Introduction to Aluminum

Aluminum, prized for its versatility, offers exceptional properties for CNC machining. Renowned for its machinability, weldability, and corrosion resistance, aluminum finds extensive use across industries. With a high strength-to-weight ratio and good temperature resistance, it’s favored for diverse applications.

• Aluminum 6061-T6: Yield Strength 35,000 PSI, Elongation at Break 12.50%, Hardness Brinell 95.
• Aluminum 7075-T6: Yield Strength 68,000 PSI, Elongation at Break 11%, Hardness Rockwell B86.
• Aluminum 5052: Yield Strength 23,000 PSI, Elongation at Break 8%, Hardness Brinell 60.
• Aluminum 6063: Yield Strength 16,900 PSI, Elongation at Break 11%, Hardness Brinell 55.

• Automotive Industry: Used for car bodies, engine blocks, and wheels due to its lightweight nature, improving fuel efficiency.
• Aerospace Industry: Ideal for aircraft construction, including fuselages and wings, owing to its strength and lightness.
• Construction Sector: Employed in building structures, windows, and facades for its durability and corrosion resistance.
• Electronics: Used in enclosures, heat sinks, and wiring due to its electrical conductivity and thermal properties.
• Packaging: Widely used in cans, foils, and trays due to its lightweight nature and recyclability.
• Consumer Goods: Found in household appliances, furniture, and sporting goods for its versatility and aesthetic appeal.
• Marine Industry: Used in boat building and offshore structures for its corrosion resistance.
• Industrial Machinery: Utilized in industrial equipment and machinery parts for its strength and machinability.

CNC machining is the primary processes used for working with Aluminum, adhering to ISO 2768 tolerance standards.

Aluminum parts can be finished using different methods, including:

• Anodizing: Enhance corrosion resistance and hardness with options like clear, black, or colored finishes.
• Bead Blasting: Achieve a smooth matte texture suitable for visual applications.
• Powder Coating: Opt for durable finishes in various colors and gloss levels.
• Electroplating: Preserve surfaces and resist rust with gloss or semi-gloss coatings.
• Polishing: Attain a smooth, glossy finish tailored to your requirements.
• Brushing: Add aesthetic appeal with brushed traces for a stain-free finish.
• Painting: Customize finishes from matte to metallic with a wide range of color options.

Lear more abour surface finishing

Aluminum’s versatility and range of finishes make it indispensable for a multitude of engineering projects across industries.