...

Aluminum CNC Machining Services

With 20 years of aluminum CNC machining experience. AT-Machining Empowering Your Designs with Unmatched Accuracy!

Save 30% cost on average!

Expert CNC aluminum machining service

AT-Machining delivers fast, reliable CNC aluminum machining for prototypes and production. Our ISO9001-certified shop handles simple to complex designs with precision milling and turning. We support rapid prototyping, small batches, and volume runs. Our engineering team is available 24/7 for expert assistance.

AL7075 CNC Machined Robotic Joint

Aluminum Machining Tolerance Standards

We deliver aluminum parts with exacting precision. Our standard tolerance is ±0.005” (±0.125mm), adhering to ISO 2768-m.

For critical applications requiring superior accuracy, we can achieve tolerances as tight as ±0.001” (±0.025mm). By specifying your requirements on the print, you ensure every component is machined for perfect fit and function.

Comparison Of Common Aluminum Alloys

Aluminum Grade Cost Ultimate Tensile Strength Max Operating Temp Elongation Hardness Weldability Thermal Conductivity Common Applications
Aluminum 6061-T6 $ 291 - 320 MPa 130 - 150 °C 12 - 17 % 60 HRB High 152 - 169 W/(m·°C) Automotive, Marine, Electrical
Aluminum 7075-T6 $$$ 434 - 580 MPa 100 °C 2 - 11 % 79-86 HRB Poor 131 - 137 W/(m·°C) Aircraft and aerospace, Marine
Aluminum 5083-H111 $$ 270 - 350 MPa 80 - 100 °C 13 % 74 HV High 118 - 128 W/(m·°C) Marine industry, Pressure vessels
Aluminum 6082 $ 140 - 340 MPa 130 - 150 °C 6.3 - 18 % 35-56 HRB High 160-180 W/(m·°C) Structural frames, Pylons
Note: The above table of aluminum alloy parameters for various grades is for reference only, contact us for more accurate details.

Available Aluminum Alloys for CNC Machining

Common aluminum alloys for CNC milling or turning include 6061, 7075, 6082, and 5083-H111. 6061 offers corrosion resistance and weldability; 7075 boasts high strength; 6082 provides balanced properties with good machinability; and 5083-H111, with exceptional seawater resistance, is perfect for marine and transport applications.

Each alloy has unique benefits that make them well-suited for different CNC machining applications.

Aluminum 6061-T6

General Purpose Standard

The industry standard for CNC machining. It offers the best balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and weldability. Perfect for structural parts.

Versatile Weldable Corrosion Resistant

Aluminum 7075-T651

Aerospace Grade | Stress Relieved

Strength comparable to steel. The T651 temper is stress-relieved, ensuring superior dimensional stability and minimal distortion during complex machining.

Ultra-High Strength Low Distortion Aerospace

Aluminum 5083-H111

Marine Grade | Chemical Resistant

Known for exceptional performance in extreme environments. Offers the best resistance to seawater and industrial chemicals. Retains high strength after welding.

Marine Chemical Resistant

Aluminum 2024-T8510

High Fatigue Resistance

A primary aerospace alloy chosen for parts subject to high tension or cyclic loading. Offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and superior fatigue resistance.

Fatigue Resistant Aircraft Structures

Aluminum 7050-T7451

Thick Plate Specialist

Superior to 7075 in thick sections. The T7451 temper provides a unique combination of high strength, fracture toughness, and stress corrosion cracking resistance.

Fracture Toughness Thick Plate

Aluminum 6082

Structural Alloy

The highest strength alloy of the 6000 series. Ideal for high-stress structural applications (trusses, cranes) with excellent corrosion resistance.

High Strength Structural

Aluminum 2011

Free Machining Alloy (FMA)

The best machining aluminum alloy. It produces small, broken chips, allowing for high-speed CNC production and tight tolerances on complex parts.

Free Machining High Speed

Aluminum 6063

Architectural & Cosmetic

Selected for its excellent response to anodizing and superior surface finish. Ideal for visual parts, architectural frames, and consumer electronics.

Anodizing Surface Finish

AT-Machining

On-demand Aluminum CNC Machining With Custom Finishes.
You Design It, We'll Make It.

Best Practices For Aluminum CNC Machining

Geometry Fundamentals

Specify realistic minimum wall thickness and fillet radii. Match radii to tool diameters for better stiffness and surface finish.

Stress Management

Control residual stress with strategic roughing. Use symmetric material removal and flip sequencing to minimize warping.

Fixturing Strategy

Provide accessible clamping surfaces and consistent datums. Proper probing targets reduce setup variation and maintain tolerances.

Tooling Selection

Prioritize high-helix end mills and optimized stick-out. Use balanced toolholders to reduce chatter and improve chip evacuation.

CNC Aluminum Part ALuminum CNC Machining for Automotive
CNC Spindle Milling
Metal Drilling CNC Milling
Metal Shavings Tolerance 0.005mm
Caliper Measurement As Machined

CNC Machined Aluminum Applications

Aluminum is lightweight, strong, and versatile. We deliver precision-machined parts for top industries, ensuring durability and performance where it matters most.

Aerospace Industry

Lightweight strength is key. We create precise aircraft parts, like brackets and frames, ensuring safety and fuel savings for every flight.

Automotive & Motorsport

Boost speed and save fuel. We machine light, durable engine and suspension parts built to handle the high stress of racing.

aluminum heat sink

Electronics & Telecommunications

Heat control is essential. We machine custom heat sinks and strong cases to keep sensitive devices cool, protected, and running smoothly.

Medical & Healthcare

Hygiene is non-negotiable. We make rust-resistant surgical tools and device covers that are easy to sterilize and safe for patient use.

Expert Engineering Guide

DFM for Aluminum CNC Machining

Aluminum 6061 and 7075 are versatile but prone to vibration and deformation if not designed correctly. Follow these 5 expert principles to optimize your parts for high-speed machining, reducing costs and lead times.

Get Instant Quote   ➔
Aluminum CNC Machining
01 Optimize Internal Radii
02 Rigid Wall Thickness
03 Limit Cavity Depth
04 Smart Tolerancing
05 Thread Depth Control

Optimize Internal Radii

Don't just add a radius—add a floor radius. Make internal corner radii slightly larger than standard tool sizes (e.g., R3.5mm instead of R3.0mm). This allows the tool to maintain a continuous motion (trochoidal milling), reducing load and improving surface finish.

Maintain Rigid Wall Thickness

Aluminum is prone to vibration and warping due to internal stress release. We recommend a minimum wall thickness of 0.8mm (0.031") for structural stability. Thicker walls allow for more aggressive material removal rates, significantly lowering cycle time.

Limit Cavity Depth

Deep pockets require long, slender end mills that are prone to deflection and chatter. Design cavity depths to be less than 4x the diameter of the smallest internal radius. If deeper features are needed, consider splitting the part or using a larger corner radius.

Smart Tolerancing

Tighter tolerances significantly increase machining time and inspection costs. Apply tight tolerances (e.g., ISO 2768-f) only to critical mating interfaces. For non-critical visual surfaces, standard tolerances (ISO 2768-m) are sufficient and much more cost-effective.

Thread Depth Control

Avoid excessive thread depths. A thread depth of 1.5x to 2x the hole diameter provides maximum strength for aluminum screws. Deeper threads increase the risk of tap breakage and chip packing without adding any structural benefit.

Surface Finishes For CNC Machined Aluminum Parts

Many types of surface finishes can be applied to CNC machined aluminum parts. The most common finishes AT-Machining provides are anodizing, powder coating, bead blast and plating. Each of these finishes has unique benefits. Choose the one best suits your needs!

As machined aluminum part

As machined

The machined aluminum parts are left with visible tool marks and potentially sharp edges and burrs, which can be removed upon request.

Bead Blasted aluminum part

Bead Blasted

Give the machined parts a smooth and uniform matte surface finish, thereby removing tool marks.

Polished aluminum part

Polishing

Creating a smooth and shiny surface by manually polishing in multiple directions or by applying a chemical polish treatment.

Anodized aluminum part

Anodizing

Type II (Anodizing color or clear) or Type III (Anodizing hard coat) Anodizing does not cover tool marks unless bead blasted beforehand.

Chromate Conversion Coating

Chromate Conversion Coating

Increase the part's corrosion resistance while retaining its conductivity. RoHS compliant.

Decorative Chrome Plating

Decorative Chrome Plating

Enhance aesthetics and durability of the cnc aluminum components.

Powder Coat aluminum part

Powder Coat

Applying powdered paint to the components and then baking it in an oven, which results in a stronger, more wear- and corrosion-resistant layer that is more durable than traditional painting methods.

Gallery Of CNC Machined Aluminum Parts

Our team specializes in rapid prototyping and low & large volume production. We serve medical, aerospace, automotive, and robotics industries with precision components.

Aluminum part
High-Pressure Water Jet
AL6061-T6
Machined Part
Remote Control Racing Car Parts
AL6082-T651 As Machined
Blue Part
CNC Machined Part
AL6082-T651 Anodic Coating
Black Part
CNC Milled Part
Al6061 Sandblasting Champagne Color Anodizing
Shiny Part
Bicycle Part
Al6061-T6 Blue Anodized
Complex Milling
Robot Parts
AL6061-T6 Sandblasting Natural Anodizing
Aerospace Part
Steamship Part
AL7075
Bracket
Heat Sink AL7075
AL7075
Medical Device
Propeller
AL6061 T6 CNC Milling
Prototype
Self-Balancing Scooter Part
AL6061 T6 Conversion Coating
Support & FAQ

Got Questions about Aluminum Machining?

We know precision manufacturing can be complex. Here are the answers to the most common questions our engineering team receives.

Sam - AT Machining Founder

Sam

Founder & Chief Engineer
"30 years of CNC experience, dedicated to solving complex design challenges."

Talk to Chief Engineer

Aluminum CNC machining costs depend on part complexity, machining hours, alloy grade, surface finish, and quantity. Simple 6061 parts may cost a few dollars each, while complex 5-axis 7075 components require longer cycles. Bulk orders reduce unit cost significantly.

Typical tolerances for aluminum CNC parts are ±0.01 mm, while critical dimensions can reach ±0.005 mm with optimized setups. High-precision applications often use 4-axis or 5-axis machines to maintain consistency.

Common finishes include anodizing (Type II & Type III), powder coating, bead blasting, brushing, and chromate conversion. Each provides benefits like corrosion resistance or aesthetics to match your specific requirements.

Prototyping usually takes 3–7 days. Production orders often require 10–20 days. Lead times vary by quantity and finishing needs, with expedited services available for urgent deadlines.