Aluminium Machining

Aluminium Machining

Aluminium Machined Part

Aluminium CNC Machining Service for Custom Part Fabrication

Aluminium Machining

Aluminium is widely used in manufacturing due to its unique combination of properties that make it highly versatile and effective for various applications. These characteristics are;

  • Lightweight
  • High Strength-to-Weight Ratio
  • Corrosion Resistance
  • Malleability and Workability
  • Conductivity

Machining aluminium profiles is relatively inexpensive due to low tool wear caused by aluminium’s low specific cutting force, about one-third of that of steel. Additionally, aluminium allows for higher cutting speeds, further reducing machining costs compared to carbon steel.

Aluminium machining Process

Aluminium Machining Operations

  • Slab Milling

  • Slot Milling

  • Side & Face Milling

  • Form Milling

CNC Turning Service

CNC Grinding

  • Surface Grinding
  • Cylindrical Grinding
  • Centerless Grinding
  • Internal Grinding
CNC Grinding

Heat Treatment

  • Annealing
  • Stress Relieving

  • Tempering
  • Quenching

Annealing Machined Parts
CNC Machining Parts with operators

Coating

  • Bead Blasting
  • Polishing
  • Powder Coating
  • Passivation
Machining Surface Finish

Challenges in Aluminium Machining

Challenge            Description
Material Sticking Aluminium’s softness means it often sticks to the cutting tool, creating what’s known as a “built-up edge.” This build-up messes with the cutting tool’s sharpness, leaving a less-than-perfect finish on the part.
Sticky Chips Aluminium tends to produce long, sticky chips during machining. These can tangle around tools, clog machinery, and even scratch the surface of your work piece if not managed properly.
Thermal Management Aluminium is an excellent thermal conductor, which means it heats up quickly during machining. This heat can harm cutting tools and work pieces, leading to dullness and warping. If the temperature becomes too high, aluminium can melt and adhere to the tools.
Different Alloys, Different Problems Various series and grades of aluminium offer different levels of machinability—some are soft and gummy, while others are brittle or prone to chipping. Understanding the appropriate cutting strategies for each grade is crucial.
Vibration Aluminium’s low density can make it prone to vibrations during machining, leading to chatter that affects precision and finish. Thin or delicate parts are especially vulnerable.
Stainless Steel Milling
Aluminium CNC Turning Part

Tips for Aluminium Machining

  • Use rigid tools and tool holders with finely ground, sharp edges to minimize build-up.
  • Direct or break chips to prevent damage to parts or tools.
  • Improve productivity with high cutting speeds, moderate depths, and steady feed rates.
  • Avoid excessive cutting pressures unless the work piece is well-supported.
  • Use lower feed rates for thin-walled parts and recommended rake angles to reduce cutting forces and metal build-up.
  • Opt for tools designed specifically for aluminium, and use coolant feed drills or high-pressure coolant systems for optimal performance.

Quality Control

How do we price machining works?

Category            Description
Material
  • Material Grade: Different Alumunium Grades have different characteristics of machinability.
  • Material Wastage: Larger raw material blocks result in higher wastage, thus, costs.
Design Complexity
  • Geometry: Complex shapes and detailed features require more time and advanced setups.
  • Tolerances: High tolerances require slower speeds and more quality checks.
  • Surface Finish: High-quality finishes need additional passes or post machining processing.
Volume
  • Batch Size: Smaller batches have higher per-unit costs due to setup overhead.
  • Economies of Scale: Larger runs reduce per-part costs by spreading fixed expenses.
Tooling and Setup
  • Custom Tools: Custom cutting tools or jigs increase upfront costs.
  • Setup Time: Longer setup times for complex parts add to costs.
  • Machine Type: Advanced multi-axis machines are more expensive to operate.
Post-Processing
  • Secondary Operations: Processes like anodizing, heat treatment, powder coating add expense.
  • Inspection and Testing: Advanced quality checks, such as CMM inspections, require time and resources.

 

FAQ

What is contract CNC machining?2024-12-31T00:33:50+00:00

Contract CNC machining refers to outsourcing precision manufacturing tasks to a specialized provider. These services involve computer-controlled machining processes to produce high-quality parts or components from various materials, including metals, plastics, and composites.

What types of CNC machines do you use?2024-12-31T00:34:24+00:00

Our facility utilizes a wide range of CNC machines, including:

  • CNC mills
  • CNC lathes
  • 5-axis machining centers
  • Swiss-style lathes
  • CNC routers
What is your typical lead time for projects?2024-12-31T00:35:09+00:00

Lead times depend on project complexity, material availability, and order volume. Prototyping projects often take 1-3 weeks, while production runs may take 4-8 weeks. Expedited services are available for urgent needs.

Can you provide finishing services?2024-12-31T00:35:47+00:00

Yes, we offer a variety of finishing services, including:

  • Anodizing
  • Powder coating
  • Polishing
  • Sandblasting
  • Heat treatments
  • Plating (e.g., chrome, nickel)
Can you handle large parts or assemblies?2024-12-31T00:36:17+00:00

Yes, we have CNC machines capable of handling large parts and assemblies. Our facilities include machines with extended work envelopes and multi-axis capabilities to accommodate oversized or complex components.

Can you machine custom threads or specialized features?2024-12-31T00:36:52+00:00

Yes. We can machine custom threads (both internal and external) and create specialized features such as undercuts, thin walls, deep pockets, and complex contours based on your specifications.

What are your shipping options?2024-12-31T00:37:23+00:00

We ship globally using a variety of carriers. Depending on your location and urgency, we can provide standard shipping, expedited shipping, or freight options for large orders.

Can you integrate CNC machining with other manufacturing processes?2024-12-31T00:37:50+00:00

Yes, we can combine CNC machining with other processes such as injection molding, die casting, 3D printing, and metal stamping for a complete manufacturing solution.

Do you machine small or intricate parts?2024-12-31T00:38:17+00:00

Yes, our precision CNC machines are equipped to produce small, intricate components with features like micro-holes, fine threads, and detailed engravings.

Are there specific design guidelines I should follow for CNC machining?2024-12-31T00:38:55+00:00

Yes, to ensure manufacturability, consider the following:

  • Avoid overly thin walls or deep pockets.
  • Specify radii for inside corners.
  • Use standard hole sizes where possible.
  • Minimize excessive tolerances unless necessary.
What is your process for handling defective parts?2024-12-31T00:39:34+00:00

If defective parts are identified, we will replace them free of charge. We work closely with our clients to address any issues promptly and improve future production runs.

Do you offer post-production assembly?2024-12-31T00:40:07+00:00

Yes, we provide post-production assembly services, including mechanical assembly, fastening, and packaging, depending on your project’s needs.

Why Choose Us?

In addition to high-quality products and machining processes, we offer:

  • Advanced quality control processes that meet and outperform industry standards
  • Advanced CNC manufacturing equipment
  • Custom packaging options
  • Total dedication to customer satisfaction with every project.

How can we help you ?

Alumunium Machinining Services are indispensable to various industries and their success depends on the careful selection of contractors.

Novelty Structures stands out as a reliable partner in providing high-quality Alumunium CNC Machining services tailored to demanding industrial needs.

Contact our team to further discuss your needs.

Knowledge Hub

Go to Top