Metal CNC Machining Material
Aluminium is a light, non-ferrous metal. CNC machining cuts it into precise parts. We machine aluminium for prototypes and production runs every day.
Alloy Guide
Pure aluminium is soft, so it is mixed with small amounts of copper, magnesium, silicon, or zinc. Each mix (or "alloy") changes the strength, weight, and corrosion resistance. These are the grades we machine most.
The all-rounder. Good strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and the best finish after anodizing. Great for frames, enclosures, and brackets.
The strongest common grade. High strength-to-weight, used in aerospace and sporting goods. Less corrosion resistant and hard to weld.
High strength and fatigue resistance. A classic aircraft alloy. Poor corrosion resistance, so it needs a coating.
Marine grade. Exceptional resistance to seawater and chemicals. Strong and easy to weld.
Structural grade. Good strength, machinability, and weldability. Responds well to anodizing.
Excellent corrosion resistance and formability. Common in marine and sheet-metal parts.
Weldable and corrosion resistant. Used in automotive panels and structural parts.
Architectural grade. Smooth surface, easy to anodize. Used for extrusions and trim.
Not sure which grade to pick? Send us your drawing. Our engineers will suggest the best alloy for strength, cost, and finish.
Specifications
Typical values for 6061-T6, the most common CNC grade. Exact numbers change with the alloy and temper. We confirm the right grade during your DFM review.
| Property | Typical Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Material family | Non-ferrous aluminium alloy | Light and corrosion resistant |
| Density | 2.7 g/cm³ | About one-third of steel |
| Tensile strength (6061-T6) | ~310 MPa | Varies by alloy and temper |
| Yield strength (6061-T6) | ~276 MPa | Good load support |
| Hardness (6061-T6) | ~95 HRB | Softer than steel |
| Melting point | ~660 °C | Pure aluminium |
| Thermal conductivity | Excellent | Great for heat sinks |
| Electrical conductivity | ~60% IACS | Good conductor |
| Corrosion resistance | High | Protective oxide layer |
| Machinability | Excellent | Fast and low cost |
Stronger grades like 7075-T6 reach about 500 MPa tensile. Tell us if your part needs extra strength.
The Process
CNC machining is a subtractive process. A computer-guided machine cuts away metal to shape your part. Here are the main steps.
Upload STEP, IGES, or STL files. We review them for free and flag any issues early.
We use CAM software to plan toolpaths. Sharp carbide tools and the right speeds cut fast and stay accurate.
CNC mills or turns the aluminium. We always use coolant — never dry-cut — to control heat and chips.
We remove burrs and apply anodizing, coating, or blasting as your part needs.
We check dimensions against your drawing and ship your parts worldwide.
Why Choose Aluminium
About one-third the weight of steel. Cuts mass in vehicles, drones, and devices.
A thin oxide layer protects it. Great for indoor and outdoor use with no paint.
Soft and easy to cut. Faster cycles and lower cost than most steels.
Strong for its weight. Ideal for aerospace and automotive parts.
Conducts heat and electricity well. Perfect for heat sinks and enclosures.
Recycled with low energy. An eco-friendly material choice.
Things to Watch
Not for high-wear or heavy-load surfaces unless hardened or coated.
Wrong tools cause burrs. We use sharp carbide and coolant to avoid this.
2024 and 7075 resist corrosion poorly. They need anodizing or coating.
7075 and 2024 weld poorly. We design around it or pick a weldable grade.
Aluminium softens well below steel's range. Not for very hot parts.
Aluminium expands more than steel. Allow clearance for tight fits.
Most limits are solved by good design and the right alloy. Our free DFM review catches them early.
Where Aluminium Is Used
Brackets, housings, and structural parts where weight matters most.
Lightweight parts, brackets, and fixtures that improve fuel efficiency.
Enclosures, heat sinks, panels, and connectors that manage heat.
Fixtures, calipers, machine guards, and custom tooling.
Boat parts and fittings that resist seawater and corrosion.
Knobs, housings, cookware, and sporting goods built to last.
Finishing
Aluminium takes many finishes. Pick the look and protection your part needs.
Durable, corrosion-resistant, and colorable. The most common aluminium finish.
Thick, hard wear layer for heavy-duty and high-friction parts.
Polymer layer cured at ~200 °C. Strong, colorful, and well protected.
Matte satin texture that hides tool marks and gives a soft feel.
Bright, mirror-like shine for cosmetic and reflective parts.
Brushed look or a chemical film (Alodine) that helps paint stick.
Design Guide
Good design keeps aluminium parts accurate, burr-free, and affordable. Follow these rules.
Sharp edges cut cleanly and avoid built-up edge on the tool.
Never dry-cut aluminium. Coolant controls heat and clears chips.
Aluminium expands more than steel. Allow clearance for tight fits.
Thin but not too thin. Very thin walls bend and chatter.
Internal radii reduce stress and tool wear. Avoid sharp inside corners.
It adds about 0.01 mm per surface. Size holes and fits to match.
Standard CNC tolerance is around ±0.05 mm. On well-controlled runs we hold ±0.005 mm. Tight tolerances need careful planning, which we review in DFM.
Our Service
We are a China-based factory with CNC, 3D printing, and injection molding under one roof. We take your aluminium part from prototype to production.
Complex shapes cut in one setup for high accuracy.
Round parts, shafts, and threaded components made fast.
From one part to 500+ runs, with consistent quality.
In-house and partner finishes, including anodizing and coating.
Engineers optimize your design for cost, speed, and quality.
Parts ship from our Dongguan factory to your door, worldwide.
Get a Quote
Send STEP, IGES, STL, or PDF drawings. The more detail, the better our quote.
We review your design and return a quote with free DFM feedback within 24 hours.
Approve the quote. We machine your aluminium parts and ship them to you.
FAQ