How to process aluminum: what you need to know
Aluminum is one of the most commonly used machining materials, and because most forms of material have excellent processability, they are commonly used in manufacturing. As a result, competition in aluminum processing can be fierce.
Understanding the basics behind aluminum's tool selection, operating parameters and advanced milling technology can help machinists gain a competitive advantage. A CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine runs on a computer program; it can be used for both prototyping and whole-piece production.
Aluminum is a common machining material because of its excellent processability and is therefore the material of choice in most manufacturing industries. Aluminum as a material offers some interesting thermal and mechanical properties. In addition, aluminum metal is relatively easy to form, especially during drilling, such as in CNC aluminum machining. In fact, we value aluminum alloys more than other light metals such as magnesium and titanium alloys.
The use of CNC aluminum has been greatly developed, and the production of CNC automotive parts and other lightweight CNC parts has been very active. Here are some things you may not know.
Aluminum material:
CNC aluminum processing Aluminum is soft, lightweight, easy to handle, malleable and durable metal. Its appearance is silver or dark gray and depends on the roughness of the surface. It lacks magnetism and is not flammable. Aluminum metal melts at 640 degrees and its optical density is 2.68. It is a good electrical conductor, although it differs from copper in specific cross-sectional areas and is widely used in CNC cars such as ATV, aerospace and medical industries.
Aluminum grade
The final choice of type of aluminum grade you intend to use depends on your processing project, which allows you to rank each grade according to its grade (most important to smallest). This way, you can choose aluminum with specific characteristics and shapes as needed.
CNC aluminum prototype
Prototypes of aluminum machining are usually produced from various alloys. The most commonly used alloy is 6061-T6, which can meet the needs of electronics, transportation, aerospace, military and other industries. Aluminum alloys have low density but high strength. Generally, CNC aluminum prototype machining has huge tolerances of even 0.01MM. CNC machines make unique and high-quality aluminum prototypes. CNC milling is just the perfect choice. Its advantage lies in the machining process, that is, high-precision milling of aluminum.
CNC machined aluminum parts
CNC machining of aluminum technology has produced CNC parts and assemblies that can assist a wide range of services (turning, milling and grinding). Today, precision-machined CNC aluminum parts are becoming increasingly popular in engineering.
How to avoid deformation in CNC aluminum processing
Aluminum is an essential industrial material, but it has major flaws. The alloy has low hardness and high thermal expansion, and it will deform when processed into thinner parts. However, several steps can be taken to avoid material deformation in advance.
Symmetrical machining
Extreme heat concentration must be avoided, but heat must be dissipated to reduce thermal deformation.
Layered multiple processing
If there are multiple cavities on one aluminum alloy plate, you can easily distort one cavity wall due to the distribution of force. To avoid this, all cavities should be processed within the same period.
Drilling and milling
When milling cutters are applied to cavities and parts, cutting is sufficient. Causes cutting heat, swelling and deformation. The best way to avoid this problem is to pre-drill with a larger tool than the milling cutter and then place the milling cutter.
The benefits of aluminum are obvious: excellent cutting processes, optimal quality, and demand for machined aluminum products are on the rise. To meet your needs, many experts have emerged in the industry, remember to research and look for samples to ensure the quality of CNC aluminum.