Aluminum

Get competitive price for custom 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.

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Key Characteristics of Aluminum

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

Common Aluminum Alloy Grades

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

Mechanical property parameters of different grade aluminum alloy.

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 aluminum part

Over the past 15 years, we have selected and briefly outlined more than 10 surface finished for various aluminum 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

Pro and cons of aluminum material

Advantages

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.

Disadvantages

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.

FAQ of aluminum material

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.