Aluminium CNC Machining Parts

CNC Milling: Use a multi-point rotating tool to remove material from the workpiece. Basic mills consist of a 3-axis system (X, Y and Z), which is still one of the most popular and widely used machining processes. In 3-axis machining, the workpiece remains fixed, and the rotating tool cuts along the x, y, and z axes. Meanwhile, most newer mills can accommodate two additional axis, 4-axis CNC machining and 5-axis CNC machining have higher versatility, and they are often used in the production of high-precision parts.

- CNC Turning: Use a single-point cutting tools to remove material from the rotating workpiece. In CNC turning, the CNC machine, typically a lathe or turning machine, feeds the cutting tool in a linear motion along the surface of the rotating workpiece, removing material around the circumference until the desired diameter is achieved. Most CNC lathes consist of two axis, X and Z.

The Advantages of Aluminum Material in CNC

While there is a multitude of aluminum alloys with various characteristic properties, there are also some fundamental features that apply to all aluminum alloys.

Machinability

Aluminum can be rapidly shaped, manufactured, and processed under various treatment processes. It can be easily cut by machine tools due to its soft and easily machinable texture, making it cost-effective and requiring less force compared to processing steel. These characteristics are significant advantages for both machinists and customers ordering parts. Additionally, the excellent machinability of aluminum means it is less prone to deformation during the machining process. Given its ability to enable CNC machines to achieve higher tolerance, and the precision is also enhanced.

Strength-to-Weight Ratio

Aluminum has a density of approximately one-third that of steel, making it relatively lighter in mass. Despite its lightweight nature, aluminum exhibits high strength. The combination of strength and weight is referred to as the material's strength-to-weight ratio. The high strength-to-weight ratio of aluminum makes it suitable for manufacturing many components needed in industries such as automotive and aerospace.

Corrosion Resistance

Aluminum demonstrates resistance to scratching and corrosion in typical marine and atmospheric environments. This characteristic can be further enhanced through anodization. It's worth noting that the corrosion resistance varies among different grades of aluminum, with the general-purpose CNC machining grade often exhibiting the highest resistance.

Low-Temperature Performance

Many materials lose some of their desirable properties below 0℃. For instance, carbon steel and rubber can become brittle in low-temperature conditions. In contrast, aluminum maintains its softness, ductility, and strength even at extremely low temperatures.

Conductivity

The electrical conductivity of pure aluminum is approximately 37.7 million Siemens per meter at room temperature. While aluminum alloys have lower electrical conductivity compared to pure aluminum, it is still sufficient for use in electronic components. On the other hand, if the ideal characteristic for a machined part is not conductivity, aluminum would not be a suitable material for it.

Recyclability

Since the CNC machining process involves subtractive manufacturing, generating a significant amount of chips or waste material, aluminum's strong recyclability is advantageous. Recycling aluminum requires relatively low energy, effort, and cost. This makes it highly favored among those seeking cost savings or aiming to reduce material waste. It also positions aluminum as a more environmentally friendly machining material.

Anodizing Potential

Anodizing, a surface treatment process that enhances wear resistance and corrosion resistance, is easily achievable for aluminum. This process also makes coloring of machined aluminum parts more straightforward.

Anodizing (Type II and Type III)

Anodizing adds a thin ceramic layer on the surface of metal parts, which can prevent corrosion and wear. The anodizing film is non-conductive and can be dyed in different colors. Anodizing is only compatible with aluminum and titanium.

During Anodizing (type II and type III), the component is immersed in dilute sulfuric acid solution and a voltage is applied between the component and the cathode. Electrochemical reactions consume the material on the exposed surface of the part and convert it into hard aluminum or titanium oxide.

By changing the current, anodizing time, and the consistency and temperature of the solution, coatings with different thicknesses and densities can be built.