Aluminum Machining

Aluminum is one of the most popular machining materials thanks to its workability, strength and versatility, while its low cost makes it perfect for prototypes, end-use products and custom tools for molding. From standard grades like 6061 to high-quality aerospace grades like 7075, we have an aluminum alloy for every CNC machining project.

We also have the skills and the cutting-edge equipment to handle it. Our team has years of experience in machining, (roughly estimated, around 70% of components are in aluminum) and our in-house equipment includes HAAS 5-axis mills with edge finding equipment, Hexagon CMMs, Olympus XRF analyzers and a range of cutting tools for efficient chip removal. We machine at a fast rate, offering fast speeds and excellent material properties from your CAD files.

We can guarantee the aluminum alloy is the exact material you need for your project, as well as guaranteeing the correct tolerance. Take our services out for a test drive: send us your CAD files to see our fair pricing rate and fast speeds for yourself. If you would like to know what other materials we can mill, please review our  CNC Milling Services page. 

Most CNC shops will only give quotations for CNC machining as a standalone process. But when the quantity of new parts goes up to hundreds or more, you need a better solution in order to pass the test. For some of these parts, it is better not to mill them from solid block at all, but to use tool-based fabrication or forging assisted by milling.

When making aluminum parts, 3ERP offers several ways to combine 3-axis, 4-axis or 5-axis CNC machining with other manufacturing processes in order to create more complex parts that can be made in large quantities. These process combinations can maximize the functionality of aluminum while reaping the benefits of other production processes.

Extrusion, casting and forging processes can all be complemented with CNC machining to make better aluminum components. No matter the test. No matter what properties are required.

Pressure die casting is a manufacturing process in which molten metal is forced into a mold cavity at high pressure. It is generally used when making parts in larger quantities, since the required tool steel dies are very expensive to make.

By die casting aluminum components then using a machining center fitted with the appropriate cutting tool, it is possible to create parts with an exceptional finish and more complex geometries than would be possible using either process on its own.

Extrusion is the process of forcing molten material through an aperture in a die, producing an elongated component with a continuous profile. Because aluminum extrusion tends to involve malleable, ductile and machinable aluminum grades like 6061 — grades that chip in a manageable way — the extruded parts can be cut in various ways using a CNC machine.

Combining aluminum extrusion and CNC machining is a great way to produce resilient parts with complex cross-sections and irregular geometries.

Many machinable aluminum alloys are suited to the age-old process of forging, which involves shaping metal through compressive force. (This often involves hitting the metal with a hammer.)

The forged pieces of aluminum can be post-machined with a CNC machining center, and this can be beneficial compared to machining alone, since forged parts are generally stronger than fully cast or fully machined equivalents.

Investment casting is a metal casting process that uses wax patterns to create metal parts. It produces parts with an excellent surface finish and high dimensional accuracy, and can be used to create intricate parts with no parting lines.

Aluminum alloys are a common material used for investment casting, and cast aluminum parts can be post-machined and given a coating for refinement.