CNC Machining Materials

Aluminum CNC Machining

High machinability and ductility, good strength-to-weight ratio, good electrical conductivity, low density and natural corrosion resistance. Always anodized.

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Aluminum CNC Machining

Aluminum is a light-weight alloy with excellent strength-to-weight ratio, high thermal and electric conductivity, low density and natural deterioration resistance. It has superb machinability, welding and electroplating residential or commercial properties as well as great corrosion resistance.

Lightweight aluminum is a material that is easy to cut and machine, and aluminum alloys can be quickly, properly grated, pierced, and machined using CNC machining. After machining, lightweight aluminum has a low threat of contortion or issues and is very easy to polish and color.

Aluminum is among the most common materials used in the aerospace, medical, auto and motorcycle industries.

Available Aluminum Subtypes

Subtype Ultimate tensile strength Yield strength Young’s modulus (modulus of elasticity) Elongation at break Corrosion resistance Magnetism Weldability Application
Aluminum
6061-T6
260-310 MPa 240-270 MPa 68 – 74 GPa 8-11 % High Non-magnetic High Automotive industry Marine industry Electrical fittings Couplings & valves Learn More
Aluminum
6063
110-210 MPa 55-130 MPa 68 – 69 GPa 8-18 % High Non-magnetic Good Architectural products Door and windows frames Pipe and tubes for irrigation systems Electrical components Learn More
Aluminum
5052
170-210 MPa 70-120 MPa 68 – 71 GPa 7-20 % Good Non-magnetic High Hydraulic tubes Kitchen appliances Cabinets Small boats Home freezers Aircraft tubes Fencing Learn More
Aluminum
7075-T6
520-560 MPa 460-470 MPa 69 – 76 GPa 6-9 % Moderate Non-magnetic Poor Aircraft and aerospace Marine Transportation Learn More
Aluminum 
2024-T351
395-470 MPa 275-310 MPa 71 – 73.1 GPa 9-15 % Poor Non-magnetic Good Aircraft fuselage Commercial & military aircraft Wing tension members Critical Aircraft structures Learn More
Aluminum
2014
190-245 MPa 100-125 MPa 72 – 73.3 GPa 11 – 16 % Poor Non-magnetic Fair Aerospace & Defense industry Truck frames Learn More
Aluminum
7050
470-530 MPa 390-460 MPa 70 – 80 GPa 5-12 % Poor Non-magnetic Fair Fuselage frames Bulkheads Wing skins Aerospace structures Commercial & military aircraft applications Learn More
 

Aluminum CNC Machining Surface Finishes

Aluminum CNC Machining Gallery

Cost-saving Design Tips

1.Design for manufacturing

The first way to save cost when machining an aluminum alloy part is by following design for manufacturing principles to limit the use of difficult-to-machine features, for example, limit the number of part setups, the number of inspection dimensions or tight tolerances, and deep pockets with small radii. Learn more here.

2.Choose the right alloy

If the part is just a prototype, using the most innovative and pricey alloy might not be needed.

FAQs

Aluminum CNC machining is the process of using computer-controlled machines to shape, cut, and finish aluminum parts with precision.

Aluminum is favored for its lightweight, corrosion resistance, and excellent machinability.

Common alloys include 6061, 7075, 5052, and 6063, each tailored for specific applications.

Yes, CNC machining can produce tight tolerances in aluminum parts for precision applications.

Options include anodizing, powder coating, painting, and more, depending on the desired appearance and function.

Yes, aluminum’s strength-to-weight ratio makes it a common choice in aerospace and automotive applications.

Aluminum machining is cost-effective for high-volume production due to its efficiency and machinability.

Yes, CNC machining allows for the production of intricate and complex aluminum components.

Yes, with appropriate finishes, aluminum parts can endure challenging conditions.

Aluminum is a versatile choice for prototyping due to its ease of machining and availability.

Yes, when medical-grade or food-safe aluminum is used, it’s suitable for these applications.

Designers should consider material selection, tolerances, and the complexity of the part.

Yes, it’s a quick and cost-effective method for producing prototypes.

A CNC billet part is machined from a block of material, such as aluminum. You can also make a part from a billet of steel, copper, stainless steel, or brass. Excess material is removed from the block to form the part. This is in contrast to a “cast” part that is formed by pouring molten material into a mold.

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