Aluminum CNC Machining: The More You Know

If there is a metal that wins at versatility then it’s got to be Aluminum. In fact, for those who are into CNC machining, Aluminum is a widely preferred choice for it possesses a great deal of physical properties that other metals fail to exhibit. Aluminum exhibits immense strength. The oxidized outer layer of the metal demonstrates resistance again corrosion. This is the reason, why Aluminum has always been a common choice for numerous industries namely automotive, healthcare, aerospace, consumer electronics and more.

Pivoting back to Aluminum’s preference in the CNC industry – it simplifies the entire process entailing CNC machining. Aluminum exhibits machinability. Heavy machinery can easily cut this metal. Relative to iron and steel, Aluminum does not require extra strength so it can mold into different shape. In fact, you’d be fascinated to know that Aluminum can refine with three times lesser strength than what usual metals often require.

Aluminum – A Metal Meant for CNC Machining

Aluminum possesses a great deal of mechanical and thermal properties. It’s easy to penetrate with heavy machinery. It’s pliable. Plus, it’s immensely regarded by machining experts for its light weight. It’s honestly quite baffling to the mind to see how durable Aluminum is, even after being lightweight and malleable.

Appearance-wise, Aluminum looks like any other metal. It’s dull grey, non-magnetic and non-flammable. It melts at 640+ degrees. Since it’s a metal, Aluminum lets electricity pass through it, making it a great conductor. However, due to some properties, Aluminum’s electricity conduction is not as good as copper. This could be the reason, why it is widely used in Aerospace, healthy and ATV industries.

For CNC machining, it’s important to understand one thing: Aluminum grade. The type of Aluminum grade is the main thing to understand before you get on with Aluminum CNC machining . Each grade type possesses different characteristics. If you’re about to start off with CNC machining, then here is information about Aluminum grade that you must equip yourself with.

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Types of Aluminum Grade

The following are some common types of Aluminum grades that you’re likely to come a across:

1. Aluminum 6061
2. Aluminum 7075
3. Aluminum 2024

Now, let’s get a better look at each type. Starting with Aluminum 6061, this grade of Aluminum exhibits immaculate mechanical properties. This type of Aluminum is extremely easy to weld. Plus, it possesses a great strength, corrosion resistance, anodization, and most importantly, bending workability. This grade of Aluminum is a common choice for 5-axis CNC machining.

Pivoting towards another type, Aluminum 7075 possesses some qualities of 6061, but, it lacks on a lot of places. This grade of Aluminum may be popular for its impeccable strength, but it’s costlier than the previously mentioned grade. That’s why Aluminum 7075 is not used in welding. Rather it’s used in bicycles, hiking kits and airplane wings. 

Then, finally, we have Aluminum 2024. This type of Aluminum grade is used to create military-graded equipment. It demonstrates impeccable withstanding ability. However, when it comes to welding, this particular type fails to match the 6061 grade.

What Makes Aluminum CNC Machining Worthwhile?

• Anodization
• Corrosion resistance
• Strength/Weight Ratio
• Electrical Conduction
• Machinability
• Recyclability

Anodization

Machined Aluminum has been a favorite choice for consumer electronics for the strength it demonstrates, all the while being extremely light-weight and aesthetically pleasing. Products made with machined aluminum go through a special process of Anodization. This enables aluminum-based products to have a protective and oxidized surface, so the paint can stick to it without reacting with the moisture and losing its strength.

Corrosion Resistance

Different types of Aluminum grade demonstrate different kinds of corrosion resistance. In case you’re unfamiliar, corrosion in a metal occurs due to periodic oxidization. If you can just scroll back, you’d see that the 6061 grade Aluminum provides excellent corrosion resistance, as compared to its other counterparts. Thus, if you’re looking for a product that withstands corrosion, then make sure to opt for aluminum alloys on the lower-end of the range.

Strength/Weight Ratio

Aluminum demonstrates excellent strength to weight ratio. It’s quite brilliant how this metal can demonstrate impeccable levels of robustness, all the while being super lightweight. This brilliant strength/weight ratio allows machined aluminum to find great opportunities in automotive, aerospace and electronics.

Once again – not all grades of aluminum are ideal for the aforementioned industries. The 6061 grade Aluminum usually becomes an ideal choice for electronics, while the 7075 grade Aluminum ends up in making aerospace and automotive parts.

Electrical Conduction

The reason why machined Aluminum is an ideal choice for electrical products is its reliable electrical conductivity. Though it lacks better levels of conductivity as possessed by copper, but still, it’s better than most metals such as iron, zinc, carbon, steel and titanium.

Machinability

For various industries, the reason why aluminum is so widely opted is because its incredibly and effortlessly pliable. It requires almost no intense labor to be cut and formed into various products.

Recyclability

And lastly, machined aluminum demonstrates an incredibly high recyclability. If you run a venture that seeks to minimize metal wastage for the betterment of environment, then aluminum can be a best place to start. Not only is there relatively lesser wastage, but as a business, you would be able to recuperate your expenditures as well.

Other Alternatives to Aluminum CNC Machining

There may be several reasons why you can’t opt for aluminum to meet with your CNC machining needs. In such a situation, you can go for several other metals that can be a great alternative to aluminum. For instance:

Steel

You can opt for steel and stainless steel for the better strength and temperature resistance that it demonstrates. However, steel may lack weightlessness and machinability as compared to aluminum, so be mindful of this factor.

Titanium

This metal is slightly on the expensive side. Like aluminum, Titanium also demonstrates an incredible strength-to-weight ratio, and it’s almost double in strength. Plus, titanium demonstrates resistance in corrosion, that’s why it’s an ideal choice for aerospace industries.

Copper

Copper and aluminum demonstrate a great number of similarities. However, copper is far more conductive than aluminum. Thus, it makes a great choice for electrical appliances.

Magnesium

This metal is also similar in terms of weight as compared to aluminum alloys. Magnesium is greatly machinable. In fact, it makes the whole machining process relatively quicker. There’s one downside though. Shaved-off magnesium is flammable. Upon contact with moisture – such as water – magnesium can emit aggravated flames.

Brass

This type of metal is also on the expensive side. Thus, you would see brass incorporated in the creation of smaller objects such as nozzles, and valves.

All Things Concluded

CNC machined aluminum is an arduous process. There’s a lot of accuracy, efficiency and of course, experience required to reach the end-product. Aluminum alloy packs numerous benefits. They are incredibly easy to be penetrated with a machine, plus, the end product looks aesthetically great as well. This is the reason why the demand for aluminum will always be on the rise.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it difficult to machine aluminum?

When it comes to machining, Aluminum truly sets itself as the winner. It’s easy to machine. Plus, if you fully equip yourself with the other factors of aluminum’s machinability, your job would become relatively easier.

How robust is CNC Aluminum?

Aluminum has an incredible strength/weight ratio. It’s strong and resistant to periodic corrosion, that’s why it contributes greatly for aerospace products.

What is the cutting speed of Aluminum?

To cut Aluminum, a speed up to 305 meters per minute proves ideal.

What is the key difference between 6061 and 7075 Aluminum?

The key difference between 6061 and 7075 Aluminum are these. 7075 is more robust than 6061 Aluminum. It requires relatively lower temperature to melt. Plus, 6061 has a greater thermal conductivity than 7075.