CNC processing of aluminum material

Advantages of using aluminum for CNC machining parts
Although there are countless aluminum alloys with varying degrees of properties, there are some basic properties that apply to almost all aluminum alloys.

Machinability
Aluminum can be rapidly formed, manufactured, and processed under the action of various processes. Aluminum can be cut quickly and easily by machine tools because it is soft, easy to cut, inexpensive, and requires less force than steel. These features are great advantages for both mechanics and customers ordering parts. Moreover, aluminum's superior machinability means it is less prone to deformation during machining. Since it enables higher tolerances for CNC machines, its precision will be higher.

specific strength
Aluminum is about one-third as dense as steel. The quality is relatively lighter. Despite its light weight, aluminum is very strong. This combination of strength and weight is called the specific strength of the material. Aluminum's high specific strength makes it suitable for parts required by many industries, such as the automotive and aerospace industries.

Anti-corrosion
Aluminum is scratch and corrosion resistant in normal marine and atmospheric environments. This property can also be enhanced by anodizing. It should be noted that different grades of aluminum have different corrosion resistance. The most conventional and common level of CNC machining has the strongest resistance.

low temperature performance
Most materials lose some of their premium properties at sub-zero temperatures. For example, carbon steel and rubber become brittle at low temperatures. Aluminum retains its softness, ductility and strength at extremely low temperatures.

Conductivity
The conductivity of pure aluminum is about 37.7 million Siemens/m at room temperature. Although aluminum alloy has lower conductivity than pure aluminum, it is enough to be used in electronic components. On the other hand, if a desired property of a machined part is not electrical conductivity, aluminum will not be the right material for it.

Recyclability
Since the CNC machining process is a subtractive manufacturing process, a large amount of chips, that is, waste, will be generated. Aluminum is highly recyclable, requiring relatively little energy, effort and cost to recycle. This makes it popular among those looking to recoup expenses or reduce material waste. It also makes aluminum a more environmentally friendly processing material.

Possibility of anodizing
Anodizing is a surface processing process that improves the wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the material, which is very easy to achieve for aluminum. This process also makes it easier to paint machined aluminum parts.