Aluminum in CNC Machining

Choose the Right Material, Build with Confidence.

Tolerance down to 0.0005 inches(0.01mm)

Tolerance down to 0.0005 inches(0.01mm)

No minimum order quantity

No minimum order quantity

Over 40 Certified Materials

Over 40 Certified Materials

Delivery in as little as 5 days

Delivery in as little as 5 days

stacked-aluminum-rods-for-cnc-machining
CNC Milling

CNC Milling

Utilizes rotating cutting tools for high-precision machining of flat surfaces, curves, and complex parts, ideal for mold making, aerospace, and automotive industries.

CNC Turning

CNC Turning

Uses rotating workpieces and cutting tools for efficient machining of cylindrical components, widely applied in shafts, discs, and precision parts manufacturing.

5 Axis Machining

5 Axis Machining

Enables multi-angle precision cutting, reducing setups and machining complex surfaces, perfect for high-end aerospace, medical devices, and precision mold manufacturing.

Common Aluminum Grades for CNC Machining

Alloy Temp Resistance (°C) Hardness (HB) Cost Common Applications Surface Treatment Limitations Key Features
6061-T6 ~150°C (Peak 250°C) 95 $$$ Automotive, Aerospace, Structural Parts Poor anodizing for black coloring Versatile, good corrosion resistance, moderate strength
7075-T6 ~120°C (Peak ~200°C) 150 $$$$ Aerospace, Defense, Racing Not weldable, limited electroplating Very high strength, low weldability, lower corrosion resistance
5052 ~65–100°C 60-70 $$ Marine, Automotive Panels, Enclosures None significant Excellent corrosion resistance, great formability and weldability
5083 ~65–100°C 75–85 $$$ Marine, Pressure Vessels Not suitable for high-heat welding Superior saltwater resistance, ideal for harsh environments
6060 ~150°C 60 $$ Architecture, Appliances Lower strength not for high-load parts Good extrudability, great surface finish
6063 ~150°C 55–60 $$ Decorative Frames, Windows Excellent for anodizing and dyeing Aesthetic finish, corrosion-resistant, lower strength
6082 ~150°C 95–100 $$$ Construction, Transport, Bridges Poor small-radius bending High strength and corrosion resistance, European standard choice
2017 ~120°C 105 $$$$ Aerospace Fittings, Structural Parts Poor weldability, weak corrosion resistance High strength, good machinability, responsive to heat treatment

Surface Finishes for Aluminum

anodized-aluminum-red-sample
Anodizing
Increases corrosion resistance, improves appearance
May not be uniform on complex geometries. 6061, 5052, 6063, 6082
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Bead blasting
Creates a matte or satin texture
Slight surface erosion, not protective alone. All aluminum alloys
mirror-polished-aluminum-cube
Polishing
For high-gloss or reflective parts
Surface is prone to scratches, not protective. 6061, 6063
chromate-coated-teal-aluminum-disc
Chromate coating
Adds light corrosion protection
Limited wear resistance, not decorative. 5052, 6061, 7075
powder-coated-silver-aluminum-cylinder
Painting or Powder Coating
Improves durability and color
Adds thickness, not ideal for tight tolerance features. Most alloys, especially 6061, 5052

Aluminum Parts Showcase

REKO specializes in rapid CNC machining for both prototyping and high-volume production. We serve global clients across industries such as aerospace, automotive, motorcycles, medical devices, energy exploration, telecommunications, robotics, and more — delivering precision parts with reliable quality and fast turnaround.

red-anodized-hexagonal-aluminum-mounting-plate
blue-cnc-machined-aluminum-tee-connector
red-powder-coated-aluminum-sensor-housing
red-anodized-aluminum-piston-retainer

Aluminum Alloy FAQs for CNC Machining

What materials are best for CNC machining?
Metals like aluminum, stainless steel, and brass are widely used due to their strength and machinability. For plastics, POM, ABS, and PEEK are common choices depending on the application.
What are the most cost-effective materials for prototypes?
Aluminum and ABS are commonly used for cost-effective prototyping due to their ease of machining and affordable price.
Can I provide my own materials for machining?
Yes, we can work with customer-supplied materials as long as they meet processing and safety standards. Please contact us to confirm compatibility.
Do you offer food-safe or medical-grade materials?
Yes, we offer materials like PEEK and 316L stainless steel that meet food and medical-grade requirements. Please specify your standards when ordering.
How do I choose the right material for my part?
Material selection depends on factors like strength, weight, temperature resistance, surface finish, and cost. We offer free DFM support to help you choose the best material.
Are plastic parts as strong as metal parts?
Not usually. Plastics like PEEK and POM have good mechanical strength, but metals are preferred for high-stress or load-bearing components.
Can all materials be anodized or plated?
No. For example, only certain metals like aluminum can be anodized. Plastics generally can't be anodized or electroplated.
Can I change the material after confirming the order?
We recommend finalizing the material choice before production. Changes after machining starts may incur additional costs or delays.
What if I'm not sure which material to use?
No problem. Share your part file and application, and we’ll recommend the most suitable materials based on your project’s needs.
Are recycled or eco-friendly materials available for CNC machining?
Yes, some materials such as recycled ABS, recycled PE, and certain aluminum alloys can be used for CNC machining. If you have sustainability requirements, let us know during your inquiry and we’ll recommend suitable options.
Do different materials affect machining lead time?
Yes. Harder or more difficult-to-machine materials may require longer lead times.

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