Key Factors to Consider Before Designing CNC Aluminum Parts
Designing CNC aluminum parts is a critical process that requires meticulous attention to detail and careful consideration of various factors. In this blog post, we dive into the key considerations that engineers and designers must keep in mind before embarking on their aluminum CNC machining journey. Below, we at FRIMA will provide further details regarding CNC Aluminum parts.
Materials of CNC Aluminum Parts
Aluminum is a versatile metal with a silver color, known for its lightweight and non-magnetic properties. It can be shaped into various forms, such as thick plates used for armored tanks or thin foils used for wrappers. Additionally, aluminum can be drawn into wire and utilized in the production of cans.
Pure aluminum is soft and has limited strength. Small amounts of elements such as copper, magnesium, and zinc are often added to increase stability.
Aluminum is a relatively recent addition to the industrial metal lineup, with commercial production spanning just over a century. When designing aluminum parts, several challenges should be considered. It is worth noting that 70% of our products consist of aluminum. As professionals in the field, we are pleased to offer our expertise and share our experience with you.
Here are some most common types of aluminum used in CNC machining:
- Aluminum 6061 – mainly used on 3,4 and 5-axis CNC milling machines. It has excellent mechanical properties and is easy to weld. The hardness of this alloy ranges from medium to high level. This alloy is easy to anodize and bend.
- Aluminum 7075 – this alloy has a high impact resistance however, it is not applicable for welding due to its properties. Also, this alloy has high corrosion resistance. It is a very common material in the bicycle and wheelchair industries.
- Aluminum 2024 – is widely used in the aerospace and military industries. This alloy has good wearability and high corrosion resistance in harsh environments.
Anodizing Options for CNC Aluminum Parts
FRIMA offers three types of aluminum anodizing, which is a popular choice for finishing metal parts. Anodizing provides excellent corrosion protection and improves the visual appeal of the parts:
- Type I-Chromic Acid: Provides a whisper-thin but still durable coating. Commonly used for welded parts and assemblies, and as a primer before painting. Like all anodized surfaces, it is non-conductive.
- Type II-Sulfuric Acid: Harder than Type I it offers an exceedingly durable finish. Usage examples include carabiner hooks, flashlight handles, motorcycle parts, and hydraulic valve bodies.
- Type III-Hard Anodize or Hardcoat: This is the thickest and hardest anodize available and has a wide range of applications for parts and products in automotive, aerospace, heavy equipment, marine industry, general manufacturing, and military/law enforcement.
Order CNC Aluminum Parts with FRIMA
All of our metals and alloys are sourced from reputable material suppliers, ensuring the highest quality for your parts. Our company is committed to manufacturing your products according to the exact specifications outlined in your drawings. Our team of skilled engineers is available to assist you in optimizing your design, making it both cost-effective and efficient. Our experienced machine operators utilize state-of-the-art CNC turning parts and CNC milling parts machines to guarantee 100% quality for every aluminum part produced.
Mar 22, 2023
