CNC machining aluminum

Get competitive price for custom CNC machining (manufactured) aluminum parts. Receive comprehensive quotes for other type of aluminum materials and additional surface finishing processes for high-standard prototypes and standard production-run parts.

Price : 10-50 usd /pcs

Lead time : 1-5 days

Wall thickness : 0.5-1 mm

Tolerance : 0.01 mm

Max size part ：1000 mm* 1000 mm* 500 mm

Key Characteristics of Aluminum in CNC Machining

Lightweight: Density approximately 2.7 g/cm³，Good strength，Easy machinability，Excellent thermal conductivity and heat dissipation，High corrosion resistance，Suitable for surface treatments

Applications of CNC Aluminum

Aerospace: Structural components, brackets, airframe parts.

Automotive Industry: Engine components, wheel hubs, structural parts, lightweight components.

Electronics: Mobile phone casings, laptop enclosures, heat sinks, electronic component brackets.

Medical Devices: Enclosures, surgical instruments, rehabilitation equipment parts.

Machinery Components: Fixtures, housings, support structures, gears, connectors.

Consumer Goods: Sports equipment, bicycle parts, home appliance components.

Common CNC Aluminum Alloy Materials

6061 Aluminum Alloy（7075，6060 ，6082 ，5083，6063 ，5052 ，2024，7050 ，MIC6，2017A ）

Alloy	Tensile Strength (MPa)	Yield Strength (MPa)	Fatigue Strength (MPa)	Elongation (%)	Hardness (HB)	Density (g/cm³)
6061-T6	290–320	270–280	90–100	12–17	95–100	2.70
6061-T5	240–260	215–240	85–95	10–16	85–95	2.70
7075-T6	540–572	480–510	150–160	10–12	150–160	2.81
6060-T6	180–200	140–160	50–60	8–12	70–80	2.70
6082-T6	310–340	270–310	85–95	8–12	90–100	2.70
5083-H116	275–317	125–228	80–95	10–17	70–80	2.66
6063-T6	220–240	200–215	60–70	8–12	70–75	2.70
5052-H32	210–230	150–193	90–100	12–18	60–70	2.68
2024-T3	455–470	310–325	120–138	18–20	120–130	2.78
7050-T7451	510–524	430–455	150–160	9–12	145–155	2.83
MIC-6 (cast)	150–170	100–130	—	3–4	60–70	2.70
2017A-T4	410–430	260–275	110–120	10–18	115–125	2.78

Application fields of different CNC aluminum alloy materials

Alloy	Applications
6061 (T6/T5)	Aircraft parts, automotive components, bicycle frames, marine fittings Mechanical structures, mold base plates A widely used "universal alloy" with medium strength and good corrosion resistance
7075 (T6)	Aerospace structures (wings, fuselage frames) Military equipment, high-stress parts (gears, connecting rods, shafts) High-strength sports equipment (carabiners, bicycle components)
6060 (T6)	Architectural profiles (window frames, curtain walls, pipes) Furniture and decorative parts Electrical and light-duty structural components
6082 (T6)	Bridges, cranes, marine engineering structures High-strength structural parts, vehicle frames Commonly used high-strength alloy in construction and machinery
5083 (H116)	Shipbuilding (hulls, decks, offshore platforms) Pressure vessels, cryogenic containers (LNG tanks, liquid nitrogen vessels) Structural parts in marine environments (excellent seawater corrosion resistance)
6063 (T6)	Architectural profiles (doors, windows, curtain walls, railings) Decorative trims, pipes, furniture frames Structural components with high surface quality and corrosion resistance
5052 (H32)	Fuel tanks, fuel pipes, marine components Cookware, appliance housings, signage Automotive and lightweight transportation parts
2024 (T3)	Aircraft structures, fasteners (screws, bolts) Automotive parts (connecting rods, wheels) Military equipment (preferred in aerospace)
7050 (T7451)	Aircraft structures (wing spars, fuselage frames, landing gear parts) High-strength load-bearing components with excellent resistance to exfoliation and stress corrosion cracking Aerospace and military applications
MIC-6 (Cast)	Precision fixtures, jigs, base plates CNC machining tooling, mold plates Parts requiring dimensional stability (not suitable for high-load applications)
2017A (T4)	Aircraft structures, propeller components Automotive and military parts Rivets, fasteners (a typical duralumin alloy)

5 axis cnc machining center with HAAS and Hurco machine

Multi Surface finishes for cnc machined aluminum part

Treatment	Features	Applications
Anodizing	Improves corrosion resistance, hardness, can be colored (black, silver, red, etc.)	Common for appearance parts and structural components
Hard Anodizing	Thicker and harder oxide layer, excellent wear resistance	Aerospace, military, and high-durability parts
Sandblasting / Bead Blasting	Creates a uniform matte finish, removes burrs, enhances texture	Surface preparation and decorative finishing
Polishing	Increases brightness, mirror-like surface	Decorative and aesthetic parts
Electroplating	Nickel, chrome, or gold plating; enhances wear resistance and appearance	Functional and decorative applications
Powder Coating	Organic powder coating, rich colors, excellent corrosion resistance	Outdoor equipment, consumer products, automotive
Chemical Conversion Coating (e.g., Alodine)	Thin protective layer, maintains electrical conductivity	Electrical and aerospace components
Brushing	Creates regular linear texture, improves aesthetics	Electronic housings, decorative surfaces

Pro and cons of aluminum cnc machining

CNC Aluminum Processing

Advantages of CNC Aluminum Processing

High precision and consistency: CNC machines ensure high precision and consistent results, making them ideal for precision manufacturing of parts.

High efficiency: Quick processing speeds make it suitable for mass production or complex parts.

Strong adaptability: Capable of handling intricate shapes, curves, and holes with ease.

High automation: Automated processes reduce labor costs and human error, increasing production reliability.

High material utilization: Precise cutting reduces material waste, saving on raw material costs.

Flexibility: Changing production runs is easy by simply altering the CNC program, reducing downtime.

Suitable for small-batch production: CNC is efficient and cost-effective even for low-volume or custom part production.

Disadvantages of CNC Aluminum Processing

High cost: The initial investment in CNC machines can be expensive, especially for high-precision models.

High technical requirements: Operators need high technical skill for programming, tool selection, and machine setup.

Thickness limitations: For thicker or more demanding parts, additional equipment or processing methods may be needed.

Cutting heat issues: Excessive heat generation during processing can affect material properties and surface quality.

Maintenance requirements: Regular maintenance and calibration are required to maintain machine performance and accuracy.

Aluminum cnc machining FAQ

1. What are the advantages of CNC machining aluminum ？

Aluminum offers excellent machinability, and CNC machining allows for precise, complex shapes to be produced. Its lightweight, high strength, and corrosion resistance make it widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics.

2.What is the typical lead time for CNC machining aluminum parts ?

Lead time for CNC machining aluminum parts typically ranges from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the complexity of the part, material availability, and production schedule. Rush orders may be possible with additional costs for expedited processing.

3.How can aluminum machining distortion be minimized ?

To minimize distortion in aluminum during CNC machining, it is crucial to use appropriate cutting parameters, select the right tooling, and follow an optimal machining sequence. Additionally, controlling machining temperature and ensuring proper fixture setup helps reduce the risk of warping or distortion.