[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”http://ecoreprap.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/CNC-Machining-Aluminum.jpg” custom_margin=”-57px|||||” custom_padding=”||161px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.37)” custom_margin=”58px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_font_size=”45px” custom_margin=”||8px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

How to Machine Aluminum: The Ultimate Guide in 2022

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_post_title title=”off” categories=”off” comments=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” meta_font=”Lato||||||||” meta_text_align=”center” meta_text_color=”#FFFFFF” meta_font_size=”17px” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_post_title][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”1px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||6px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|5px||5px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lato||||||||” text_text_color=”#292929″ text_font_size=”17px” custom_margin=”||14px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Have you ever noticed how complicated things become simple after someone explains them properly? We know how challenging it may be to process material. So many complementary nuances are involved that some professional assistance may come in handy.

We updated our guide about aluminum CNC machining, so it is completely up-to-date for 2022. Read below to discover types of aluminum, cutting tools to machine it, and common manufacturing operations.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lato||||||||” text_text_color=”#292929″ text_font_size=”17px” custom_margin=”||9px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Why Can Aluminum Be Challenging?

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lato||||||||” text_text_color=”#292929″ text_font_size=”17px” custom_margin=”||14px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]Aluminum is the most affordable and popular metal. It has various applications due to a number of ways to process workpieces made of such material. However, machining aluminum is fairly challenging. The scary part is that this metal is soft by nature and has low melting temperatures. The extent of problems detailed further may vary. It depends on the aluminum alloy used. You may face difficulty cutting aluminum, especially thin, sheet layers of the metal. It is associated with the heat of friction, which frequently exceeds the melting point of aluminum. Additionally, the hardness of the metal is low, and the use of harsh cutting tolling may wrinkle or stretch the entire workpiece.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lato||||||||” text_text_color=”#292929″ text_font_size=”17px” custom_margin=”||9px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Common Types of Aluminum

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There are several common types of aluminum as the material for fabrication. Additionally, it is possible to distinguish 7 grades of aluminum alloys.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lato||||||||” text_text_color=”#292929″ text_font_size=”17px” custom_margin=”||12px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]1. 2024-T351 aluminum. It is the hardest aluminum, mostly used in aircraft. It is also known for the difficulty of its machining, as it requires specialized tooling and particular manufacturing settings.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lato||||||||” text_text_color=”#292929″ text_font_size=”17px” custom_margin=”||12px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]2. Aluminum alloy foil. In contrast, it is the most flexible aluminum, which can be processed with a limited range of machining options.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lato||||||||” text_text_color=”#292929″ text_font_size=”17px” custom_margin=”||12px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]3. Sheet aluminum. It is rather the form of manufactured aluminum workpieces. By hammering, stamping, or spinning, sheet layers of the metal can be obtained. In the process, types of aluminum may be combined to obtain extra properties.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lato||||||||” text_text_color=”#292929″ text_font_size=”17px” custom_margin=”||12px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]4. Clad aluminum. You may have heard of it as treated aluminum. It has a coating of any type, such as zinc, silicon, nickel, or magnesium. Treated aluminum is durable and enhanced with extra properties due to coating.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lato||||||||” text_text_color=”#292929″ text_font_size=”17px” custom_margin=”||12px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

5. Pure/Bare aluminum. As evident from its name, it is pure unprocessed metal. Typically, it is needed for further use in the manufacturing process.</br>

It is rarely used as a material for workpiece preparation and further components manufacturing. It is explained by the lack of corrosion resistance and low durability.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lato||||||||” text_text_color=”#292929″ text_font_size=”17px” custom_margin=”||14px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]6. Aluminum Alloys. Finally, there are 8 grades (series) of aluminum. Each of them has distinct properties and its own unique areas of applications. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lato||||||||” text_text_color=”#292929″ text_font_size=”17px” custom_margin=”||9px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Cutting Tools for Aluminum

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Here’s the secret: CNC tooling for aluminum cutting is more than just a few pieces of metal that is hard enough. We detailed below the most frequently used types of tools and some distinctive features they have in common.

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Common Types of Cutting Tools

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lato||||||||” text_text_color=”#292929″ text_font_size=”17px” custom_margin=”||14px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]The crucial point is that you absolutely should not use any of the cutting tools that are intended for general purposes. As per the reasons detailed above, aluminum is different from other metals. So, listed tools are to be purchased only if a supplier specifies their suitability for aluminum.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lato||||||||” text_text_color=”#292929″ text_font_size=”17px” custom_margin=”||14px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”] Fly cutters exploit broad and shallow cuts to produce a smooth surface finish. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lato||||||||” text_text_color=”#292929″ text_font_size=”17px” custom_margin=”||9px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Features of Cutting Tools

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You may be offered, by a supplier, one of the common cutting tool materials. 

  1. Carbon tool steel
  2. High-speed steel
  3. Ceramics tool
  4. Cemented carbide
  5. Cubic boron nitride 
  6. Diamond 

It is a circumstantial aspect that defines what a particular material, a cutting tool is made of, will suit your purposes better. 

But typically, aluminum requires softer but sharper tooling than stainless steel, for instance. It is because of the aluminum’s softness. 

Among the ones listed above, carbide responds to the requirements better than others. It is also an affordable material for tooling.

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In CNC machining, flutes are not musical instruments but rather sharp slots positioned along with a cutting tool. They do the cutting work when a bit is spinning. 

In CNC machining of aluminum, cutting tools, especially ones made of carbide, with 3 flutes are the gold standard. Such a number of sharp slots offers the balance of tool strength and chip clearance, which is detailed further in the text multiple times.

In case you need to reduce the probability of tool constipation with metal chips even more, you may choose 2 fluted cutting tools. You will see how it works for a particular type of aluminum, and perhaps, it is your best choice. 

You almost never need a cutting tool with more than 3 flutes (a range of options may include even 8-flutes tooling). Aluminum is a soft metal, and cutting force is not crucial for such material. 

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lato||||||||” text_text_color=”#292929″ text_font_size=”17px” custom_margin=”||14px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”] Helix angle is the angle between the axial line of a bit and any of its sharp slots. You can see examples of helix angles in the infographics below.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”http://ecoreprap.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Helix-Angle-Figure.png” alt=”Helix Angle Figure” title_text=”Helix Angle Figure” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lato||||||||” text_text_color=”#292929″ text_font_size=”17px” custom_margin=”||14px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

The helix angle controls the angle at which the cutting edge enters a component being manufactured when a cutting tool is rotating.

he simple dependency is the large the helix angle, is the more grade entry of the flute of tooling. Angles enable the smoothness of the transaction and, as a result, to achieve the desired depth of cut.

As a rule of thumb, a higher helix offers a better surface finish but produces more heat. Considering that aluminum is a metal with a low melting point, choosing an appropriate helix angle is crucial.

Typically, we recommend 35-degree helix angle for roughing. 45-degree helix angle for finishing. 40-degree helix angle for any other purposes, or as a viable replacement of alternative helix angle options.

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We highly recommend you to pay close attention to cutting tools polishing. Even the most advanced and expensive tooling tends to deteriorate in sharpness over time. So, if you definitely do not want your tools to become dull, polish their flutes regularly.

Do not use uncoated tooling. Yes, they are more affordable and still great. You may consider uncoated tooling when you are unsure about what coating would suit your purposes and your tools better. 

Still, it is recommended that you use tooling with ZrN or TiB2 coating (explained further in the text). 

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Feeds and Speeds

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lato||||||||” text_text_color=”#292929″ text_font_size=”17px” custom_margin=”||14px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]Here is the thing. It doesn’t matter if your tooling is appropriately chosen if the settings of a CNC machine are not suitable. Typically, wrong feed and speed rates ruin the entire machining process by deteriorating both material and tooling.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lato||||||||” text_text_color=”#292929″ text_font_size=”17px” custom_margin=”||14px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Speed Rates

Speed rate is the first variable in CNC machining to discuss. It is calculated according to specific formulas detailed below. 

Speed (RPM) = (SFM x 3.82) / D

Where: SFM is Surface Feet per minute; D is tool diameter.

Speed (spindle speed or RPM) is the number of rev/min or the number of turns of a cutting tool. It defines how fast a tool would be cutting chips of material.

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Feed Rates

Feed rate is the second major variable in CNC machining. The formulas for it are the following:

Feed (Inches per minute or IPM) = RPM x FPT x Z

Where: FPT is Feed per Tooth; Z is a number of teeth in a cutting tool. 

Feed rates define the distance or depth on which a cutting tool deepens into a workpiece during one spindle revolution.

As a bonus, we attached below the infographics, where you may see the feed rate multiplier. 

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”http://ecoreprap.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/feed-rate-multiplier.png” alt=”feed rate multiplier” title_text=”feed rate multiplier” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lato||||||||” text_text_color=”#292929″ text_font_size=”17px” custom_margin=”||14px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]It is required when you need to cut off smaller in size metal chips. For this purpose, you turn your cutting tool to a certain degree, so only a part of it actually cuts the material off.  But, to maintain the same production rates, i.e., the turnaround time for one component, you should increase your cutting tool’s feed rate, as the infographics shows.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lato||||||||” text_text_color=”#292929″ text_font_size=”17px” custom_margin=”||9px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Common Operations for Machining Aluminum

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lato||||||||” text_text_color=”#292929″ text_font_size=”17px” custom_margin=”||14px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]Well, we do not state that you will never be offered any other operation but the ones specified below. However, as of 2022, most designs can be created using these 5 manufacturing techniques and some extra finishing.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Lato||||||||” text_text_color=”#292929″ text_font_size=”17px” custom_margin=”||14px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Facing

In other words, it is smoothing a plane surface at right angles. It also means polishing inserts of a part.

Typically, the material is removed from the end and shoulder or a workpiece. Lathe and milling machines are CNC centers that employ this manufacturing technique.

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Pocketing

Pocketing operation is needed when you want to remove the material with a closed boundary down to a depth required. 

The technique requires flat bottom end mills. First, roughing operations are performed to remove excessive material. Then, a more precise end mill (finish end mill) polishes the pocket. 

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Slotting

When you perform shaping (another name for slotting), a workpiece is fixed on the machine table and is fed to a single-point cutting tool. 

Typically, you need a stub flute endmill or trochoidal milling & chatter to cut deep, precise slots. 

Slotting is often used to cut external shapes and intricate forms.

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Drilling

It is the simplest operation possible. Drilling is the process of cutting holes (or circular cross-sections if you like) in a material, by using a rotating cutting tool.

A drill bit is used to cut a new hole or enlarge an old one (although there are other operations for holes enlarging as well). The bit is pressed against a workpiece in a linear direction.

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Tapping

Last but not least, tapping is a machining process for creating internal threads.

A tap, which has given the name for the entire operation, is a cylindrical or conical thread-cutting tool. It has many threads of required form on the periphery. By combining rotary with axial motions, a thread can be cut even in such soft material as aluminum is.

Tapping is needed to create a thread inside a hole, to further accommodate a cap screw or bolt.

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Best Strategies and Tips for Aluminum Machining

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To assist you in CNC aluminum machining, we accumulated our experience and formed a list of strategies, advice, and tips.

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Alternatively, failure to maintain a stable temperature of the part while machining would immediately result in batches of sub-quality production with no further use. So, always consult specifications and suppliers of metal to know that temperature is to be maintained.

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If a CNC machine is forced to make less frequent but deep cuts, the life of tooling deteriorates rapidly. It also conceives metal chips that are harder to get rid of. Frequent, shallow passes work much better overall.

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Some Common Questions and Solutions to Issues

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1. How to Get Awesome Surface Finishes on Aluminum?

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First, you should choose the type of finishing that suits the purposes of the component being manufactured. Typically, options are mechanical finishes, pretreatment, bright dipping, anodizing, liquid paint, powder coating, and sublimation. 

Some of the finishing may not suit a particular aluminum component because they may not meet your specifications. 

You should consider all the minor nuances that accompany every type of finishing. Pay attention to the sharpness of a cutting tool. It should not be dull, so always monitor the state of your CNC machine tooling. Choose the appropriate cutting tool geometry, which suits a particular CNC machine and a component being manufactured. 

In case you have chosen the correct finishing, all that’s left is to conduct the process with all the safety precautions. 

Pay attention to the sharpness of a cutting tool. It should not be dull, so always monitor the state of your CNC machine tooling. Another item is the burr sticky on the part, don’t forget to remove the burr in the process.

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2. Why Does Aluminum Turn Brown When Milling?

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It is frequent that aluminum turns brown or even black when machined. The typical cause is oxidation, as aluminum is prone to reacting with the surrounding. 

You should ensure that the metal is not exposed to extra moisture. Additionally, we recommend you replace the coolant. Cleaning machined parts with hot soapy water may also help to reduce the probability of oxidation. 

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3. What Coating for Milling Aluminum?

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To mill aluminum, a manufacturer may choose out of several options. First, it is uncoated tolling. It may still provide solid performance, but can quickly deteriorate over time. 

Then, it is gold-colored ZrN (Zirconium Nitride) tooling, which is considered non-expensive but enhances the properties of tooling significantly.

Finally, there are various titanium nitride (TiN) based coatings. Examples are titanium carbo-nitride (TiCN), titanium aluminum nitride (TiAIN), and others. They are better overall and offer to improve tooling with various extra features and properties. Such as wear, temperature, and oxidation resistance, improved sharpness or hardness, etc.

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4. Should you Use Oil When Milling Aluminum?

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The term “oil” in CNC machining refers to aluminum alloy cutting fluid, in a broad sense. It enhances the precision of cutting tools and improves outcomes of finishing. 

Considering that the fluid is not expensive and significantly increases the quality of milling, you definitely should use it.

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5. How to fixture milling thin wall aluminum?

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The significant concern associated with milling is that thin sheet metals would be cut through if milled. Common fixtures do not work well in this case, as they basically do not solve the problem.

In case you do not want the surface of the worktable to be partly milled as well, you need to take precautions. Here are two tips:

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MDF is also an option, but it may reduce tool life, in case a cutting tool is not sustainable to abrasives.

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Summary

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In essence, you may consider yourself an expert in aluminum machining if you make it properly to the very end of the post.

As you know now, aluminum is a soft metal, which cannot be processed similarly to stainless steel or any other hard material. Luckily, there are various cutting tools and operations to make any design in an aluminum workpiece.

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