Custom Online Aluminum CNC Machining Service

Custom online aluminum CNC machining services offer precise, rapid aluminum parts fabrication using advanced CNC technology. Customers can upload designs, select specifications, and receive high-quality, cost-effective, and fast-turnaround solutions for prototypes and production runs.

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Know About Aluminum CNC Machining

Aluminum CNC machining involves using computer-controlled tools to precisely cut, shape, and finish aluminum parts. Known for its light weight, corrosion resistance, and good machinability, aluminum is ideal for applications in aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing industries, requiring careful control of parameters.

Category	Description
Machining Properties	Aluminum is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and offers excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. It has a relatively low hardness, which makes it easier to machine than many metals. Its machinability is influenced by alloy composition, with some grades offering better chip formation and surface finish than others. Aluminum also has good heat dissipation properties during machining processes.
Machining Parameters	CNC machining aluminum involves selecting optimal cutting speeds, feeds, and tool types to ensure efficient material removal and surface finish. Depending on the alloy, typical cutting speeds range from 200 to 400 SFM. Feeds vary, with roughing operations using higher feed rates and finishing requiring slower rates. Tool selection, including carbide or high-speed steel, is crucial for minimizing tool wear.
Precautions	When machining aluminum, it's crucial to control cutting temperatures to prevent material deformation and tool wear. Use proper lubrication or coolant to minimize heat and chip buildup. Ensure adequate clamping to avoid part movement. Aluminum's soft nature can cause tool adhesion or galling, so regular maintenance and high-quality cutting tools are essential for consistent results.

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Common Aluminum Used In CNC Machining

Common aluminum alloys used in CNC machining include 6061, 7075, 2024, and 5052, offering a range of properties like high strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability. These alloys are used in aerospace, automotive, marine, and structural applications.

Aluminum Alloys	Tensile Strength (MPa)	Yield Strength (MPa)	Fatigue Strength (MPa)	Elongation (%)	Hardness (HRC)	Density (g/cm³)	Applications
Aluminum 6061	240-310	150-275	95-125	10-20	40-45	2.70	Aerospace, automotive, marine, structural components
Aluminum 6063	210-240	140-160	90-110	10-15	40-45	2.70	Architectural, window frames, irrigation tubing, extrusions
Aluminum 7075	500-570	430-510	180-230	7-11	60-65	2.81	Aerospace, military, high-performance applications (aircraft wings, fuselage)
Aluminum 7075-T6	570-640	505-570	230-300	5-8	65-70	2.81	Aerospace, military, aircraft structures, marine
Aluminum 6061-T6	310-350	275-310	120-150	10-15	40-45	2.70	Aerospace, marine, automotive, structural components
Aluminum 2024	470-500	350-420	150-190	3-10	50-55	2.78	Aerospace (aircraft fuselage, wings), military
Aluminum 5052	210-230	193-240	90-110	12-20	40-45	2.68	Marine, fuel tanks, chemical processing, pressure vessels, truck tanks
Aluminum 5083	310-350	220-260	150-180	10-20	50-55	2.66	Marine, shipbuilding, offshore, transportation, oil & gas industries
Aluminum 1100	110-155	45-105	40-70	20-30	30-40	2.70	Decorative, food processing, electrical components, chemical equipment
Aluminum 6082	300-350	240-290	100-150	8-15	45-50	2.77	Structural applications, bridges, cranes, transportation equipment
Aluminum ADC12 (A380)	210-300	160-250	80-120	4-10	45-50	2.70	Automotive die-casting (engine parts, transmission components)
Aluminum 2011	290-310	200-250	80-100	8-12	45-50	2.80	Precision machining, electronics, tight tolerance parts
Aluminum 1050	110-130	30-55	25-40	20-25	25-30	2.70	Electrical conductors, chemical applications, decorative uses
Aluminum 5086	310-380	210-270	120-180	10-15	55-60	2.66	Marine applications, heavy-duty offshore equipment, fuel tanks
Aluminum 3103	160-220	110-150	40-60	15-20	35-40	2.73	Roofing, siding, rain-carrying goods, tanks, HVAC equipment
Aluminum 4045	220-280	150-190	90-120	8-12	40-45	2.70	Heat exchangers, automotive applications, marine components
Aluminum 7050	505-570	430-510	180-230	7-10	65-70	2.81	Aerospace, military, aircraft fuselage, wing structures
Aluminum 5083-H116	310-350	220-260	150-180	10-15	50-55	2.66	Marine structures, shipbuilding, offshore platforms
Aluminum 2014	470-500	350-420	150-190	3-10	50-55	2.78	Aerospace, military (aircraft parts, engine components)
Aluminum 3003	115-145	45-85	20-40	18-25	25-30	2.73	Home appliances, roofing, storage tanks, cooking utensils
Aluminum 6060	190-240	140-180	80-110	10-20	35-40	2.70	Architectural frames, scaffolding, window frames, structural applications
Aluminum 7055	600-660	520-580	230-300	5-8	65-70	2.81	Aerospace, high-performance aircraft, spacecraft components
Aluminum 5083-H321	310-350	220-260	150-180	10-15	50-55	2.66	Marine, shipbuilding, offshore industries
Aluminum 1100-H14	105-135	30-55	25-40	20-25	25-30	2.70	Decorative, signage, food processing, heat exchangers

Surface Treatment For CNC Machined Aluminum Parts

Surface treatment for CNC machined aluminum parts enhances durability, appearance, and corrosion resistance. Common methods include anodizing, powder coating, chromate conversion, electroplating, and polishing. These processes improve wear resistance, adhesion, and aesthetic qualities for aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications.

Typical Aluminum CNC Machining Case Study

A typical aluminum CNC machining case study involves precision fabrication of components like aerospace brackets or automotive parts. It showcases material selection, machining processes like milling or turning, post-processing treatments, and the achievement of tight tolerances, surface finish, and functional performance.

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Parameter for Aluminum Machining

CNC machining parameters for aluminum include spindle power, speed, feed rate, cutting depth, tool path, and coolant type. These affect material removal, surface finish, tool life, and machining efficiency. Proper optimization ensures high precision, quality, and cost-effective production.

Parameters	Recommended Range/Value	Explanation
Spindle Power	1.5 kW to 10 kW	Higher spindle power is required for faster cutting speeds and to handle heavy cutting loads, especially for deep cuts or hard aluminum alloys.
Spindle Speed	2000 RPM to 8000 RPM	Spindle speed influences the cutting efficiency. Higher speeds lead to smoother finishes and faster cutting, while lower speeds improve tool life and precision.
Feed Rate	100 mm/min to 1000 mm/min	Feed rate controls the speed at which the tool moves across the material. A higher feed rate improves productivity, but can reduce precision and tool life if too high.
Step Distance	0.1 mm to 2 mm	The step distance affects surface finish quality and machining time. Smaller step distances improve the surface finish but increase machining time.
Cutting Depth	0.5 mm to 10 mm	Cutting depth determines how much material is removed per pass. Deeper cuts provide higher material removal rates but increase tool wear and heat buildup.
Tool Path	Linear, Circular, Zigzag	The choice of tool path affects machining efficiency and surface quality. Zigzag paths are efficient for roughing, while circular paths improve finish and tool life.
Coolant Type	Water-based, Oil-based, Air Cooling	Coolants prevent overheating and improve tool life. Water-based coolants are commonly used, while oil-based or air cooling is preferred for high-speed or high-precision operations.
Tool Material	Carbide, High-Speed Steel (HSS), Cobalt	Tool material selection depends on the aluminum alloy and cutting conditions. Carbide tools are ideal for high-speed cutting, while HSS tools offer better toughness for tougher alloys.
Chip Removal Rate	5 cm³/min to 150 cm³/min	Higher chip removal rates improve efficiency but require careful monitoring to avoid tool breakage or poor surface finishes.
Cutting Force	10 N to 500 N (depending on tool and material)	Cutting force influences tool wear and energy consumption. It’s important to balance cutting force to maintain tool life and quality while avoiding excessive forces.

Tolerance for Aluminum Machining

Tolerance for aluminum machining refers to the allowable variation in dimensions during production. Common ranges include general tolerances of ±0.1 mm, precision tolerances of ±0.02 mm, and specific parameters like minimum wall thickness, drill size, and part size, affecting quality and cost.

Tolerance Type	Recommended Range/Value	Explanation
General Tolerances	±0.1 mm to ±0.2 mm	Ensures standard CNC machining quality. General tolerances are suitable for most non-critical aluminum parts.
Precision Tolerances	±0.02 mm to ±0.05 mm	Precision tolerances are for high-accuracy applications like aerospace or automotive components, where minimal deviation is acceptable.
Min Wall Thickness	0.5 mm to 1 mm	Thin walls can lead to weak structural integrity or machining challenges like warping. Thicker walls enhance strength and precision in production.
Min Drill Size	0.3 mm to 0.5 mm	Smaller drill sizes may lead to tool wear and breakage. A minimum drill size ensures more effective chip removal and precision.
Maximum Part Size	Up to 1500 mm x 1500 mm (depends on machine capacity)	Larger parts require high-capacity machines, and part size is constrained by the CNC machine's working envelope.
Minimum Part Size	5 mm x 5 mm	Extremely small parts may be difficult to handle and machine accurately. Minimum part size ensures proper clamping and tooling during machining.
Production Volume	Low Volume: 10-1000 parts, High Volume: 1000+ parts	Low volume is suited for prototyping or custom jobs, while high volume benefits from optimized tooling and processes, reducing per-part cost.
Prototyping	1-10 parts (typically)	Prototyping requires quick turnaround and low cost, making it suitable for short runs with less stringent tolerances.
Low Volume	10-500 parts	Low-volume production is typically cost-effective for custom or specialized components with relatively moderate tolerance requirements.
High Volume	500+ parts (depends on complexity)	High-volume production maximizes efficiency with automated processes, reducing per-part cost and lead time while maintaining consistent quality.
Lead Time	Prototyping: 1-2 weeks, Low Volume: 2-4 weeks, High Volume: 4-8 weeks	Lead time varies based on complexity and quantity. Prototyping is faster, while large runs take longer due to tool setup, production, and finishing.
Surface Finish (Ra)	Ra 1.6 µm to Ra 3.2 µm	For functional parts, a rougher finish is acceptable, but high-end applications like aerospace require smoother finishes (Ra 1.6 µm or better).