Custom CNC machining 6061 aluminum groove part

Custom CNC machined 6061 aluminum groove part

Product

Custom  CNC machining of aluminum alloy parts is a common precision manufacturing service, widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and medical devices. Aluminum alloy offers advantages such as lightweight, high strength, and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for machining into various complex shapes.

Key Processes and Features of Custom Machining Aluminum Alloy Parts:

1. Material Selection

  • Common aluminum alloys: include 6061, 7075, 2024, each offering different levels of strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability. For example:
    • 6061 aluminum alloy: Medium strength, good machinability, and corrosion resistance, widely used for general structural components.
    • 7075 aluminum alloy: High strength, suitable for aerospace applications where strength and lightweight are required.
    • 2024 aluminum alloy: Excellent fatigue strength and machining properties, used for high-strength mechanical parts.

2. Machining Techniques

  • CNC machining: Custom aluminum parts are typically machined using CNC machines, especially three-axis, four-axis, or five-axis CNC to produce complex geometries and high-precision parts. Five-axis machining is ideal for parts with complex curves or multi-surface requirements.
  • Turning and milling: Turning is mainly used for machining round or shaft-like parts, while milling is used for processing planes, slots, and other structures.
  • Drilling and tapping: Precision drilling and thread tapping may also be required during machining to ensure accurate installation.

3. Surface Treatment

  • Anodizing: Aluminum parts often undergo anodizing to enhance corrosion resistance and surface hardness, while also improving appearance. Anodizing can achieve different colors, such as black, silver, or blue, to meet aesthetic and functional requirements.
  • Sandblasting: Used to remove impurities and oxidation from the surface, creating a uniform and aesthetically pleasing finish.
  • Plating and painting: In some applications, aluminum parts may require plating or painting to improve wear resistance or appearance.

4. Tolerance Requirements

  • The tolerance of aluminum parts depends on the design and application. For precision parts, tolerances of ±0.01 mm or higher can be achieved to ensure fit accuracy and functional reliability in assembly.
  • For example, electronic devices or aerospace components often require very strict dimensional control to ensure the final product performs as expected.

5. Production Volume

  • Custom aluminum parts can be produced in flexible quantities, from small-batch prototyping to large-scale production, depending on customer needs. Small-batch production requires greater flexibility and shorter lead times, while large-batch production focuses on cost control and efficiency.

6. Quality Control

  • Strict quality control is essential to ensure that machined aluminum parts meet design specifications. Common quality inspection methods include coordinate measuring machines (CMM) and surface roughness testing, ensuring the parts’ dimensions, surface quality, and performance meet customer requirements.

7. Application Fields

  • Aerospace: Lightweight, high-strength parts such as brackets, frames, and structural components.
  • Automotive industry: Engine components, transmission parts, body brackets, etc.
  • Electronics: Precision housings, heat sinks, support structures, etc.
  • Medical devices: Medical instrument components, brackets, housings, etc.