Why Aluminum CNC Machining Matters
Aluminum CNC machining offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for applications where reducing weight without sacrificing durability is critical from aerospace components to automotive parts and robotics housings. Our CNC milling and CNC turning centers machine aluminum to tolerances as tight as ±0.0005 inch (0.0127 mm), allowing us to produce intricate features, thin walls, and complex shapes with confidence and repeatability.
Aluminum naturally resists corrosion, and with the right alloy and finishing process, parts maintain their integrity and appearance even in demanding environments extending service life and reducing maintenance needs. Whether you need a single prototype or a production run of thousands, our quality-controlled process backed by CMM inspection and detailed documentation ensures every part matches the last, with no variation in fit or function.
Combines lightweight material with high strength
Supports tight tolerances and complex geometries
Provides corrosion resistance and long service life
Enables repeatable, high-quality production
Delivers Consistent and Structural Performance
Aluminum CNC Machining Alloy Types
Choosing the right aluminum CNC machining alloy grade is an important part of making a CNC machining project work. Because each alloy has its own chemical makeup and heat treatment state, they all have very different properties. These are some of the most common aluminum alloys used in CNC machining, along with their usual uses.
Model |
Key Characteristics |
Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
|
6061-T6 |
Excellent comprehensive performance, good strength, weldability and corrosion resistance, high machinability |
Aerospace components, automotive parts, bicycle frames, electronic enclosures, general mechanical parts |
|
7075-T6 |
Ultrahigh strength, high hardness, good stress corrosion cracking resistance, but the corrosion resistance is general, usually need coating protection |
Aerospace structural components, high-performance bicycle parts, molds, military equipment, high-strength tools and fixtures |
|
2024-T3 |
High fatigue strength, good toughness, but poor corrosion resistance, usually need coating or aluminum cladding |
Aircraft structural parts, rivets, gears, hydraulic accessories |
|
5052 |
Excellent corrosion resistance, good formability and fatigue strength, and cannot be strengthened by heat treatment |
Marine equipment, automobile fuel tanks, sheet metal parts, electronic enclosures, lighting equipment, general hardware |
|
MIC-6 |
Cast aluminum alloy plate, excellent dimensional stability and flatness, internal stress elimination, minimal deformation after processing |
Precision measurement platform, jigs & fixtures, templates, mirror base, vacuum chuck |
Aluminium CNC Machining Processes
MXY delivers precision aluminum CNC machining services for businesses that need precise, high-quality parts of modern manufacturing. With advanced 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC milling and CNC turning centers, we process a wide range of materials including aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, brass, copper, and engineering plastics to tolerances as tight as ±0.001mm.
CNC Turning
Experience high precision and efficiency with MXY Machining’s CNC Turning Services, expertly producing cylindrical components with unmatched accuracy and speed.
CNC Milling
MXY Machining’s CNC Milling Services deliver precise cutting and shaping of materials into complex parts with exceptional accuracy and surface finish.
CNC Routing
MXY Machining’s CNC Routing services deliver precise shaping and cutting of various materials and customizable designs with high repeatability and efficiency.
The Future Innovations of Aluminum CNC Machining
As technology continues to move forward at breakneck speed, so too does the world of aluminum CNC machining. At Roberson Machine Company, we strive to stay ahead of the technological curve keeping up with fresh and dynamic methods and industry benchmarks for our clients like you in china. Call us right now at +86 13267261491or contact us online.
The future of aluminum CNC machining holds exciting possibilities, including:
- The Fusion of Automation and AI : The convergence of automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence is poised to infuse heightened precision and efficiency into the aluminum CNC machining process for your company.
- 3D Printing Hybridization : The fusion of CNC machining with 3D printing could result in hybrid procedures that harness the strengths and efficiencies of both groundbreaking technologies, broadening our capabilities.
- Exploration of Cutting-Edge Materials : The exploration of new aluminum alloys brimming with augmented properties will broaden the scope of project applications.
- Miniaturization : As the demand for more compact and efficacious devices grows throughout in china the role of aluminum CNC machining in producing complex, diminutive components is set to take center stage.
Aluminum CNC Machining Materials
6063 Aluminum
6061 Aluminum
6082 Aluminum
6463 Aluminum
3003 Aluminum
5052 Aluminum
5052 Aluminum is a non-heat-treatable alloy known for its exceptional corrosion resistance, superior fatigue strength, and moderate formability. It is widely utilized in the production of marine components, fuel tanks, sheet metal parts, and outdoor enclosures.
7075 Aluminum
7075-T6 offers ultra-high strength and hardness, making it the ideal choice for aerospace and defense. With excellent fatigue resistance, it is perfect for high-performance structural components, aircraft parts, and precision tooling requiring maximum durability.
6005A Aluminum
Surface Finishes for Aluminum CNC Machining
Property |
Detail |
|---|---|
|
Ra range |
1.6 – 6.3 µm (63 – 250 µin) |
|
Process |
Direct off the CNC mill/lathe; no secondary operation |
|
Appearance |
Visible tool marks, machining lines, slight oil residue |
|
Corrosion |
Bare aluminum forms natural oxide; limited protection |
|
Best for |
Functional internal parts, brackets, hidden components, prototypes where cosmetics don't matter. |
Property |
Detail |
|---|---|
|
Ra range |
1.6 – 3.2 µm (63 – 125 µin) |
|
Process |
Manual deburring + vibratory tumbling with ceramic/steel media |
|
Appearance |
Smooth edges, rounded corners, reduced tool marks but still visible |
|
Corrosion |
Same as bare aluminum |
|
Best for |
Parts that will be handled, assembled, or need safe handling; parts going into further finishing. |
Property |
Detail |
|---|---|
|
Ra range |
0.8 – 3.2 µm (32 – 125 µin) |
|
Process |
High-pressure blasting with glass beads or aluminum oxide media |
|
Appearance |
Uniform matte/satin, no tool marks, consistent non-reflective surface |
|
Corrosion |
Bare aluminum, blasting removes natural oxide, re-oxidizes quickly |
|
Best for |
Consumer electronics housings, automotive trim, panels, parts needing uniform non-reflective appearance; excellent pre-treatment before anodizing or coating. |
Property |
Detail |
|---|---|
|
Ra range |
0.4 – 1.6 µm (16 – 63 µin) |
|
Process |
Abrasive belt or wheel in a single direction; typically 180–320 grit |
|
Appearance |
Directional grain lines, satin metallic look, consistent sheen |
|
Corrosion |
Bare aluminum, grain lines can trap contaminants |
|
Best for |
Architectural trim, consumer products, panels, aesthetic parts where a metallic directional grain is desired. Often followed by clear anodizing to preserve the grain. |
Property |
Detail |
|---|---|
|
Ra range |
0.05 – 0.4 µm (2 – 16 µin) |
|
Process |
Multi-stage sanding (400 → 600 → 1200+ grit) followed by buffing with compound |
|
Appearance |
Mirror or near-mirror reflective surface |
|
Corrosion |
Bare aluminum, polished surface oxidizes faster due to increased surface energy |
|
Best for |
Reflectors, cosmetic trim, luxury goods, optical components, show pieces. Almost always followed by clear anodizing or plating to preserve the polish. |
Property |
Detail |
|---|---|
|
Ra range |
0.4 – 1.6 µm (16 – 63 µin), depends on pre-finish |
|
Process |
Electrochemical conversion of aluminum surface to aluminum oxide; ~5–25 µm coating; dyeable |
|
Appearance |
Smooth, uniform, available in any color (black, silver, red, blue, gold, etc.) |
|
Corrosion |
Excellent, hard oxide layer prevents further oxidation |
|
Hardness |
~300–400 HV |
|
Conductivity |
Non-conductive surface (anodic layer is an insulator) |
|
Best for |
Consumer electronics, automotive parts, enclosures, panels, any part needing color + corrosion protection + moderate wear resistance. |
Property |
Detail |
|---|---|
|
Ra range |
0.8 – 3.2 µm (32 – 125 µin) typically rougher than Type II |
|
Process |
Low-temperature electrochemical process; thicker coating ~25–75 µm; usually dark gray/black |
|
Appearance |
Dull, matte, dark gray or black, rougher texture than Type II |
|
Corrosion |
Excellent |
|
Hardness |
~500–700 HV (significantly harder than Type II) |
|
Wear |
Excellent, comparable to hard chrome |
|
Conductivity |
Non-conductive |
|
Best for |
Industrial machinery, aerospace components, hydraulic parts, pistons, gears, any part needing extreme wear resistance + corrosion protection. |
Property |
Detail |
|---|---|
|
Ra range |
No change, preserves underlying machined finish |
|
Process |
Immersion in chromate or trivalent chromium solution; thin coating ~0.5–5 µm |
|
Appearance |
Light gold/iridescent (hexavalent) or clear/light gray (trivalent RoHS-compliant) |
|
Corrosion |
Good, provides baseline protection often used as primer under paint |
|
Hardness |
Soft coating, not wear-resistant |
|
Conductivity |
Conductive key difference from anodizing |
|
Best for |
Aerospace and defense components, electrical enclosures, grounding parts, parts needing corrosion protection + electrical conductivity, paint primer. |
Property |
Detail |
|---|---|
|
Ra range |
Depends on pre-treatment; coating fills minor imperfections |
|
Process |
Electrostatic spray of dry powder + curing in oven (~180–200°C); 50–120 µm coating |
|
Appearance |
Smooth, matte, satin, gloss wide color range, textured options available |
|
Corrosion |
Excellent, thick barrier coating |
|
Hardness |
Good, tougher than wet paint |
|
Conductivity |
Non-conductive |
|
Best for |
Outdoor equipment, enclosures, furniture, automotive parts, any part needing a durable colored coating with good impact and chemical resistance. |
Property |
Detail |
|---|---|
|
Ra range |
0.2 – 1.6 µm (8 – 63 µin), plating replicates and slightly smooths substrate |
|
Process |
Electroless nickel (auto-catalytic) or electroplated tin/zinc; 5–50 µm coating |
|
Appearance |
Nickel: bright/satin metallic, Tin: silvery matte, and Zinc: gray/iridescent |
|
Corrosion |
Good to excellent |
|
Wear |
Electroless nickel: excellent (can be heat-treated to ~900 HV) |
|
Conductivity |
Conductive |
|
Best for |
Connectors, contacts, fasteners, hydraulic components, parts needing wear resistance + conductivity, EMI/RFI shielding enclosures. |
Finishes |
Ra (µm) |
Ra (µin) |
Visual |
|---|---|---|---|
|
As-machined (rough) |
6.3 |
250 |
Visible tool marks |
|
As-machined (fine) |
1.6 |
63 |
Faint tool marks |
|
Bead blasted |
0.8 – 3.2 |
32 – 125 |
Uniform matte |
|
Brushed |
0.4 – 1.6 |
16 – 63 |
Directional grain |
|
Type II anodized |
0.4 – 1.6 |
16 – 63 |
Smooth colored |
|
Type III hardcoat |
0.8 – 3.2 |
32 – 125 |
Dull matte |
|
Polished (mirror) |
0.05 – 0.4 |
2 – 16 |
Reflective |
Coating |
Typical Thickness |
Growth per Side |
|---|---|---|
|
Chem film |
0.5 – 5 µm |
~0.25 – 2.5 µm |
|
Type II anodized |
5 – 25 µm |
~2.5 – 12.5 µm |
|
Type III hardcoat |
25 – 75 µm |
~12.5 – 37.5 µm |
|
Powder coat |
50 – 120 µm |
~25 – 60 µm |
|
Electroless nickel |
5 – 50 µm |
~2.5 – 25 µm |
Finishes |
Ra (µm) |
Ra (µin) |
Visual |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tool marks |
Visible lines/grooves |
Feeds/speeds too high, dull tool |
Reduce stepover, use sharper tool, add finish pass |
|
Chatter |
Wavy/rippled surface |
Tool deflection, vibration |
Reduce depth of cut, increase rigidity, use shorter tool |
|
Anodize burning |
White/powdery spots |
Too high current density, poor racking |
Reduce current, improve part racking/contact |
|
Color mismatch |
Uneven color across part/batch |
Alloy variation, inconsistent pre-treatment |
Use consistent alloy, standardize pre-treatment, sample approval |
|
Orange peel (powder coat) |
Dimpled uneven surface |
Incorrect powder viscosity, wrong gun settings |
Adjust voltage, distance, cure temp; check film thickness |
|
Pitting (plating) |
Small holes in coating |
Substrate porosity, poor cleaning |
Improve pre-cleaning, use strike layer, check alloy quality |
|
Burrs |
Raised metal edges |
Machining operation |
Machining operation |
