If you're working on anything from drone components to medical devices, you've probably heard that CNC-machined aluminum parts are the gold standard.
Why CNC Aluminum?
Aluminum isn't just lightweight - it's the Swiss Army knife of metals for precision machining:
✔ 65% lighter than steel but surprisingly strong
✔ Natural corrosion resistance (no rust!)
✔ Superb heat conduction (perfect for electronics)
✔ Easier to machine than steel (saves you money)
✔ Takes finishes beautifully (anodizing, painting, etc.)
Where You'll Find CNC Aluminum Parts:
- Aerospace (Brackets, enclosures, drone frames)
- Medical (Surgical tools, imaging equipment parts)
- Automotive (Engine components, EV battery housings)
- Robotics (Lightweight arms and joints)
- Consumer Tech (Laptop bodies, camera parts)
Precision Matters: Tolerances You Can Actually Achieve
When we say "high precision," here's what that really means:
- Standard precision: ±0.1 mm (good for most applications)
- High precision: ±0.025 mm (for critical fits)
- Ultra precision: ±0.005 mm (think aerospace/medical)
Aluminum Grades Demystified
Not all aluminum is created equal. Here are the top choices for CNC:
| Grade | Best For | Machinability |
| 6061 | General purpose (80% of jobs) | Excellent |
| 7075 | High-strength applications | Good (but harder) |
| 2024 | Aerospace structural parts | Fair |
| 5052 | Marine applications | Good |
| MIC-6 | Perfectly flat plates | Excellent |
The CNC Process for Aluminum Parts
- Design - CAD model creation (we recommend STEP or IGES files)
- Programming - CAM software plans the toolpaths
- Setup - Aluminum billet is secured in the machine
- Machining - Cutting tools shape the part (typically 3-5x faster than steel)
- Finishing - Deburring, smoothing, surface treatment
- Inspection - CMM (coordinate measuring machine) verification
Common Machines Used:
- 3-axis CNC mills (For simpler parts)
- 5-axis CNC (Complex geometries in one setup)
- CNC lathes (For cylindrical components)
Surface Finishes That Make a Difference
Bare aluminum works, but these finishes take it further:
- Bead Blasting - Uniform matte texture
- Anodizing - Color options + extra hardness
- Chemical Film - Good for electrical parts
- Powder Coating - Durable color protection
- Polishing - Mirror-like shine
Final Thought
Precision CNC aluminum parts are like the foundation of a building - get them right, and everything else works better. Whether you need one prototype or 10,000 production parts, understanding the process helps you get the best results.
| | CNC Turning, CNC Milling, Laser Cutting, Bending, Spining, Wire Cutting, Stamping, Electric Discharge Machining (EDM), Injection Molding,3D Printing,Rapid Prototype,Moulds etc. |
| | Aluminum: 2000 series, 6000 series, 7075, 5052, etc. |
| Stainlesss steel: SUS303, SUS304, SS316, SS316L, 17-4PH, etc. |
| Steel: 1214L/1215/1045/4140/SCM440/40CrMo, etc. |
| Brass: 260, C360, H59, H60, H62, H63, H65, H68, H70, Bronze, Copper |
| Titanium: Grade F1-F5 |
| Plastic: Acetal/POM/PA/Nylon/PC/PMMA/PVC/PU/Acrylic/ABS/PTFE/PEEK etc. |
| | Anodized, Bead Blasted, Silk Screen, PVD Plating, Zinc/Nickl/Chrome/Titanium Plating, Brushing, Painting, Powder Coated, Passivation, Electrophoresis, Electro Polishing, Knurl, Laser/Etch/Engrave etc. |
| | ±0.002 ~ ±0.005mm |
| | Min Ra 0.1~3.2 |
| CERTIFICATE | ISO9001:2015,AS9100D,ISO13485:2016,ISO45001:2018,IATF16949:2016,ISO14001:2015,ROSH,CE etc. |
FAQ
1. Are you a manufacturer or a trading company?
We are a factory located in Shenzhen, China, with 20 years of rich experience,
covering 6000 square meters. Complete facilities, including 3D quality inspection equipment, ERP system and 40 machines. If necessary, we can provide you with material certificates, sample quality inspection and other reports.
2. How to get a quote?
Detailed drawings (PDF/STEP/IGS/DWG...), including quality, delivery date, materials, quality, quantity, surface treatment and other information.
3. Can I get a quotation without drawings?
Can your engineering team draw for my creativity? Of course, we are also glad to receive your samples, pictures or detailed size drafts for accurate quotation.
4. Can you provide samples before mass production?
Of course, the sample fee is necessary. If possible, it will be returned during mass production.
5. What is the delivery date?
Generally, the sample lasts for 1-2 weeks and the batch production lasts for 3-4 weeks.
6. How do you control quality?
(1) Material Inspection - Check material surfaces and approximate dimensions.
(2) First inspection of production - ensure
critical dimensions in mass production.
(3) Sampling inspection - check the quality before delivery to the warehouse.
(4) Preshipment inspection - 100% inspection by QC assistant before shipment.
7. After sales service team
If you have any problems after receiving the product, you can provide feedback through voice call, video conference, email, etc. within one month. Our team will provide you with solutions within a week.
