Aluminum CNC Machining
Aluminum is the most popular metal during the CNC machining process. It has low density, excellent machinability, and high thermal and electrical conductivity. The most commonly used aluminum alloys include Al6061, 6063, 6082, 5083, 7075, 2024, 5754. They offer a good balance between mechanical requirements and cost.
Looking for precise, fast, and cost-effective aluminum CNC machining services? Multi-Win offers precision aluminum CNC machining with fast lead times, tight tolerances, and excellent surface finishes. We have 250+ state-of-the-art CNC equipments and extensive experience providing custom solutions for prototypes and mass production. If you want high-quality custom CNC aluminum machining parts, contact us now!
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Types of Aluminum for CNC Machining
The following are some of the most widely used aluminum alloys in CNC machining. Choose the most suitable one for your exact application.
Aluminum Materials Comparison:
| Alloy | Common Name | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Hardness (HB) | Typical Applications | Recommended Finishes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6061-T6 | Structural Aluminum | 310 | 276 | 17 | 95 | Aerospace, automotive, structural parts | Anodizing, Sandblasting, Polishing |
| 6063-T5 | Architectural Aluminum | 190 | 160 | 21 | 73 | Extrusions, decorative profiles | Anodizing, Brushed Finish |
| 6082-T6 | High-strength Structural Aluminum | 340 | 280 | 10 | 89 | Heavy-duty frames, bridges | Anodizing, Sandblasting |
| 7075-T6 | Aerospace-Grade Aluminum | 572 | 503 | 11 | 150 | Aircraft parts, high-stress components | Hard Anodizing, Sandblasting |
| 5083-H116 | Marine-Grade Aluminum | 317 | 228 | 12 | 75 | Marine structures, cryogenic tanks | Anodizing, Sandblasting |
| 6060 | Structural Extrusion Grade | 190 | 150 | 20 | 70 | General structures, architectural applications | Anodizing, Sandblasting |
| 5754 | Automotive & Marine Alloy | 290 | 250 | 20 | 80 | Vehicle bodies, shipbuilding | Anodizing, Brushed Finish |
| 5052-H32 | Corrosion-Resistant Aluminum | 193 | 138 | 12 | 60 | Fuel tanks, enclosures, marine parts | Anodizing, Brushed Finish |
| 2024-T3 | Aircraft-Grade Aluminum | 470 | 325 | 20 | 120 | Aerospace, military, structural components | Anodizing, Coating |
| 3003-H14 | Commercial Aluminum | 130 | 115 | 20 | 40 | Cookware, roofing, decorative trim | Anodizing, Coating |
| 1050 | Commercially Pure Aluminum | 110 | 40 | 35 | 34 | Electrical, chemical equipment | Anodizing, Polishing |
| 6262-T9 | High Machinability Aluminum | 290 | 255 | 12 | 95 | Threaded components, precision parts | Anodizing, Sandblasting |
| 6013-T6 | Aerospace Structural Alloy | 380 | 345 | 12 | 100 | Aerospace panels, electronics | Anodizing, Coating |
| 1100 | Industrial Pure Aluminum | 110 | 34 | 35 | 28 | Food processing, chemical vessels | Anodizing, Polishing |
| 3004 | Beverage Can Aluminum | 220 | 185 | 20 | 65 | Packaging, roofing, siding | Anodizing, Coating |
| 5454 | Pressure Vessel Aluminum | 310 | 260 | 20 | 85 | Tanks, transport vehicles | Anodizing, Sandblasting |
| 8011 | Packaging-Grade Aluminum | 150 | 100 | 25 | 45 | Foil, pharmaceutical and food packaging |
Surface Finishing Options for CNC Aluminum Machining Parts
According to different appearance, function, application, choose the most suitable aluminum finishes to machined parts specification.
| Finish Type | Description | Benefits | Ideal Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anodizing | Electrochemical process that forms a protective oxide layer | Corrosion resistance, aesthetic appeal, dyeable | Consumer electronics, housings, structural parts |
| Hard Anodizing | Thicker, harder anodized coating | Enhanced wear resistance | Aerospace parts, sports equipment |
| Sandblasting | Abrasive blasting for uniform matte texture | Improves coating adhesion, removes machining marks | Mechanical parts, decorative items |
| Brushing | Surface finish with directional texture | Stylish matte finish, fingerprint resistance | Appliances, aluminum panels |
| Polishing | Mechanical or electrochemical finishing | High gloss, mirror-like appearance | High-end enclosures, lighting components |
| Powder Coating | Electrostatic paint application, heat-cured | Durable, colorful, and corrosion-resistant | Appliances, industrial housings |
|
Electrophoretic Coating (E-coating) |
Uniform, transparent protective layer | Corrosion resistance, colorable | Construction profiles, automotive components |
| Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) | Forms ceramic-like coatings via plasma | Extreme hardness, wear resistance | Military, aerospace, high-performance parts |
Key Benefits of Aluminum CNC Machining
Choosing aluminum for CNC machining parts brings numerous advantages for many industries. The following are the key benefits:
Excellent Machinability
Aluminum is softer than steel, brass, stainless steel, or other metals. This offers a faster cutting speed, reducing the machining time. After manufacturing, it has a very smooth surface.
Lightweight but Strong
Aluminum has a high strength-to-weight ratio. It is ideal for the aerospace industry, such as aircraft frames. It can also be used in cars, robots, and drones to improve mobility and efficiency.
Good Corrosion Resistance
Aluminum has an oxide layer on the surface, preventing the machined parts from rust. Therefore, some aluminum will be an ideal choice in marine or outdoor used products, such as Al6061, Al5082, etc.
Thermal & Electrical Conductivity
This feature will make the aluminum material suitable for heat sink products, such as electrical enclosures or cooling systems.
Rich Finishes
For current available surface treatments, aluminum alloys are nearly suitable for all. Such as anodizing, sand blasting, etc.
Recyclability & Cost-Effectiveness
100% recyclable without material waste and quality loss. This ensures the maximum utilization to reach perfect cost-saving.
Aluminum CNC Machining VS Other Metals
| Feature | Aluminum | Steel (Mild) | Stainless Steel | Titanium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | ✅Light | ❌Heavy | ❌Heavy | ⚖ Medium |
| Machinability | ✅Best | ⚖ Moderate | ❌Difficult | ❌Hard |
| Corrosion Res. | ✅Good | ❌Poor | ✅Excellent | ✅Best |
| Cost | ✅Low | ✅Low | ❌High | ❌Very High |
When to Choose Aluminum for CNC Machining?
1. Lightweight products, such as aircraft frames, engine parts, chassis, drones
2. High-speed, cost-effective machined parts. Easy machinable and minimal post processing with smooth finish by machining directly.
3. Corrosion resistance, such as housing, fittings, and boat parts.
4. Thermal & electrical conductive products, such as heatsinks for CPU coolers, LED lighting, electrical enclosures & bus bars.
When to Avoid Aluminum for CNC Machining？
1. Extreme high-temperature application: as we all know, aluminum has a melting point of ~660°C (1220°F). When the working condition is over, such as the engine exhaust system, it won’t be suitable again. We can use stainless steel, titanium, or Inconel instead.
2. Ultra-high strength & wear resistance, such as heavy-load bearings and high-stress structural parts. We can use tool steel, stainless steel, or titanium instead.
3. Special applications, such as biocompatible or magnetic. Titanium and steel will be better choices.
Aluminum is the best choice for CNC machining when you need precision machined parts that are lightweight, durable, corrosion-resistant, and cost-effective. Its flexibility makes it suitable for various industries. However, it will be better to use other suitable metals for extreme conditions with high temperature, ultra-high strength, or heavy wear.
Need help to choose the right material for your project? Let’s talk in detail.