Why are CNC machined aluminum parts popular in manufacturing?
Aluminum is a choice of material for many manufacturers across the globe. Because of its excellent machinability and other characteristics, it is the preferred option for different applications. Aluminum also offers interesting mechanical and thermal properties. Besides, Aluminum is relatively easy to shape and can be drilled and milled effortlessly. Aluminum alloy is used more as compared to other low-weight metal materials. Aluminum is also an ideal material for prototypes.
This article will discuss Aluminum, its grades, benefits, applications, and other factors that make it the best choice. So let's dive in without further ado.
Table of Content
■ Benefits for CNC machined aluminum parts.
■ How many customized surface finishing for CNC machined aluminum parts?
■ Benefits for CNC Machined Aluminum Prototypes.
■ Applications for CNC machined aluminum parts
■ How to avoid deformation for CNC machined aluminum parts in CNC manufacturing
Popular Aluminum Grade
Aluminum is a widely CNC machined material. Its applications are all across our daily lives. Aluminum exists in different grades and shapes that are used by many industries. These aluminum grades are converted into other parts and products. Below are some of the grades with their characteristics.
(1)6061-T6
This grade of Aluminum is heat treatable with the ability to keep most of the good qualities of Aluminum. 6061 has many mechanical properties with good corrosion resistance. Along with this, 6061 also has good workability. It can be fabricated and welded using different kinds of techniques and methods. These characteristics make it the best option for the application where aesthetics with good corrosion resistance is needed. .
| Chemical Composition |
|---|
| Cu | Mn | Mg | Zn | Cr | Ti | Si | Fe | Al |
| 0.15~0.4 | 0.15 | 0.8~1.2 | 0.25 | 0.04~0.35 | 0.15 | 0.4~0.8 | 0.7 | Balance |
| Mechanical Properties |
|---|
| Ultimate Tensile Strength | Tensile Yield Strength | Elongation | Modulus Elasticity | Bending Ultimate Strength | Bearing Yield Strength | Poisson's Ratio | Fatigue Strength |
| 124 MPa | 55.2 MPa | 25.00% | 68.9 GPa | 228 MPa | 103MPa | 0.33 | 62.1MPa |
(2)7075-T6
This grade of Aluminum has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. It is used for high-stress applications. It is also the highest strength aluminum grade available. 7075 can be heat treated and formed in the annealed condition. Also, 7075 can be spot and flash welded.
| Chemical Composition |
|---|
| Cu | Mn | Mg | Zn | Cr | Ti | Si | Fe | Al |
| 1.2-2.0 | 0.3 | 2.1-2.9 | 5.1-6.1 | 0.4 | 0.06 | 0.4 | 0.5 | Balance |
| Typical Mechanical |
|---|
| Weld Ability | Machining Ability | Corrosion resistance | Conductivity 20℃(68℉)(%IACS) | density |
| not good | very good | generally | 40-50 | 2.85 |
(3)2024-T3
2024 has an excellent strength to weight ratio. It is because this grade combines high strength and excellent fatigue resistance. This grade of Aluminum is the most commonly used high-strength aluminum alloy. High finishing can be achieved on this grade of Aluminum. 2024 is a relatively low corrosion-resistant grade used in the anodized finish.
| Chemical Composition |
|---|
| Cu | Mn | Mg | Zn | Cr | Ti | Si | Fe | Al |
| 3.8-4.9 | 0.3~1.0 | 1.2~1.8 | ≤0.25 | 0.1 | ≤0.15 | 0.5 | 0 | Balance |
| Mechanical properties |
|---|
| Tensile strength σb (MPa) | Elongation δ10 (% | Yield Strength σ0.2 (MPa) |
| ≥390 | ≥20 | ≥245 |
Benefits for CNC machined aluminum parts
(1)Easy to bend
The main characteristic of Aluminum is that it can easily bend. This particular reason makes Aluminum the best option for CNC machining operations. Unlike steel, it can be turned into many different shapes during the machining process. The thickness of Aluminum makes it the best option for many molding methods. You can achieve a distinct structure by pressing and processing the Aluminum through CNC machining..
(2)Easy to process
Aluminum has many features that make it stand out when it comes to CNC machining materials. Just like its machining capability. Aluminum can be processed through different CNC machining operations such as punching, drilling, folding, etc. The Aluminum can be transferred into different forms and shapes. It takes low energy in machining as compared to the machining of steel.
(3)Low-temperature resistance
Steel parts can be delicate in low-temperature environments and especially in welding. Aluminum materials are resistant to low temperatures. It can be easily machined in low temperatures as compared to steel material.
How many customized surface finishing for CNC machined aluminum parts?
Aluminum CNC machined parts can be customized with several post-finishing processes. It is also used for plating the parts with different colors to suit your applications. Let's look at some common surface finishing options available for aluminum CNC parts.
(1) Anodizing
This process provides additional protection film to machined aluminum parts. It is an electrochemical process. In this process, a durable anodic oxide layer is formed on the surface of aluminum parts. You can anodize different aluminum alloys through this technique.
(2)Sand Blasting
Sandblasting helps increase the adhesion between the aluminum part and coating and prolongs the coating's durability. It also improves the fatigue resistance of aluminum machined parts. The mechanical properties of aluminum parts surface improve after the sandblasting treatment.
(3) Powder Coating
This technique provides a film that meets the extreme performance criteria. It also offers an unlimited choice of colors and is highly durable. Powder coating provides resistance from UV light, extreme weather conditions, moisture, chemicals, and heavy impacts.
Benefits for CNC Machined Aluminum Prototypes.
CNC Machined Aluminum prototypes are the ideal solution for product development. It helps you produce a high-quality prototype or parts in a small volume. This can help you test and check the viability and functionality of the product before sending it into final production. With its extremely impressive characteristics, Aluminum is a good option for prototypes. Many industries nowadays opt for Aluminum as their prototype material because of its incomparable mechanical and chemical properties to test the viability of their parts. The question must arise in your mind: What qualities make Aluminum the best available option for prototypes? Here is the answer.
- it delivers excellent precision.
- Aluminum offers many surface finishing options..
- Aluminum has exceptional machinability and corrosion resistance
- it can be cast easily and has forming abilities
- Aluminum is a non-magnetic alloy
- It has an excellent strength to weight ratio
- Aluminum offers great conductivity and recycling capability.
Applications for CNC machined aluminum parts
Aluminum machined parts are used in many different applications. Some of them are aerospace, automotive, and many other industries across the globe. Due to its many impressive characteristics, its usage is increasing day by day for different applications. From simple to complex shapes structure, any parts can be manufactured through Aluminum. Below are some of the industries that use CNC aluminum machined parts.
Medical: Surgical instruments, medical implants, medical devices cases
Automotive: Cylinders, Fluid system components, Exhaust parts, Oil Pump Housing
Aerospace: Fuselage skins, stringers, bulkheads, plane wing skins, panels, and covers.
Consumer electronics: Smartphone cases, laptop colored cases, EMI housings, front panels, lighting fixtures
How to avoid deformation for CNC machined aluminum parts in CNC manufacturing
Aluminum alloys are used in a range of industries across the globe. It is an essential raw material for many aluminum parts. Yet, if we compare it with other metals, Aluminum has low hardness and high thermal expansion value. These characteristics make aluminum machined parts prone to deformation. There are many reasons for the Aluminum machined parts deformation. These causes can be due to material, part shape, cutting fluid performance, and product conditions..
Different steps can help you avoid deformation while machining the aluminum CNC parts. These steps help to improve the process and reduce the deformation. Let's have a look at some of these steps that can help you get your CNC aluminum machined parts without deformation.
- Reduce internal stress of rough aluminum parts
- Improve the structure of cutting tools
- Improve the clamping method of the workpiece
- Properly arrange the production process.
- Practice symmetrical machining can prevent excessive heat build-up
- Improve the cutting ability to cut tools
- The first drill, then mill.
- Choose the right cutting parameters
- Pay attention to the sequence of cutting tools walking away
Apply these steps to avoid the deformation in CNC aluminum parts. Worthy Hardware always takes proper precautions and preventive steps. We deliver impeccable cnc aluminum machined parts.
Summary
This article was a brief introduction to why Aluminum is a priority option for CNC machined parts. We have discussed the main points to help you better decide about your CNC aluminum machined parts project.
We at Worthy Hardware have an exceptional facility equipped with technological machinery. We are committed to providing you with high-quality aluminum CNC machining services. We have worked with several industries, from medical to marine and electronics to automotive. And we have delivered them application-specific Aluminum machined parts.
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.