Aluminum CNC Machined Parts: Why They Are in Demand?

Posted On: June 12, 2020

Aluminum is one of the most successful commercial metals in the history of humankind. This material has been used for building durable and lightweight parts across industries like aerospace and aeronautical, military and defense, and other industries. Now, it is quite obvious to think, how a CNC aluminum part differs from other metal parts. This post discusses some interesting things about CNC machined parts made of aluminum.

What Are the Benefits Offered by CNC Machined Aluminum Parts?

CNC machining is mostly preferred because it helps manufacturers achieve accuracy, repeatability, and high productivity. Unlike many other manufacturing processes, CNC machining also enables manufacturers to make the best use of material properties. These properties have been made to best use by CNC aluminum machining services. The following benefits of material combined with CNC machining have contributed to the demand for CNC machined parts in recent years.

• Excellent Strength-to-Weight Ratio:

  The demand for aluminum parts has increased over the years, owing to its high strength-to-weight ratio. The material possesses high strength, and yet is lightweight. Both these properties make it an ideal choice for building critical parts in the automotive and aerospace industries.

• Easily Machinable:

  Aluminum is a strong material, but it chips easily which makes it easy to convert it into the desired shape. The material can withstand the rigors of folding, punching, and drilling conducted during CNC machining, without losing its material properties. Owing to its easy-to-shape property, the energy required to machine aluminum is much lesser compared to other materials such as steel, titanium, and so on.

• Highly Customizable:

  Aluminum can be easily customized to meet typical application requirements. CNC machined parts can be cosmetically enhanced or finished to desired specifications. For instance, they can be plated with colors including green, black, blue, or any other desired color.

• Can Withstand Temperature Variations:

  Steel and aluminum have been popular for several years. These metals offer peculiar benefits which make them an ideal choice for various industrial applications. Of these two, steel is most favored when it comes to durability. However, steel is not the right choice if temperature variations are involved. For instance, steel cannot withstand high welding temperatures or extremely low temperatures. However, aluminum can withstand both these conditions efficiently.

• Recyclable:

  Aluminum parts are easily recyclable, which has contributed to their increasing use in industrial applications. Thus, CNC machined aluminum parts are an ideal choice for businesses looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. As known, CNC machining is a subtractive process, where lots of material waste is created due to chipping. The material waste can be recycled to create a better product.

• Anti-Corrosive:

  CNC machined parts made of aluminum are used in various applications where they are exposed to corrosive elements. Aluminum offers relatively good resistance to corrosion; however, their capabilities of corrosion resistance differ across grades. For instance, grade 6061 is known to offer excellent corrosion resistance.

• Excellent Electrical Conductivity:

  CNC machined aluminum parts are also used in electrical applications, because they have good electrical conductivity. Although aluminum may not have the same level conductivity as that of copper, it is better than steel or other widely machined materials.

Which Are Some Popular CNC Machined Aluminum Parts?

Well-machined aluminum parts have been integral to several industrial applications. The following are a few popular CNC machined parts made of aluminum:

• Spline shafts
• Airplane parts
• Medical devices
• EMI-housing
• Machinery
• Front panels
• Dial and scales
• Optical reflectors

Although aluminum is not a difficult metal to machine, it is important to partner with the right CNC machine shop, if you are looking for CNC machined aluminum parts for your aerospace or aeronautical applications or military or defense projects. BDE, Inc. specializes in CNC aluminum machining, and has been delivering precision machined CNC machined parts to its clients across industries. The company provides various CNC machining services including precision machining, CNC milling and turning, and production wire EDM.