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 ≈ 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 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 50+ finishes for various aluminum parts.

Machined finish

The prototype processed by the machine tool retains traces of tool machining.

Anodizing

Improves metal corrosion and wear resistance can be colored and protective coatings.

Polish

Improves surface smoothness and appearance for metals, ceramics, plastics, and PMMA.

Sand blasting

Uses high-pressure abrasives to create a clean, rough, matte surface finish.

Brushed finish

Adds textured patterns to metal surfaces, improving aesthetics.

Powder coating

Uses electrostatic application and heat curing to form a dense layer, improving corrosion resistance on parts.

Electroplating finish

Deposits a metal layer to improve corrosion and wear resistance.

Black oxidize

Forms a low-cost, anti-reflective coating on metal surfaces via simple chemical oxidation.

Heat treatment

Modifies metal microstructure to improve hardness, strength, toughness, and wear resistance.

Alodine

Forms a corrosion-resistant coating via chemical conversion.

Our aluminum manufacturing project

Pro and cons of aluminum material

Advantages

High precision and consistency: CNC machines ensure high precision and consistent results, making them ideal for fast prototype.

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.

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.