A Guide to Aluminum Precision-Machined Components

Boasting superior versatility and machinability, aluminum machined components see applications across numerous critical industries. Aerospace, medical, electronics, automotive, and many more rely on aluminum machine shops to produce high-quality products for their industries. CNC aluminum machining is an efficient, cost-effective process that enables the high-volume production of all different types of aluminum components, including those alloyed with other elements like copper and magnesium.

If your company has been looking for specialized aluminum machine shops to work with, Mitotec Precision is interested in being your collaborative partner. Our CNC aluminum machining capabilities allow our experts to precisely manufacture high-performance components that suit any application requirements.

Key Properties of Aluminum

Aluminum machined parts are ideal for many different usages due to these unique properties of the metal:

Lightweight: Aluminum is a low-density metal that only weighs about ⅓ as much as steel. The reduced weight makes handling easier during the CNC machining process, and it can also lower shipping costs for large volumes of aluminum machined parts. CNC aluminum machining is ideal for industries that demand low-mass components, such as medical, aerospace and automotive.

High Strength: One of the most desirable features of aluminum is the metal’s high strength-to-weight ratio. Despite being lightweight, aluminum is ideally suited for structural and load-bearing applications. Low-weight, high-strength aluminum machined components are relied on by many industries, including aerospace and sports equipment.

Conductivity: Aluminum is an excellent conductor of both heat and electricity. Its conductivity levels are around 60% of copper’s at only a fraction of the weight and cost. Uniquely, aluminum machined parts maintain good conductivity even after machining, which is vital for precision-engineered thermal or electrical components.

Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum naturally forms a thin, tough oxide layer when exposed to air, which makes it resistant to corrosion in most environments, including humid or marine settings. In CNC aluminum machining, this inherent resistance means fewer coatings or treatments are needed, saving time and money. Anodizing aluminum will further enhance its corrosion resistance.

Recyclability: Companies concerned with sustainability often favor aluminum because it is 100% recyclable without loss of properties. After CNC aluminum machining, scrap metal can easily be recovered and recycled, reducing material waste and potentially lowering raw material costs.

Machinability of Aluminum

Aluminum is one of the most machinable materials used by manufacturers. Aluminum is easy to cut and causes minimal tool wear, unlike steel and titanium, which can be difficult to cut and cause extensive tool wear. The machinability of aluminum is beneficial for these main reasons:

Aluminum can be machined at faster spindle speeds and feed rates than most metals, allowing quicker production cycles with minimal risk of damage to CNC machines.
The softness and consistent structure of aluminum contribute to high dimensional accuracy and excellent surface finish, even at high machining speeds.
Aluminum causes less tool wear than harder metals, resulting in lower tooling costs, reduced downtime for tool changes, and longer intervals between machine maintenance.

Benefits of CNC Aluminum Machining

In addition to being highly machinable and having qualities that are beneficial for many applications, aluminum offers the following advantages for CNC machining:

Cost-Effective: Aluminum’s high machinability and reduced wear on machine tools result in an all-around more cost-effective production process. Aluminum machined parts are ideal for cost-sensitive applications that demand precision.

Design Flexibility: CNC aluminum machining supports complex geometries, intricate features, and tight tolerances. Because aluminum is available in a wide range of alloys, engineers can easily modify strength, weight, and corrosion resistance for the application. This design flexibility makes aluminum ideal for industries that demand both form and function, such as aerospace, medical, consumer electronics, and robotics.

Fast Turnaround: CNC aluminum machining enables rapid prototyping and scalable production. Aluminum is easy to source, keeping material lead times low, and aluminum itself can be safely machined at high speeds with minimal risk of damage. Aluminum machined components are perfect for companies that want a fast turnaround without compromising on precision.

Surface Finish Options: CNC aluminum machining offers excellent versatility in finishing, with a naturally smooth, satin-metallic finish. Additional post-machining processes can upgrade the surface finish of aluminum; for example, anodizing aluminum increases corrosion resistance, allows color customization, and provides a matte or glossy finish.

Common Aluminum CNC Machining Techniques

At Mitotec Precision, we use these CNC aluminum machining techniques:

Challenges in Aluminum CNC Machining

Although aluminum is universally regarded as one of the best materials for CNC machining processes, manufacturers may face some challenges working with aluminum. Some challenges include aluminum building up on cutting tool edges, hot aluminum chips adhering to tools, and more thermal expansion compared to other metals.

Trusted Partner for Aluminum Machined Parts Manufacturing

At Mitotec Precision, our CNC machining experts specialize in manufacturing aluminum machined components for diverse application needs. Contact us today if you’re looking for a trusted partner to provide CNC aluminum machining solutions.

A Guide to Aluminum Precision-Machined Components