Advantages of Aluminum CNC Machining Parts
Aluminum is one of the most successful commercial metals in human history. This material has been used to make durable and lightweight parts in industries such as aerospace, military and defense, and other industries.
Now, it is obvious how CNC aluminum parts are different from other metal parts. This post discusses some interesting things about aluminum CNC machining parts.
1.What are the advantages of aluminum cnc machining parts?
CNC machining is most favored because it helps manufacturers achieve accuracy, repeatability, and high productivity. Unlike many other manufacturing processes, CNC machining also enables manufacturers to take full advantage of material properties.
CNC aluminum machining services have taken these properties to the extreme. The following advantages of the material combined with CNC machining have boosted the demand for CNC machined parts in recent years.
1) Excellent Strength-to-Weight Ratio
The demand for aluminum parts has been growing over the years, thanks to its high strength-to-weight ratio. This material is strong and lightweight.
These two properties make it ideal for manufacturing critical components in the automotive and aerospace industries.
2) Ease of Machining
Aluminum is a strong material, but it breaks easily, so it is easy to convert it into the desired shape.
The material can withstand the rigors of folding, punching, and drilling that takes place during CNC machining without losing its material properties. Due to its easily formable nature, machining aluminum requires much less energy than other materials such as steel and titanium.
3) Highly Customizable
Aluminum can be easily customized to meet typical application requirements. CNC machined parts can be enhanced for appearance or finished to meet the desired specifications. For example, they can be plated in green, black, blue, or any other desired color.
4) Withstands Temperature Changes
Steel and aluminum have been popular for several years now. These metals offer unique advantages that make them ideal for a variety of industrial applications.
Of the two materials, steel is the most favored when it comes to durability. However, steel is not the right choice if temperature changes are involved. For example, steel cannot withstand high welding temperatures or extremely low temperatures. Aluminum, however, can withstand both of these effectively.
5) Recyclable
Aluminum parts are easily recyclable, which has led to their increasing use in industrial applications. Therefore, CNC machined aluminum parts are an ideal choice for businesses seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.
As we all know, CNC machining is a subtractive process that generates a lot of material waste due to cutting. Material waste can be recycled to make better products.
6) Corrosion Protection
Aluminum CNC machining parts are used in a variety of applications that are exposed to corrosive elements. This is because aluminum has relatively good corrosion resistance.
However, different grades of aluminum have different corrosion resistance capabilities. For example, it is well known that the 6061 grade has excellent corrosion resistance.
7) Excellent Electrical Conductivity
CNC machined aluminum parts are also used in electrical applications because they have good electrical conductivity. Although aluminum may not be as conductive as copper, it is worse than steel or other widely processed materials.
2.What are the popular aluminum cnc machining parts?
Well-machined aluminum parts have become an integral part of a variety of industrial applications. Here are some popular aluminum CNC machining parts:
- Splined shafts
- Aircraft components
- Medical devices
- EMI housings
- Machinery
- Front panels
- Dials and scales
- Optical reflectors
Although aluminum is not a difficult metal to machine, if you are looking to CNC machine aluminum parts for aerospace or aviation applications or military or defense projects, it is important to work with the right CNC machine shop.