Aluminum CNC Machining
Introduction to Aluminum CNC Machining:
CNC machines are employed by manufacturers for manufacturing purposes. Manufacturers have the option to employ these machines for producing numerous items or for generating a prototype of their desired creation. Aluminum is one of the most common materials used for CNC machining because of its excellent physical and mechanical properties.
Aluminum is a highly ductile metal, making it easy to machining. The material has a good strength-to-weight ratio. Aluminum is a metal that is widely used in various industries due to its unique properties. As, it is a light weight material with a low density which makes it easy to handle and transport Furthermore, Aluminum is also known for corrosion resistance, thermal and electrical conductivity. It can be effortlessly shaped, machined and joined permitting for the creation of complex shapes and structures so its utilized in applications such as development, transportation, bundling and electrical components. It is recyclable.
Being a preferred material choice of CNC machining is due to its light density, flexibility and malleability characteristics. Â Aluminum is valued for its remarkable corrosion resistance, strength, non-magnetic nature, and affordability. High corrosion resistance avoids the need of heavy and costly anti corrosion resistance coating which are required by other material.
Consideration of some features of Aluminum used in CNC Machining:
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Corrosion Resistance:
Unlike steel aluminum is better oxidation resistant as it prevents oxidation by the help of colorless aluminum oxide film which doesn’t allow oxygen to react with surface to form oxides that are the main culprit for oxidation. Due to this feature Aluminum CNC Machining is common over number of applications replacing steel/iron in most cases.
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Machine-ability (Allowance of Aluminum CNC Machining):
Due to its lightweight, softness and better chip formation aluminum is used widely as a raw material in CNC machining to make parts.
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Precision and Accuracy:
Because of its dimensional stability, less deformation, easy chip formation, ductility aluminum parts after CNC machining are usually precise and accurate and less prone to deformities.
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Strength to weight ratio:
Aluminum strength is about one third of steel. Despite being lighter it has high strength which is termed as strength to weight ratio so it is used in various industries where light weight products without the compromise on strength is needed.
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Ductility and Malleability:
The unique material properties of aluminum allow it to easily deform into wires, sheets, plates, etc. by hammering, rolling or pressing without fracture therefore it’s also choose for CNC machining especially where intricate geometries are required.
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Excellent Thermal and electrical conductivity:
Used as heat sink and conductor respectively because of its thermal and electrical conductivity. Being cheaper than copper it replaces it in many sectors.
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Recycling
Many parts made by aluminum are recycled so it’s more like sustainable material also the chips during Aluminum CNC machining are reused after recycling.
Processes of Aluminum CNC Machining:
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CAD/CAM:
Prior to CNC machining operations parts being manufactured using aluminum is designed in CAD software with appropriate dimensions and tolerances and then CAM softwares parameters are to be set for CNC machines and G codes generation is done to allow CNC machines automatically shape the design into product.
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Material selection:
Depending upon the use specific Aluminum alloy is selected to start the CNC machining process.
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Tool selection:
The choice of tool is determined by the material, the geometry of the part, the design specifications, and the type of machining that will be done.
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Machining operations:
CNC machine performs various machining operations. Some of these operations are as follows
                        
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Milling:
In milling a spindle along with chuck spinning about Z axis vertically or horizontally works on solid block present on the bed which moves in X or Y axis. Solid block of aluminum is mounted on the table by the help of fixtures and fasteners.
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Turning:
In turning operation CNC turning center having 3 or 4 jaw chuck holds aluminum block usually in round shape on which tool mounted on tool post or turret applies shear stress to subtract the material form the block to make the desired shape.
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Drilling:
A spinning cutting tool is used in the CNC drilling process to create round holes in a work piece that is stationary. The purpose of creating holes is usually to provide a fitting space for screws or bolts to assemble items.
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Toolset operation:
The CNC machine gradually removes material by following the created tool path.
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Coolant:
Since dry aluminum encourages the development of sharp edges, cutting fluid is frequently used to dissipate heat and minimize tool wear.
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Surface Finish:
There are certain post machining processes like surface grinding, cylindrical pats surface grinding, sand blasting, coating, anodizing, powder coating, heat treatment, polishing, deburring to enhance the physical properties of aluminum part.
Common Aluminum Alloy for CNC Machining:
Aluminum 6061-T6:
has better machinability mostly used in aerospace industry.
Aluminum 7075-T6:
some of qualities like better, strength to weight ratio, fatigue resistance and hardness are the reason of use of this grade in sports and military sector.
Aluminum 6082:
used in construction industry because of better tensile strength and corrosion resistance.
Aluminum 2024-T4:
It is high strength alloy with good fatigue resistance and fracture toughness.
Applications of Aluminum CNC Machining:
Applications of Aluminum are versatile comprising industrial and commercial uses some of them are as follows:
- Due to its lighter weight aluminum is used in Aerospace industry as it reduces fuel consumption of aircrafts.
- Used in construction industry in window rails, glass structures, scaffolding etc.
- Some of the automobile parts are made up of aluminum along with bodies of vehicles, bicycle frames, etc.
- Main transmission lines in electrical power distribution are made up of aluminum.
- Medical industrial application of aluminum includes Prosthetic devices as its lightweight.
- Wind turbine blades, towers, solar panel structures are made up of aluminum and its alloys.
We are Wuxi Lead Precision Machinery, a company with great experience, diversification in variety of production services, experienced technical staff, precise and well maintained equipment and machinery and very strict Quality control system. All of these capabilities allow us to perform Aluminum CNC Machining of parts for our dear clientele over a number of different sector at reasonable cost, without compromising on quality and without any delay in completion time as Diverse and State of the art CNC machines are capable of Small batch CNC to large scale production without defected parts as our Quality Control team passes the part only with 100% compliance.
For further detail and information please contact www.leadmachinery.net or below where our representative will help you to get ease in receiving our unique and cost effective services and products along with proper guidance and cater for your needs especially in terms of nuts and bolts.
Contact Details: No.7 Yuansheng Rd, Yangjian Industrial Park, Wuxi, China
Tel: 86-510-88533858
Fax: 86-510-88533858
Cell: +8613961886740
Email:[email protected]
CNC Machining China: Comprehensive Guide to Services and Manufacturers