Today, for CNC machining
projects, aluminum has become one of the most popular material choices due to
its desirable physical properties. It is robust, which makes it ideal for
mechanical parts, and its oxidized outer layer is resistant to corrosion from
the elements. These advantages have made aluminum parts common across all
industries.
Aluminum offers specific
benefits that simplify and enhance the process of CNC machining services. Aluminum provides
exceptional machinability: several grades can be penetrated by cutting tools,
chipping while being comparatively straightforward to shape. Due to this
reason, aluminum can be machined faster than steel or iron.
Here
are some of the reasons why aluminum CNC machining is one of the most requested
prototyping and productions processes.
1.
Machinability:
Aluminum is very easy to
machine, and that is one of the significant reasons why manufacturers opt for
aluminum for their machined parts. It may seem to be more beneficial to
machinist manufacturing the parts; however, it also has several benefits for
the business ordering the material, as well as the end-user who will use it.
Aluminum can be cut rapidly
and accurately with CNC machine tools because it is easy to shape and chips
easily. This has some significant consequences:
· The short timeframe of the machining job makes the process cost-effective, as it requires less labor.
· It allows the machine to meet tighter tolerances and leads to higher accuracy and repeatability.
2.
Corrosion Resistance:
Different aluminum grades
vary considerably in their resistance to corrosion. Luckily, some of the most
well-known standards for CNC machining services are the most resistant. The
aluminum alloys may be less resistant to corrosion due to the presence of
alloyed copper.
3. Strength-to-weight ratio:
Aluminum has desirable
physical properties that make it ideal for aspect and mechanical parts. The
aluminum’s high strength and its lightweight make the material favorable for
critical parts.
However, different grades of aluminum serve various purposes.
4.
Anodization Potential:
Because of strength, weight
demands, and also aesthetic considerations, machined aluminum parts have become
popular in the consumer electronics industry. Aluminum can be treated with Anodization,
as it is responsive to paints and tints,
The Anodization process usually takes place after CNC machining is over. Also anodizing helps to add color to a machined aluminum parts, as the anodized outer layers in highly porous.
5. Recyclability:
If your business is seeking
to minimize the environmental impact or if you want to reduce material wastage
and recoup some of your expenditure, you should know that aluminum is highly
recyclable. Recyclable materials are especially essential in CNC machining,
where there is a relatively large amount of waste material in the form of chips
from the cutting tool.
The
Bottom Line:
It is quite clear that
every metal has some weaknesses, and aluminum has a few of them, but still,
businesses choose aluminum for CNC machining because of the benefits it offers.
Today, the demand for
machined aluminum products and parts is on the rise. Industries are working
with a specialist to meet the requirement of their clients. Remember, do your
research and seek samples to be sure on the quality of the aluminum CNC
machining service.