How CNC Machines Process Aluminum Alloy

Aluminum is the most popular material in our shop. It's lightweight, strong, and machines fast. We process 6061, 7075, and aerospace-grade alloys every day.

The key to good aluminum machining is managing heat and chip evacuation. Aluminum has a low melting point. If chips weld to the cutter, surface finish degrades and tool life drops.

Our Aluminum Machining Process

Material selection. We use certified aluminum alloys with documented mill test reports. 6061 for general-purpose parts. 7075 for high-stress applications.

Toolpath programming. Our CAM engineers generate G-code optimized for aluminum's characteristics. High spindle speeds between 8,000 and 15,000 RPM. Moderate feed rates that keep chip loads consistent.

Cutting. We use flood coolant systems to control temperature and flush chips. High-pressure coolant through the spindle breaks chips and prevents packing.

Finishing. Anodizing, powder coating, and chemical film are available in-house. Our surface finishes typically hit 0.8 μm Ra without secondary work.

Real Project Examples

An automotive client needed lightweight engine brackets in 7075-T6. The parts had thin ribs and tight flatness requirements. We machined them on 5-axis centers to avoid distortion. Every bracket passed their load test.

Medical device clients use our aluminum parts for sterilizable surgical instruments. We hold tolerances through the anodizing process by accounting for coating thickness in the CAM program.

Aluminum is forgiving, but precision still requires skill. Fifteen years of experience means we've dialed in the process.

Send your CAD files to chen@aoomtech.com for a quote within 24 hours.