
1. Fastest to Source in Europe: SS17-4PH
SS17-4PH (also known as 1.4542) is widely stocked across Europe. It’s commonly used in aerospace, medical, and general engineering, so many suppliers keep it on hand.
✅ Short lead times
✅ Available in various formats (bars, plates, etc.)
✅ Multiple supplier options across the region
2. Most Cost-Effective: SS17-4PH
Among these three, SS17-4PH generally offers the best price point for CNC machining projects. While SS15-5PH has similar properties, it is less commonly stocked, which can drive up costs.
Inconel 718, on the other hand, is a nickel-based superalloy—excellent for high-heat, high-stress environments, but significantly more expensive.
3. Best Balance of Availability and Cost: SS17-4PH
If you’re looking for the sweet spot between quick sourcing and cost-effectiveness, SS17-4PH is your best bet.
It combines:
- Good mechanical strength
- Corrosion resistance
- Stable pricing
- Wide availability across Europe
Unless your application has very specific requirements (like extreme heat resistance, where Inconel 718 would shine), SS17-4PH efficiently covers most needs.
Start Your Manufacturing Project with MakerVerse
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Our Recommendation
| Material | Availability (Europe) | Cost | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inconel 718 | Harder to source | $$$$$ | High-heat, high-stress environments |
| SS15-5PH | Less available | $$–$$$ | Aerospace, high-strength applications |
| SS17-4PH | Widely available | $$ | Most general CNC projects |
Our engineers recommend SS17-4PH as the go-to choice for CNC machining in Europe due to its strong balance of price, performance, and availability.
Need help selecting the right material for your next CNC project?
At MakerVerse, we’re here to support you with expert advice and fast access to reliable suppliers. Contact us here or start your project directly on the platform.
