Everything You Need to Know about CNC Machining of Aluminum
One of the materials that are now most often machined is aluminum. Few materials can equal aluminum's remarkable adaptability. Aluminum is ideal for CNC machining since it is highly machinable and costeffective. Compared to other commonly used machining materials like steel and titanium, manufacturers could process it three or even four times quicker.
CNC Aluminum Prototype
The most widely used metal in the world is aluminum, a soft, silvery-white metal. It naturally produces a thin protective oxide covering that shields against corrosion and deterioration. Environmentally friendly, this material also has a long lifespan and is fully recyclable.
Other additives, including iron, magnesium, copper, zinc and silicon, may readily bond with it. Because of this, alloyed aluminum can be created with various properties.
- Corrosion-resistant
- Lightweight
- Thermal & electrical conductivity
- Anti-corrosion
- Non-magnetic
- Low density
- High strength-to-weight ratio
- Sound absorption
- Nontoxic
- Non-sparking
Advantages of aluminum machined parts
Machinability
Aluminum is relatively simple to cut, and since it is simple to form, CNC machine tools can swiftly and precisely cut aluminum. This has some significant ramifications: first, the short machining job duration reduces the cost of the process (because the machinist needs to work less and the machine needs to run less); second, good machinability results in less deformation of the part as the cutting tool passes through the workpiece. This results in improved precision, repeatability, and the potential for the machine to satisfy tighter tolerances (as low as 0.025 mm).
Strength-to-weight ratio
Aluminum is the perfect material for mechanical and structural components due to its advantageous physical characteristics. The metal's great strength and low weight are two of its most significant advantages, making it suitable for crucial elements in the aerospace and automotive sectors. Examples of things that may be effectively machined from aluminum are aircraft fittings and automotive shafts.
Electrical conductivity
The electrical conductivity of CNC machined aluminum parts makes them suitable for use in electrical components. Pure aluminum has an electrical conductivity of roughly 37.7 million siemens per meter at ambient temperature, which is still less than copper. Although alloys may have lower conductivities than aluminum, it is substantially more conductive than stainless steel.
Corrosion resistance
The degree to which different aluminum grades can tolerate oxidation and chemical degradation is reflected in their resistance to corrosion. Fortunately, some of the most well-liked CNC machining grades are also some of the most resilient. For instance, alloys on the lower end of the strength range, like 6061, have excellent corrosion resistance. (The addition of alloyed copper may make strong aluminum alloys less corrosion-resistant.
5-axis CNC Milling Aluminum
We provide cutting-edge 5-axis CNC aluminum milling, vastly expanding the variety of options for machining different aluminum components. No matter how many components make up your assembly, we can handle any aluminum milling project that calls for intricately shaped machined parts and high accuracy. We can also satisfy your most challenging production needs by offering tight tolerances and superb surface quality.
Benifits of 5-axis Milling Aluminum
The effectiveness of 5-axis machining in increasing machining efficiency is mainly shown in:
- Increased precision and excellent surface polish enhance component quality overall.
- Less time is spent manually benching in a CNC router since workpieces are not transported between many workstations, which lowers fixturing and mistake costs.
- Tools that are shorter and stiffer may be used. The CNC router can operate at higher spindle speeds and feed rates while putting less strain on the cutting tool.
- They use compound angles while milling and drilling, and tool life and cycle time are improved by tilting the tool and table to keep the cutting position optimal and the chip load consistent.
Different Aluminum Grade
Many characteristics exist in aluminum alloys, including flexibility, weldability, high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, lightweight, electrical conductivity, and good anodizing surface finishing. Aluminum is commonly employed in industrial settings because of its affordability and formability. You will determine the aluminum grade you want to utilize depending on how your aluminum components will be used in the manufacturing process.
Alloy 7075: One of the strongest aluminum alloys on the market is alloy 7075. It is best suited for severely stressed components because of its excellent strength-to-weight ratio. This grade can be manufactured in the annealed state and heat-treated if necessary. Also possible are spot and flash welding (arc and gas not recommended).
Alloy 6061: Alloy 6061 is a precipitation-hardened aluminum alloy with significant amounts of silicon and magnesium. It is weldable, corrosion-resistant, and has outstanding mechanical qualities. It is typical in industrial and general-purpose applications, such as marine frames, welded assemblies, fasteners, aviation parts, electronic components, furniture, heat exchangers, automobile trim and parts, and chemical equipment aluminum alloy choice.
Alloy 6063: The alloy 6063 is often referred to as a structural alloy. It offers corrosion resistance, excellent finishing qualities, and a somewhat high tensile strength. Most often used in various architectural trim and applications on the inside and outside. It is ideal for applications involving anodizing. In this grade, the Tube and Angle forms often have square corners.
Alloy 2024: This alloy has strong fatigue resistance, high strength, and thermal shock susceptibility, making it a popular choice for aerospace and military applications. Both welding and corrosion resistance is weak for aluminum 2024.
Aluminum machining by Exzellenc
Whether you are looking for low vulome prototy manufacturing or serie production for cnc aluminium material, you will find Exzellenc is the right service. We provides multi-axis milling,turining cnc and 5-axis machines to make alu parts in high level quality.
