Aluminum is widely used in manufacturing due to its unique properties, such as being lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and highly malleable. In recent years, CNC machining has become a popular method for manufacturing parts made of aluminum due to its ability to produce complex shapes with high precision and accuracy.

In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of aluminum CNC machining, including its advantages over other manufacturing processes and the different materials used for aluminum machining. We will also explore how aluminum CNC machining can benefit various industries and provide tips for selecting the right CNC machining supplier for your needs.

What is Aluminum Machining?

Aluminum machining is the process of using CNC machines to produce parts made of aluminum. CNC machines are computer-controlled machines that use rotating tools to remove material from a workpiece, following a predetermined path or set of instructions. Aluminum machining can produce parts with high precision and accuracy, making it a preferred option for various industries.

The process of aluminum machining starts with a CAD (computer-aided design) drawing of the part to be produced. The CNC machine then interprets the CAD drawing into a program that it can understand, instructing the machine to cut and shape the aluminum. The CNC machine cuts the aluminum according to the programmed instructions, producing a finished part that meets the required specifications.

Several aluminum machining processes include CNC milling, CNC turning, and CNC drilling. CNC milling involves removing material from the surface of the aluminum using a rotating cutting tool, while CNC turning involves removing material from the center of the aluminum by rotating it against a cutting tool. CNC drilling consists in creating holes in the aluminum using a rotating drill bit.

Materials Used for Aluminum Machining

Aluminum machining can be performed using different types of aluminum alloys. These alloys are designed to have specific properties that make them suitable for different applications. Some of the commonly used aluminum alloys for machining include:

Aluminum 6061

It is one of the most popular used aluminum alloys for machining. It is known for its high strength, weldability, and corrosion resistance. Application:

• Engine blocks
• Boat hulls
• Bicycle frames
• Window frames
• Electrical connectors
• Helicopter rotor skins

Aluminum6063

Aluminum 6063 has a good strength-to-weight ratio, excellent corrosion resistance, and the ability to be easily formed and welded. Application:

• Lighting fixtures
• Bumpers
• Power distribution systems
• Boat frames
• Aircraft

7075 Aluminum

This alloy is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent fatigue resistance. It is commonly used in the aerospace, defense, and transportation industries.

• Fuselage frames
• Military aircraft parts
• Motorcycle frames
• Camera parts
• Surgical instruments
• Boat hulls

Aluminum 2024

Aluminum 2024 is a high-strength aluminum alloy with excellent fatigue resistance and machinability. It is commonly used in the aerospace and defense industries.

• Wing skins
• Armored vehicles
• Wheels
• Electronics casings

Aluminum 5052

Aluminum 5052 is a non-heat-treatable aluminum alloy with good corrosion resistance and formability. Application:

• Fuel tanks
• Decks
• Roofing
• Enclosures
• Kitchenware
• Food and beverage cans
• Sheet metal parts for machinery

Aluminum5083

Aluminum 5083 is a high-strength, non-heat-treatable alloy with excellent corrosion resistance and good weldability. Application:

• Superstructures
• Oil rig components
• Bed liners and chassis
• Aircraft wings and fuselages
• Missile and bomb components

Advantages of Aluminum CNC Machining

Aluminum is one of the most popular used materials for CNC machining projects because of its good physical characteristics. Its oxidized outer layer protects it from corroding from the weather, and its strength makes it perfect for mechanical parts. Aluminum parts are now widely used in all industries because of these advantages, but they are prevalent in the automotive, aerospace, medical, and consumer electronics sectors.

Easily Bendable

One good thing about the use of the CNC machining process to come up with aluminum CNC parts is that they can be bent easily. Unlike steel, aluminum material can be turned with ease during the machining procedure because the thickness of this material can make proper use of the various molding methods. It can be achieved best by pressing and processing to easily attain various shapes of the aluminum CNC parts.

Easy Machining

The other good thing about the aluminum CNC machining process is that materials can easily be manufactured through punching, folding, and drilling. You can use it to form various parts’ shapes as needed. The energy used in the machining of aluminum is much lower compared to that which is used in steel.

Resistant to Low Temperatures

Aluminum materials are resistant to low temperatures. We all know how steel can be delicate, especially in the welding section or an environment with low temperatures. Aluminum materials can be easily machined under low temperatures compared to the steel material.

Custom Finishing

Aluminum can be customized to meet the client’s requirements after finishing. You can do a couple of things to give it the perfect custom look. Aluminum CNC parts can be plated in various colors as per your requirements. Some of the colors you can try out include black, blue, and green.

Machinability

Aluminum is also known for its excellent machinability, which means that it can be easily shaped and formed using a variety of CNC machining processes, such as milling, turning, and drilling. This makes it a popular choice for complex, intricate parts requiring high precision and accuracy.

Cost-Effective

Aluminum is an abundant and affordable material, which makes it a cost-effective choice for many applications. Its low weight also makes transporting and handling easier and more cost-effective, reducing overall manufacturing costs.

Other Manufacturing Processes Together with CNC Machining

In the actual machining process, considering the issues of quantity, technology, and price, in many cases, we will consider using other processes to obtain semi-finished products before considering precision machining with CNC. This can greatly save material costs and reduce costs. The following introduces several commonly used methods to obtain semi-finished products:

Extrusion + CNC machining

Extrusion is a manufacturing process that involves shaping aluminum into a desired cross-sectional profile. Normally aluminum 6061 and aluminum 6063 are the popular materials used for extrusion.

Die-casting + CNC machining

Die-casting is a manufacturing process that involves injecting molten metal into a mold to produce complex shapes with high accuracy and consistency. This method is commonly used to produce high-volume, intricate parts with tight tolerances.

The surface roughness for the die-casting is very rough; then with the help of CNC machining, you could improve the surface roughness.

Sheet metal fabrication + CNC machining

When using sheet metal fabrication, we usually use a CNC bending machine to bend the sheet metal into the desired shape and then use a CNC machine to perform precision machining. CNC machines are commonly used for cutting, drilling, punching, tapping, and contouring sheet metal parts. By combining these processes, we can significantly improve production efficiency and product precision while saving costs and reducing material waste.

Forging + CNC machining

Forging is a manufacturing process in which metal is heated and shaped through compressive forces using a forging press or hammer.

Common forging methods include cold forging, hot forging, and warm forging. After forging, precision machining is usually performed using a CNC machine. Common CNC machining operations include milling, turning, drilling, and tapping.

Industries That Benefit from Aluminum CNC Machining

Aerospace

Because aluminum is lightweight and strong, they are trendy in aerospace. Precision machining of aluminum components is necessary for the production of aircraft parts such as landing gear, engine components, and interior structures

Automotive

Aluminum CNC machining has numerous applications in the automotive industry. One of the most significant applications is in the production of engine components such as cylinder heads, blocks, and pistons.

Electronics

Aluminum’s corrosion resistance and ability to be anodized make it a popular choice for electronic components, such as heat sinks, housing components, brackets, and enclosures.

Medical

CNC machining allows for the production of exact and complex medical parts with tight tolerances, essential for ensuring medical devices’ safety and effectiveness.

Agriculture

Aluminum parts are often used in agricultural machinery, such as tractors, cultivators, and harvesters.

Lighting

Aluminum CNC machining is commonly used for manufacturing parts for LED lights, light bulbs, lamps, and other lighting products.

Worthy Hardware’s Capabilities in Aluminum CNC Machining

Worthy Hardware is a professional CNC machining service provider with 25+ years of experience in aluminum CNC machining. With the help of advanced CNC machines and experienced operators, we can produce highly accurate and precise aluminum parts that meet clients’ requirements.

No matter whether you order the prototypes, small batch, and mass production of aluminum CNC machined parts. We have a flexible production system that can adapt to different production requirements.

Conclusion

CNC machining has revolutionized the manufacturing industry by providing high precision and efficiency in producing complex parts. The benefits of CNC machining include increased productivity, improved accuracy, and the ability to work with a wide range of materials. However, choosing the right CNC machine shop is crucial to ensure quality work and timely delivery. By considering factors such as experience, capabilities, certifications, and customer service, you can make an informed decision and have a successful CNC machining experience.

If you are going to make a CNC machining project that requires high-quality, reliable, and efficient services, consider contacting Worthy Hardware. With our state-of-the-art equipment, experienced technicians, and commitment to quality control, we can deliver the results you need for your project. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your goals.

Worthy Hardware is a CNC manufacturing and sheet metal fabrication company,including CNC machining services,CNC milling services, CNC turning services, laser cutting services and stamping services.Call us +86-76989919645 or email us [email protected] for more discounts for your projects.