In Brazil, the lack of local phantom manufacturing facilities the development of affordable phantom solutions for research institutes. This study evaluates tissue simulators for medical imaging, focusing on low-cost materials. It analyzes their mass attenuation coefficients (MAC) compared to human tissues, assessing their suitability as substitutes by exploring tissue simulations based on the proximity of MAC between materials and human tissues of interest. Structural tests confirmed the efficacy of beeswax, dental wax in simulating glandular tissues, breast composition, and skin, evaluated through mammographic images. Material comparisons analyzed relative to healthy tissues and patologies. PVC simulated microcalcifications effectively, while PLA simulated adipose tissue. This study assessed breast tissue simulation using materials like PETG, fiberglass, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), analyzing MAC obtained from XCOM software analysis. Prototype development incorporated materials such as beeswax and dental wax to replicate breast composition as proposed by ICRP Publication 89. The beeswax provided a more uniform appearance in mammography images compared to dental wax, serving well as a simulator for adipose tissue and breast composition. Visual circular test structures for nodules showed favorable results. PVC effectively simulated type I and type II microcalcifications, while fiberglass filaments represented the glandular aspect of the breast visually. This study’s significance lies in developing a low-cost prototype for radiation behavior analysis by understanding different materials and structures in mammography, thus enhancing the development of more realistic phantoms for radiology quality control and training purposes.