[Newuser1]

Hey All,

I was curious what kind of materials or metals you recommend for prototyping a beautiful design? I'll be upfront, I am a total noob who doesn't know myself, but any recommendations or sharing past experience is extremely appreciated. Seriously... anyone who takes the time to reply here I want you to know that it actually means something to me.

So I was curious, what metals are the best for a good finish? If we were to use a general example here, if you were to recreate the Mac Mini (See screenshot) for example, what material or metal would you use here? Is it possible to get that same sort of polished finish of a product that the Mac Mini has? Please share anything you can here, and if you have any books you recommend on this specific topic i.e materials and metals, please recommend.

OK. Thank you to all of you, I sincerely appreciate it and I always remember the people who help me.

[djr76]

Acetal or Aluminum. Easy to machine and can achieve good finishes.

[handlewanker]

Hi, in most case surface finish by machining alone will not give you a polished finish.....you'll need to do some extra polishing.....perhaps a fill in operation with an epoxy filler with sanding, polishing and painting etc to get it to that state for appearance......it's a prototype, so finish is the end product no matter what lies under the finish....even a plastic material.
Ian.