What’s CNC Precision Machining? A Technical Explanation
Automotive components, medical implants, defense equipment parts, and many other applications require tight tolerances for their functionality, often as low...
Aluminum
CNC Machining Service
Get custom aluminum CNC machined parts with fast turnaround times and competitive pricing. Gain access to several types of aluminum materials and surface finishes for high-quality prototypes and production parts.
Aluminum in CNC Machining
In CNC machining, raw aluminum is gradually cut down to form the desired shape, a process controlled with precision by a CNC machine to produce almost any three-dimensional object. Aluminum alloys offer high machinability, ductility, and an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. They also possess high thermal and electrical conductivity, low density, and natural corrosion resistance, and they can be anodized for added protection. The strength-to-weight ratio of aluminum makes it perfect for applications requiring metallic strength without excessive mass. Custom aluminum machining is an excellent choice for precise and versatile machining needs.
| Available Aluminum at RapidDirect: | Aluminum 6061, 2024, 5052, 5083, 6061-T6, 6063, 6082, 7075, 7075-T6, ADC12 (A380) |
| Price: | $ |
| Lead Time: | < 10 days |
| Wall Thickness: | 0.75 mm |
| Tolerances: | ±0.125mm (±0.005″) |
| Max Part Size: | 200 x 80 x 100 cm |
Aluminum
6061
A versatile and widely used alloy known for its excellent machinability, weldability, and corrosion resistance. It is ideal for structural applications, bike frames, aerospace components, and automotive parts.
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 276 | 96 | 17 | 95 | 2.70 |
Aluminum
2024
This high-strength alloy is often used in aerospace applications due to its excellent fatigue resistance and high strength-to-weight ratio. It’s suitable for aircraft structures, truck wheels, and automotive parts.
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 325 | 140 | 20 | 120 | 2.78 |
Aluminum
5052
Known for its superior corrosion resistance, this alloy is commonly used in marine environments, chemical tanks, and architectural structures. Its excellent formability makes it ideal for CNC machining projects.
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 193 | 115 | 12 | 60 | 2.68 |
Aluminum
5083
This aluminum alloy offers exceptional strength and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for marine environments, pressure vessels, and cryogenic applications. It performs well in extreme environments due to its high fatigue strength.
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 275 | 125 | 12 | 75 | 2.66 |
Aluminum
6061-T6
A heat-treated version of 6061, offering enhanced strength while maintaining good machinability and weldability. It is a great option for high-stress applications, such as aircraft parts, automotive components, and structural elements.
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 276 | 96 | 10 - 12 | 95 | 2.70 |
Aluminum
6063
Often used in architectural applications, this alloy is known for its excellent finish, good corrosion resistance, and ease of extrusion. It’s commonly used for window frames, irrigation tubing, and decorative trim.
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 214 | 65 | 12 | 73 | 2.70 |
Aluminum
6082
6082 is a strong alloy used in highly stressed applications, such as bridges, cranes, and trusses, due to its excellent mechanical properties and good corrosion resistance. It is also used in marine environments and construction.
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 260 | 97 | 10 - 12 | 95 | 2.70 |
Aluminum
7075
This high-strength alloy, with excellent fatigue resistance, is widely used in aerospace and military applications. It’s suitable for aircraft fittings, gears, and high-stress structural parts.
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 503 | 160 | 11 | 150 | 2.81 |
Aluminum
7075-T6
This is the heat-treated version of 7075 that provides even higher strength and toughness for demanding applications. It is a valuable option in aircraft structures, rock climbing equipment, high-performance automotive parts, and more.
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 503 | 159 | 11 | 150 | 2.81 |
Aluminum
ADC12 (A380)
This alloy is popularly used to create die casting components. It is known for its excellent casting properties, good balance of strength, and corrosion resistance. Machinists commonly use it in automotive parts, electronic housings, and industrial machinery components due to its durability and precision casting capabilities.
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 160 | 130 | 3.5 | 80 | 2.74 |
Surface Finishing Options for Aluminum
RapidDirect offers a long list of surface finishes as part of its aluminum CNC machining service to improve the quality of every machined product. Each surface finish is tailored to enhance the mechanical properties and appearance of aluminum machined parts.
As machined
As-machined aluminum parts come directly from the mill with visible tool marks. This finish is cost-effective, maintains tight tolerances, and has a surface roughness ranging from Ra 0.2 to 3.2 µm.
Anodizing
Anodizing enhances aluminum's corrosion and wear resistance by thickening its oxide layer. It can be dyed in various colors, improving heat dissipation and offering aesthetic and functional benefits.
Powder Coating
Powder coating provides bright, durable, UV-resistant colors. It involves spraying dry paint on prepped aluminum, then baking for a smooth, corrosion-resistant finish. Environmentally friendly, it avoids solvents and VOCs used in traditional liquid painting.
Electroplating
This process uses electrolysis to deposit a thin metal layer on aluminum, enhancing its conductivity, strength, and resistance to UV light, abrasion, and corrosion. Common deposition metals include copper, nickel, gold, titanium, silver, zinc, and chromium.
Painting
Painting applies a spray layer to enhance a part's appearance and protect against corrosion and wear. It offers customizable colors, including Pantone matches, with finishes ranging from matte to gloss to metallic.
Sand Blasting
Sandblasting uses pressurized fluid and sand to clean aluminum surfaces and create various textures. It removes debris, shapes the surface precisely, and achieves detailed profiles, enhancing both appearance and functionality.
Polishing
Polishing aluminum creates a reflective, durable surface that resists contamination and oxidation. It's ideal for custom parts in medical equipment, automotive, retail, and interior design, offering both functionality and an attractive finish.
Polishing
Pros and Cons of
Aluminum CNC Machining
Aluminum offers many benefits that make it suitable for CNC machining processes. However, there are some downsides of aluminum parts machining to consider before choosing it for any project.
Pros
- Lightweight: Aluminum is among the lightest metals, with just over 2.7 g/cm³ density. This makes it ideal for applications in transportation and other industries where weight is a vital factor.
- Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum naturally resists corrosion, which helps prevent oxidation. Combined with various coatings and finishes, this property ensures that aluminum CNC parts are durable and long-lasting.
- Conductivity: Aluminum is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity. This makes it ideal for many applications, similar to copper and other similar conductive materials.
- High Machinability: Aluminum is popular because it is easy to machine. It can be easily shaped, drilled, and folded, allowing for the creation of complex shapes.
- High-Temperature Resistance: Unlike some materials, aluminum maintains its properties at low temperatures, offering more flexibility in the machining process.
Cons
- Lower Hardness: Pure aluminum is quite soft. This softness can cause problems in CNC machining parts. That’s why manufacturers often use aluminum alloys instead.
- Relatively Higher Cost: Although aluminum is abundant, it is more expensive than other industrial materials because it is not found in its pure form; it must be extracted from bauxite ore and processed, which is costly.
- Susceptibility to Scratches and Dings: Aluminum’s soft texture makes it scratch more easily than many other durable materials. Its glossy finish makes these imperfections more noticeable.
Applications of
CNC Machined Aluminum Parts
Aluminum parts are widely used across various industries, including:
- Automotive: Aluminum parts are valued in the automotive industry for their high strength-to-weight ratio, which aids in lightweight vehicles.
- Aerospace: The aerospace sector uses aluminum for many aircraft fittings, brackets, housings, and components that require both strength and lightweight to support heavy loads.
- Industrial Equipment: Aluminum is used in calipers, fixtures, and numerous other industrial equipment parts due to its durability and performance.
- Electrical and Electronics: It is used for enclosures, consoles, panels, housings, and knobs because of its reliability and efficiency.
- Food and Pharmaceutical: Aluminum doesn’t react with most organic substances, ensuring safety and stability.
- Cryogenics: Aluminum retains its mechanical properties at sub-zero temperatures, making it ideal for cryogenic applications.
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FAQs
Aluminum 6061 is the most widely used aluminum alloy for machining due to its excellent physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. It is lightweight, offers exceptional workability, and is highly corrosion-resistant. Additionally, it is easy to weld and machine, making it ideal for various manufacturing processes.
Aluminum, being machinable and relatively soft, facilitates easy cutting, shaping, and drilling, making it ideal for machining various parts. It is an affordable metal and can achieve precision and tolerances. This further enhances its suitability for aluminum machining services.
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