Aluminum Material: CNC Aluminum Machining

A CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine runs on a computer program; it can either be for prototyping or in full item production. Aluminum is the commonly machined material, as it exhibits excellent machinability, relatively easy to shape, and is thus the preferred material in the most manufacturing sector.

Aluminum is soft, lightweight, tractable, malleable, and durable metal. Its appearance is silver or dull grey and depends on the roughness of the surface. It lacks magnetic properties and its non-flammable. The aluminum metal melts at 640 degrees, and it’s light with a density of 2.68-2.8. It is a good conductor of electricity though not of the same standard as copper on specific cross-section area and is widely used in CNC automotive like ATV, Aerospace and medical industries.

Aluminum alloys have strong corrosion resistance. They are sensitive to high temperatures ranging between 200 and 250 °C (392 and 482°F), and might lose some of their strength. However, the strength of the Aluminum alloys can be increased at subzero temperatures, making them ideal low-temperature alloys.

CNC machining aluminium parts

CNC material selection guidlines

Aluminum Grade

The ultimate choice of the type of aluminum grade you intend to use depends on your machining projects, which allow you to rank each grade according to its characteristic, from the most important to the least. By doing so, you get to choose the aluminum of specific properties and shape as per your needs.

CNC machining aluminium process	CNC machining aluminium products

The following are some types with essential facts about Aluminum grade

● Aluminum 6061: This grade has superb mechanical properties, excellent weldability. Its topical properties make it one of the most extruded grade. This is because of its good toughness, medium and high strength, excellent corrosion resistance on harsh condition, cool anodization, and bending workability. Aluminum 6061 is commonly used for 5 axis CNC machining.

● Aluminum 7075: It’s also popular even though not like the 6061. This grade is known for its exceptional fatigue strength. This aluminum grade is not suitable for welding; it’s costly. Hence, it is better for tough parts, such as fuselages, bicycle parts, rock climbing kits, and aircraft wings. This alloy also better in corrosion resistance.

● Aluminum 2024: The alloy is predominantly used in military and aerospace sector. This is because of its mechanical properties, like great weariness resistance, and high strength. The aluminum 2024 is terrible in corrosion resistance and not weldable.

● Aluminum 5052: The alloy is a non-heat treatable alloy with good corrosion resistance, especially to salt water. The machinability of Aluminum 5052 alloy is rated as fair. This alloy can be easily cnc machined in hard temper than in annealed form, and the quality of finish is better. Other than in very light cuts, all other machining should be done using oil lubricants.

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