470+

Customers
Served

500,000+

Parts
Manufactured

20+

Countries
Shipped

520+

Manufacturing
Partners



Description

Applications

CNC machining produces parts with excellent mechanical properties, accuracy and repeatability from metal and plastic.3-axis & 5-axis CNC milling available.

Strengths

Excellent mechanical properties,High accuracy & repeatabillity

Weaknesses

Greater geometry restrictions than 3D printing

Characteristics

Price $$$
Lead Time < 10 days
Wall Thickness 0.75 mm
Tolerance ±0.125mm (±0.005″)
Max Part Size 200 x 80 x 100 cm

Available Materials


Aluminum 6061 T6

An alloy with a high strength-to-weight ratio and machinability.




Aluminum 6082

6082 shares similarities with 6061, providing higher tensile strength.




Aluminum 7075-T6

An aerospace-grade material with a high strength-to-weight ratio.




Aluminum 5083-H111

A strain hardening aluminum alloy with high corrosion resistance.




Aluminum 6063

A medium-strength, heat-treatable alloy known for its workability.






Aluminum 5052

A corrosion-resistant, weldable alloy with high formability.





Aluminum 2024-T351

A high-strength, heat-treated alloy with high fatigue resistance.






Aluminum 7050

A high-strength, stress-resistant alloy used in aerospace applications.





Aluminum 2017A

A high-strength, heat-treated alloy with good machinability.






Aluminum 6082-T651

A strong, heat-treated alloy with good weldability.






Aluminum 7075-T651

A high-strength, heat-treated alloy with excellent toughness.





Aluminum 2014

A high-strength, heat-treatable alloy with great durability.






Aluminum 6061-T651

A versatile, high-strength alloy used in structural applications.






Aluminum 7075-T7351

A high strength, high machinability with good fatigue resistance.






Aluminum 6082-T6

A high-strength, corrosion-resistant alloy used in structural applications.





Aluminum 2014-T6

A strong, heat-treated alloy with great durability.






Aluminum 6063-T5

A medium-strength, heat-treated alloy with high extrudability.






Aluminum 6063-T6

A heat-treated alloy with high corrosion resistance and weldability.






Aluminum 5083-H32

A durable, heat-treated alloy with high resistance to seawater.






Aluminum 5052-H32

A strong, corrosion-resistant alloy with good weldability.





Available Finishes

aluminum-anodized-surface-finish-services

Clarwe provides a wide range of surface finishes through its aluminum CNC machining service, designed to elevate the quality of each machined component. Each finish is specifically chosen to improve both the mechanical characteristics and the visual appeal of the aluminum parts.


Aluminum is a lightweight, silvery-white metal known for its remarkable combination of strength, low density, and corrosion resistance. As one of the most abundant metals in the Earth's crust, it is widely used across various industries. Aluminum has a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it an ideal material for applications where weight is a critical factor, such as in aerospace, automotive, and transportation industries. Despite being light, aluminum is durable and has excellent resistance to corrosion due to the natural formation of a thin, protective oxide layer on its surface.

Aluminum is highly malleable and can be easily formed into a wide range of shapes and sizes, whether through extrusion, rolling, or casting processes. It is also an excellent conductor of heat and electricity, making it suitable for electrical and heat transfer applications. Aluminum alloys, which combine aluminum with small amounts of other metals, can be tailored to enhance specific properties like strength, hardness, and machinability. The material is also non-toxic and has good thermal conductivity, making it suitable for food packaging and cooking utensils.

CNC machining of aluminum is highly efficient due to its relatively soft and malleable nature, allowing for high-precision cutting and shaping. CNC Milling is commonly used to create complex shapes, cavities, and features in aluminum components. The material's excellent machinability allows for fast cutting with carbide or high-speed steel tools, enabling the production of detailed parts like brackets, housings, and panels. CNC Turning is another widely used method, particularly for producing cylindrical components such as shafts, tubes, and bushings. Aluminum's low density helps reduce tool wear, allowing for extended machining times and precision during turning operations.

CNC Drilling is frequently used to create holes in aluminum components, with carbide drills providing long-lasting performance and accuracy. Given aluminum's tendency to form burrs, CNC Tapping is also essential for creating threads, with appropriate cutting speeds and lubrication to ensure clean, precise threads. CNC Grinding can be used to refine the surface finish and achieve tight tolerances on aluminum parts, especially in high-precision applications like aerospace and electronics. Additionally, CNC Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) can be used for intricate and complex designs in aluminum alloys, providing a high degree of accuracy and detail when traditional machining methods are not ideal.

Post-processing of aluminum parts is crucial for enhancing their properties, performance, and aesthetics.Anodizing is a common technique that creates a protective oxide layer on the surface, improving corrosion resistance and wear resistance, while also offering various color finishes.Polishing is often used to achieve a smooth and shiny surface, particularly for decorative or high-visibility components such as automotive trim and architectural features. This process not only improves the appearance but also reduces surface imperfections.

Powder coating is a durable method that provides a high-quality, protective finish on aluminum, enhancing its resistance to UV rays, corrosion, and physical damage. Heat treatment, including solution heat treatment and aging, is used to strengthen aluminum alloys, especially in critical applications like aerospace and automotive. Deburring removes sharp edges and burrs left after machining, ensuring safe handling and smooth fits in assemblies. Laser engraving or laser marking offers precise, permanent identification on aluminum parts, useful for marking logos, serial numbers, or other details.

Advantages

Lightweight: Aluminum is lightweight, making it ideal for applications where reducing weight is important, such as in aerospace and automotive industries.

Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum naturally forms a protective oxide layer, offering excellent resistance to corrosion, even in harsh environments like seawater and chemicals.

High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Aluminum offers impressive strength without adding significant weight, making it ideal for structural applications.

Good Thermal and Electrical Conductivity: Aluminum is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity, making it suitable for electrical and thermal applications.

Malleability and Ductility: Aluminum is highly malleable and can be easily shaped into various forms, allowing for complex designs and versatile applications.

Recyclability: Aluminum is 100% recyclable without losing its properties, making it an environmentally friendly material with a lower carbon footprint.

Non-toxic and Safe: Aluminum is non-toxic and safe for use in food packaging, medical devices, and cookware.

Aesthetic Appeal: Aluminum has a bright, reflective surface that is desirable for decorative applications, especially after anodizing or polishing.

Non-magnetic: Aluminum is non-magnetic, making it suitable for use in electronic components or environments where magnetic interference needs to be avoided.

Durability: Aluminum is durable and resistant to wear and fatigue, making it ideal for long-lasting products in both outdoor and industrial environments.

Applications

Aerospace: Aluminum is used extensively in aircraft, spacecraft, and satellite components due to its lightweight, high strength, and resistance to corrosion.

Automotive: Aluminum is used in vehicle bodies, engines, wheels, and transmissions, helping to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency.

Construction: Aluminum is used in windows, doors, roofing, and facades due to its durability, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal.

Electrical: Aluminum is commonly used in electrical wiring, cables, and power transmission lines because of its excellent conductivity and low weight.

Packaging: Aluminum is widely used in packaging materials such as cans, foils, and bottles, owing to its non-toxicity and ability to preserve freshness.

Consumer Electronics: Aluminum is found in smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices due to its strength, lightweight properties, and ability to dissipate heat.

Marine: Aluminum is used in boats, ships, and marine equipment because of its resistance to corrosion in saltwater environments.

Food and Beverage: Aluminum is used for cookware, utensils, and food storage containers due to its non-toxic, heat-conductive properties.

Medical Devices: Aluminum is used in medical equipment, including implants, surgical instruments, and diagnostic devices, due to its biocompatibility and strength.

Renewable Energy: Aluminum is used in solar panel frames, wind turbine components, and energy-efficient systems because of its lightweight and strength characteristics.

Your Quote, Now

Precision in Every Part

FAQs

Carbide end mills offer high durability and precision for machining aluminum. Coated tools, such as those with titanium nitride (TiN), reduce friction and extend tool life. Ball nose end mills are ideal for complex shapes, while face mills excel in surface finishing. Proper cooling and lubrication also enhance tool performance, ensuring longevity.

The most commonly used aluminum alloys for CNC machining are 6061, 7075 and 2024. These alloys are known for their strength, machinability and corrosion resistance. 6061 is widely used in general applications, while 7075 and 2024 are preferred for aerospace and high-stress environments. Each alloy offers unique benefits for specific needs.

To choose the right aluminum alloy for your CNC project, consider factors like strength, machinability and corrosion resistance. Determine the application's requirements, such as weight, durability and exposure to harsh environments. For general purposes, 6061 is often ideal, while 7075 and 2024 are better for high-stress applications. Also, consider heat treatment and formability for specific needs.