Aluminium machining resources

CNC machining guidance, material properties, and an overview of the aluminium grades we commonly machine. Includes information relevant to precision milling, turning, and grade selection.

Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
Corrosion resistant
Versatile in machining

Aluminium machining resources

CNC machining guidance, material properties, and an overview of the aluminium grades we commonly machine. Includes information relevant to precision milling, turning, and grade selection.

Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
Corrosion resistant
Versatile in machining

Aluminium machining resources

CNC machining guidance, material properties, and an overview of the aluminium grades we commonly machine. Includes information relevant to precision milling, turning, and grade selection.

Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
Corrosion resistant
Versatile in machining

Aluminium grades we use

Aluminium 1100
Arrow
Aluminium 2014A
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Aluminium 2024
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Aluminium 5083
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Aluminium 5251
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Aluminium 6061
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Aluminium 6063
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Aluminium 6082
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Aluminium 7075/L95
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Aluminium M82
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Cast tooling plate
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What is aluminium?

Aluminium is a lightweight, non-ferrous metal valued in CNC machining for its excellent machinability, corrosion resistance, and strength-to-weight ratio. Available in various alloys, it is suitable for components ranging from intricate housings to structural frames across engineering, aerospace, and electronics sectors.

Why engineers choose aluminium for CNC machining

  • Outstanding machinability: Aluminium is softer than steel and chips cleanly, which allows fast cycle times, reduced tool wear, and tight tolerances. This makes it ideal for both prototypes and high-volume runs.
  • Excellent strength-to-weight performance: Many alloys such as 6061 and 7075 provide high specific strength, enabling lightweight parts without sacrificing mechanical performance.
  • Natural corrosion resistance: Aluminium forms a self-healing oxide layer that protects surfaces, often removing the need for coatings, though anodising can further improve durability and appearance.

Industries that use Aluminium

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Real-world uses of Aluminium

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Aluminium FAQs

Is aluminium a good choice for high-precision components?
What industries typically use CNC machined aluminium parts?
How does aluminium compare to steel for CNC machined parts?
Does aluminium require finishing after machining?

More grades

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Explore Aluminium resources

Article

Selecting an aluminium alloy

Materials
09 Jul 2025

Selecting the appropriate material and grade is among the important early decisions you'll make when designing your CNC machined component. In this blog we look at the most common grades of aluminium, one of the most versatile metals, and the factors to consider to select the best grade for your next project.

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Machining of aluminum and aluminum alloys (ASM handbook)

Materials
11 Jul 2025

Article

Specifying aluminium machining for medical applications

Materials
Pharmaceutical & medical
09 Jul 2025

Aluminium is not like stainless steel: there is no one 'stand out' grade that is the first choice for medical devices. There is no '316L' of aluminium. Instead, as a purchaser of medical component machining solutions, you are confronted with a plethora of aluminium grades – any, all or none of which may suit your specific medical application. To suggest that's a challenge is an understatement. But it also offers you a great opportunity to improve quality, consistency and savings. How so? Simply this… you won't be on '316L autopilot' as sometimes occurs in the world of stainless steel medical components.