CNC machining aluminum
Get competitive price for custom CNC machining aluminum. 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 ）
Mechanical property parameters of common CNC aluminum alloys of different grades.
| Alloy | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Hardness (HB) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6061-T6 | 290–320 | 240–280 | 90–100 | 8–12 | 90–100 | 2.70 |
| 6061-T5 | 240–260 | 145–160 | 80–90 | 8–12 | 80–90 | 2.70 |
| 7075-T6 | 540–572 | 480–510 | 150–160 | 8–11 | 145–155 | 2.81 |
| 6060-T6 | 190–215 | 150–170 | 55–65 | 8–12 | 60–70 | 2.70 |
| 6082-T6 | 300–340 | 250–310 | 90–100 | 8–12 | 90–100 | 2.70 |
| 5083-H116 | 300–350 | 215–260 | 90–110 | 10–16 | 75–85 | 2.66 |
| 6063-T6 | 205–245 | 170–215 | 60–70 | 8–12 | 70–75 | 2.70 |
| 5052-H32 | 210–230 | 130–170 | 80–95 | 10–16 | 60–70 | 2.68 |
| 2024-T3 | 460–485 | 320–345 | 120–140 | 16–20 | 120–130 | 2.78 |
| 7050-T7451 | 510–540 | 430–470 | 150–170 | 8–12 | 140–155 | 2.83 |
| MIC-6 (cast) | 150–180 | 70–110 | — | 1–3 | 60–70 | 2.70 |
| 2017A-T4 | 410–440 | 250–280 | 110–130 | 10–18 | 110–125 | 2.78 |
Application fields of different CNC aluminum alloy materials
| Alloy | Typical Applications |
|---|---|
| 6061 (T6 / T5) | General structural parts, machine parts, mold base plates, automotive parts, bicycle frames, marine fittings |
| 7075-T6 | Aerospace structural parts, high-strength mechanical parts, gears, shafts, high-stress components |
| 6060-T6 | Architectural profiles, decorative parts, light structural components, furniture, electrical enclosures |
| 6082-T6 | Heavy-duty structural parts, bridges, cranes, vehicle frames, construction and machinery structures |
| 5083-H116 | Shipbuilding structures, pressure vessels, cryogenic tanks, marine structures (excellent seawater corrosion resistance) |
| 6063-T6 | Architectural profiles, frames, pipes, decorative and high surface-quality structural parts |
| 5052-H32 | Fuel tanks, marine parts, sheet metal parts, enclosures, lightweight transportation components |
| 2024-T3 | Aircraft structures, fasteners, automotive parts, high-strength fatigue-critical components |
| 7050-T7451 | Aerospace structural parts, high-load components, parts requiring high resistance to stress corrosion cracking |
| MIC-6 (Cast) | Precision tooling plates, jigs, fixtures, CNC base plates (not for high-load structural use) |
| 2017A-T4 | Aircraft and automotive parts, fasteners, rivets, general duralumin structural components |
Multi Surface finishes for cnc machined aluminum part
Over the past 15 years, we have selected and briefly outlined more than 10 surface finished for various turning machined parts.
| Treatment | Key Features | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Anodizing | Improves corrosion resistance and surface hardness; can be dyed in various colors | Appearance parts, general structural components |
| Hard Anodizing | Thick, hard oxide layer; excellent wear resistance | Aerospace parts, military parts, high-wear components |
| Sandblasting / Bead Blasting | Creates uniform matte surface, removes burrs, improves surface texture | Surface preparation, decorative finishing |
| Polishing | Produces smooth, bright, mirror-like surface | Decorative and cosmetic parts |
| Electroplating | Nickel/chrome/gold plating; improves wear and corrosion resistance | Functional and decorative parts |
| Powder Coating | Thick organic coating, good corrosion resistance, wide color options | Outdoor products, consumer products, automotive parts |
| Chemical Conversion Coating (Alodine / Chromate) | Thin protective layer, maintains electrical conductivity | Aerospace parts, electrical components |
| Brushing | Creates uniform linear texture for decorative finish | Electronic housings, decorative surfaces |
Machined finish
The prototype processed by the machine tool retains traces of tool machining.
Anodizing
Anodizing enhances the corrosion and wear resistance of metals and enables coloring and coating, suitable for metals.
Polish
Polishing enhances surface finish and aesthetic appeal, suitable for materials such as metals, ceramics, plastics, and PMMA.
Sand blasting
Sandblasting involves propelling abrasive material at high pressure or mechanically onto a workpiece to achieve a clean, roughened, and matte finish.
Brushed finish
Brushed finish creates a textured pattern on metal surfaces, enhancing aesthetic appeal. Suitable for aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and other materials.
Powder coating
Powder coating is applied to the workpiece surface via electrostatic adhesion, then cured at high temperatures to form a dense coating, enhancing the corrosion resistance of metal and plastic surfaces.
Electroplating finish
Metal plating is deposited onto material surfaces through electrolytic processes to enhance corrosion resistance and wear resistance. This technique is suitable for metals and certain plastics.
Black oxidize
A black oxide coating is formed on metal surfaces through chemical oxidation, offering low cost, a simple process, and reduced light reflection.
Alodine
Forms a protective coating on surfaces through chemical conversion, enhancing corrosion resistance and adhesion. Environmentally friendly with excellent conductivity, suitable for aluminum and magnesium alloys.
Heat treatment
By altering the internal microstructure of metallic materials through heating, enhances hardness, strength, toughness, and wear resistance. suitable for metals such as steel, aluminum alloys, copper alloys, and titanium alloys.
Pro and cons of aluminum cnc machining
Advantages
Disadvantages
FAQ
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.
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.
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.
