Materials & Finishes
Material expertise that supports better manufacturing.
Tektonics machines a wide range of metals, plastics, wood products and engineered materials for first articles, custom components, and repeat production runs.
Material selection affects more than the finished part. It influences machining strategy, tolerances, tooling, cost, availability and the finishing process.
We help clients evaluate those considerations early so that we can manufacture components efficiently using materials appropriate to the application.
Metals
We machine a wide range of ferrous and non-ferrous metals for both first article and full production applications. Our clients rely on us to produce everything from precision aluminum components for medical applications, large-format stainless steel hardware for bridge components, and tiny brass specialty parts for consumer electronics.
Material selection influences strength, weight, corrosion resistance, machinability, surface finish, and cost. Our team can help identify an appropriate material for the application and manufacturing process before production begins.
Metals we commonly machine include:
Aluminum
Brass
Bronze
Copper
Mild steel
Stainless steel
Explore our Machined Metal Components gallery
to see examples of aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, and stainless steel components we've manufactured.
Plastics
Engineering plastics are often selected for applications requiring reduced weight, corrosion resistance, electrical insulation, low friction, or chemical resistance.
We machine a variety of plastics for industrial components, fixtures, prototypes, and production parts.
Every material has its own unique machining characteristics and performance properties. We help clients evaluate plastics in the context of the finished application, production requirements, and long-term performance.
Plastics we commonly machine include:
Acetal (Delrin®)
Acrylic
Nylon
Polycarbonate
UHMW polyethylene
Explore our Machined Plastic Components gallery to see examples of acrylic, acetal, UHMW, nylon, polycarbonate, and other engineered plastic components we've manufactured.
Wood & Engineered Materials
Our CNC routing capabilities support the manufacture of architectural components, production parts, fixtures, patterns (including foundry tooling), and specialty products in both natural wood and engineered sheet materials.
Material selection is guided by the finished part, desired appearance, structural requirements, and manufacturing efficiency.
We routinely process hardwoods, plywood, MDF, Richlite®, and other engineered materials for projects requiring repeatability and precision.
Materials we commonly machine include:
Hardwoods including walnut, mahogany, maple, oak, and ash
Baltic birch & hardwood plywood
Luan plywood
MDF
Richlite®
Other engineered sheet materials & composites
Explore our Machined Wood Components gallery to see examples of hardwood, plywood, and engineered wood components we've manufactured.
Explore our Machined Composite Components gallery to see examples of Richlite®, MDF, plywood, and other engineered material components we've manufactured.
Finishes
Surface finishing contributes to both the appearance and performance of a finished component.
During project planning, we consider finishing requirements alongside material selection and machining strategy so that every step supports the final result.
We provide in-house laser marking and engraving and coordinate a variety of finishing processes through trusted partners as part of a managed production program.
Available finishing options may include:
Anodizing
Powder coating
Cerakote
Media blasting
Tumbling
Patinas
Sanding and wood finishing
Laser marking and engraving
The examples in the gallery below highlight a selection of finishes we've applied to client projects.
Selected Finishes
A sampling of materials & finishes we've produced for client projects.
Ready to Discuss Your Project?
Every project begins with a conversation. Tell us about your application, your materials, or your production goals, and we'll help determine the right manufacturing approach for your project.