Aluminum CNC Machining Service
Get custom aluminum parts machined to your drawing, from one prototype to a full production run. Ten alloys in stock, with anodizing, powder coating and polishing done in house.
Aluminum in CNC Machining
Aluminum cuts faster than steel, which keeps machine time and cost down. It weighs about a third as much at 2.7 g/cm³, conducts heat and electricity well, and forms its own oxide layer against corrosion. It also anodizes cleanly, so you can add hardness and colour without a separate coating. For most parts that need metal strength without the weight, aluminum is the first alloy worth pricing.
| Alloys available | 6061, 6061-T6, 6063, 6082, 5052, 5083, 2024, 7075, 7075-T6, ADC12 |
| Price | $ |
| Lead time | Under 10 days |
| Wall thickness | 0.75 mm |
| Tolerances | ±0.125 mm (±0.005 in) |
| Max part size | 200 x 80 x 100 cm |
Aluminum CNC Machining Materials
6061 Aluminum CNC Machining
The default choice for most parts. Good strength, cuts cleanly, welds well and anodizes evenly. Used for brackets, housings, frames and general structural work.
2024 Aluminum CNC Machining
High fatigue resistance, which is why it shows up in aircraft structures and truck wheels. Corrodes more readily than other alloys, so it usually needs a coating.
5052 Aluminum CNC Machining
The marine alloy. Excellent saltwater corrosion resistance and easy to form, though strength is lower. Common in tanks, enclosures and sheet work.
5083 Aluminum CNC Machining
Stronger than 5052 with the same corrosion resistance. Holds its properties at cryogenic temperatures, so it suits pressure vessels and cold storage equipment.
6061-T6 Aluminum CNC Machining
Heat treated 6061. Same machinability with higher yield strength, for parts that carry real load. Slightly less ductile.
6063 Aluminum CNC Machining
Softer than 6061 and chosen for appearance rather than strength. Takes the best anodized finish of any alloy here, so it suits trim, window frames and visible panels.
6082 Aluminum CNC Machining
Structural alloy with better corrosion resistance than 6061. Common on European drawings for bridges, cranes and marine parts.
7075 Aluminum CNC Machining
Close to steel strength at aluminum weight. Costs more and machines slower, but it is the standard for aerospace fittings, gears and high stress structural parts. Does not weld well.
7075-T6 Aluminum CNC Machining
Heat treated 7075, the strongest alloy on this list. Used in aircraft structures, climbing hardware and performance automotive parts where failure is not an option.
ADC12 (A380) Aluminum CNC Machining
A die casting alloy rather than a billet alloy. Good casting properties and corrosion resistance, machined for automotive parts, electronic housings and machinery components that start life as castings.
General CNC Machining Tolerances
| Description | General Tolerance or Standard |
|---|---|
| General Dimensional Tolerances | ±0.005″ (±0.127 mm) for metals; ±0.010″ (±0.254 mm) for plastics in line with ISO 2768-mK unless otherwise specified |
| Tight Tolerances | Down to ±0.001″ (±0.025 mm) available upon request, with detailed 2D drawings and GD&T specifications |
| Minimum Feature Size | ~0.020″ (0.50 mm), depends on part geometry, tool diameter, and material |
| Hole Diameter Tolerance | ±0.002″ (±0.05 mm) typical; tighter tolerances with boring or reaming |
| Flatness/Parallelism | ≤0.002″ per 6″ (≤0.05 mm per 150 mm), varies by material and fixture setup |
| Thread Tolerances | Standard metric and imperial threads per ISO/ASME; custom or fine threads available on request |
| Angular Tolerance | ±0.5° typical |
| Edge Condition | Sharp edges are broken and deburred by default unless noted otherwise |
| Surface Finish (Standard) | Ra 3.2 μm (125 μin) as-machined; improved finishes available via polishing, bead blasting, anodizing, etc. |
| Maximum Part Size | Milling: Up to 80″ × 48″ × 24″ (2,032 × 1,219 × 610 mm) Turning: Up to 62″ length × 32″ diameter (1,575 × 813 mm) |
Advantages and Limitations of Aluminum
Aluminum suits most machined parts, but it isn’t the right answer for everything. Here’s where it wins and where it falls short.
- Light. At 2.7 g/cm³ it weighs roughly a third of steel, which matters in anything that moves or flies.
- Corrosion resistant. It forms its own oxide layer, and anodizing thickens that layer further.
- Conducts heat and electricity. Close enough to copper for heat sinks, enclosures and electrical housings.
- Cuts fast. Higher feed rates mean less machine time, which shows up directly in your unit price.
- Takes a finish. Anodizing, powder coating and polishing all work well, so cosmetic parts need no extra material.
- Holds up in the cold. Unlike steel, it keeps its toughness at sub zero temperatures, which is why it’s used in cryogenic work.
- Soft. Pure aluminum marks easily, which is why parts are machined from alloys rather than the pure metal.
- Costs more than steel. It has to be refined from bauxite, so raw stock prices sit above mild steel.
- Scratches show. The soft surface picks up handling marks, and a polished or anodized finish makes them more visible.
- Loses strength with heat. Above roughly 200°C it softens, so it’s the wrong choice near engines, exhausts or furnaces.
Bring Your Designs to Life with Elite Mold Tech
Experience precision CNC machining with Elite Mold Tech. From intricate prototypes to large-scale production, we’re ready to bring your ideas to reality. Contact us today to discuss your project needs!
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Aluminum CNC Machining FAQs
Which aluminum alloy is best for CNC machining?
6061 for most work. It machines cleanly, welds, anodizes evenly and costs less than the high strength grades. Pick 7075 only when the part carries serious load, and 6063 when the finish matters more than the strength.
What tolerances can you hold on aluminum parts?
Standard is ±0.125 mm (±0.005 in). We can go tighter on specific features if you call them out on the drawing, though tight tolerances across a whole part add cost without adding function.
Can aluminum parts be anodized in colour?
Yes. Type II anodizing takes dye well in black, red, blue, gold and clear. Note that anodizing adds 5 to 25 μm per surface, so mask any feature with a tight fit.
What is the lead time for aluminum machined parts?
Under 10 days for most orders. Simple prototypes move faster. Lead time depends on alloy availability, part complexity and the finish you specify.
Is 6061 or 7075 stronger?
7075, by a wide margin. Yield strength is 503 MPa against 276 MPa for 6061. The trade is cost, slower machining and poor weldability, so 7075 belongs on aerospace and high stress parts rather than general brackets and housings.
What is the minimum wall thickness for aluminum?
0.75 mm. Thinner walls chatter under the tool and distort once the part comes off the fixture. If your design needs thinner, send it over and we’ll tell you whether it will hold.
Do you machine cast aluminum like ADC12?
Yes. ADC12 arrives as a die casting and we machine the critical features afterwards, which is standard for automotive parts and electronic housings.