Aluminum CNC Machining

CNC machining has opened up the door for the nearly endless potential of aluminum product manufacturing. CNC machines can convert pieces of aluminum into a wide range of products, from automotive parts to medical devices. There is a lot to know about aluminum and the CNC machining process before designing and manufacturing a product. Here, we explain some of the essentials of CNC-machined aluminum.

Aluminum CNC Machining Explained

To understand this machining method and aluminum CNC milling, it is essential to first understand what CNC machining is. A CNC machine, or Computer Numerical Controlled machine, is a special machine made of various tools that can be controlled by computer automation. When a product is designed to be made by a CNC machine, its unique G-code is fed into the machine to guide the movements of its tools. These Machines include lathes, mills, and more. When compared to traditional machining methods, CNC machining is more efficient and precise. Aluminum is one of many materials compatible with CNC machines and is capable of being applied to many different industrial applications.

What Makes Aluminum Good for CNC Machining?

CNC machines are compatible with many different materials, including both metals and plastics. One of the most commonly CNC-machined metals is aluminum. There are many reasons that aluminum is a popular choice, including:

 

  • Machinability: Aluminum can be machined relatively easily with little risk of wear and tear on the cutting tool.
  • Lightweight: Since aluminum is a lightweight metal, it can be transported more easily than heavier metals. This also means a lower cost when compared to many other metals such as copper or stainless steel.
  • Corrosion Resistance: The ability of aluminum to resist corrosion makes it an ideal material for many applications, especially when used in outdoor settings.
  • Availability: Aluminum is the most common metal on earth, making its availability abundant and its cost relatively low when compared to other metals.

 

When discussing aluminum, it is important to note that various grades of the metal are available. Common types of aluminum that we work with at Schantz Machine and Fabrication include 6061 & 6063 aluminum, 2024 aluminum, and 7075 aluminum, which is considered the strongest and hardest alloy.

Circular aluminum parts after CNC machining

Examples of Products Produced by Aluminum CNC Machining

If you take a moment to look around you, you will find aluminum CNC-machined products just about everywhere. From your car to your home, your electronics to your doctor’s office, there are many examples of aluminum CNC-machined products. Some examples of aluminum CNC milling and machined products include:

  • Aerospace components
  • Mobile phones
  • Automotive parts
  • Building structures
  • Prosthetic limbs 
  • Bicycle frames
  • LED lighting fixtures
  • Baseball bats

Aluminum CNC Machining Services at Schantz Machine and Fabrication

When you are ready to place your order for CNC-machined aluminum parts or find out how we can meet your precise specifications, Schantz Machine and Fabrication is here to help. We provide proven, professional aluminum CNC machining services for orders of all sizes, from a single unit to thousands of units. Talk to a CNC design consultant about your project today for a free estimate!

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From initial design, to prototypes and full production,

you can count on us to deliver quality parts,

on time and on budget!

Quality Parts on Time and on Budget!