Need to create top-quality aluminum parts in a hurry? Want professional help with executing even the most complex manufacturing projects? Then 3ERP can help. We have years of experience in servicing a wide range of industries that have impeccable quality requirements for aluminum parts, and can handle even the most challenging manufacturing tasks with ease. Our team of specialists will guide you through the entire process and ensure that you take advantage of the numerous aluminum machining benefits that the technology can offer.
At 3ERP, we have CNC machines with powerful spindles that allow us to cut aluminum at high speed—ideal for parts such as enclosures. However, by using high-RPM machines fitted with smaller cutters, we can also produce parts with a high-quality machined surface and fine details: aluminum reflectors and aluminum mold cores, for example.
Our experience with rapid material removal and fine detailing means we can produce a range of aluminum machined parts, simple and complex, small and large. We are also flexible, in that we can handle a one-off aluminum machined prototype with a fast turnaround or a large order of custom aluminum parts with a low unit cost.
Why Use Our Aluminum Machining Service
The Top 6 Reasons:
No MOQ
One-off aluminum prototype part or large quantity parts. No matter the size of your order, we can handle it.
1
Industry-best pricing
Our custom aluminum machining process and technology allow us to offer competitive prices that can match any offer.
2
Fast delivery
We have 40 machines at our disposal and can take your project from engineering design to delivery faster than our competitors.
3
Experienced Engineers
Our team has years of experience in a wide range of industries and can handle even the most challenging projects.
4
High-precision and tight tolerance
We service the aerospace and medical industries and can produce parts with tight tolerances. We also use precise tool holders and tools to ensure optimal precision and accuracy.
5
Wide range of coatings & finishes
We can offer a wide range of coatings and finishes for your parts depending on your project requirements.
We received the CNC parts that you made for us, and I finally had a chance to open up the box and have a look at them today. They look very good! I am very impressed with the quality of your parts. The small details look very accurate, and the clear silver anodizing on the aluminum parts looks very clean and bright. Very nice work. Thank you!
We will definitely use 3ERP's CNC milling services again in near future.
Aaron
Mechanical Design Engineer
Parts arrived us today. Such beautiful milled parts mate! Our team assembles the parts earlier which goes smoothly. Parts are as precise as we expected. Please pass my thanks to your production team, they are doing a great job!
I am so glad that we found you guys online and eventually ordered from you guys. We are going to send you more CNC milling projects for a quote soon.
Raymond
Design Manager
Combine with Other Manufacturing Processes
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 for the best results. For some of these parts, it is better not to mill them from a 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 still enjoying 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 and no matter what properties are required.
Aluminum extrusion + CNC machining
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.
Forging + CNC machining
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 + CNC machining
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.
Die casting + CNC machining
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.
What is Aluminum Machining?
Aluminum is one of the most popular machining materials thanks to its workability, strength, and versatility. What’s more, 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 every challenge that might arise during production and improve the machinability of aluminum compared to our competitors. Our team has years of experience in machining with aluminum, as it makes up roughly 70% of used materials.
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. With the help of our cutting-edge equipment, we can avoid aluminum part deformation and produce consistent results for our clients.
We can guarantee the aluminum alloy will be the exact material that you need for your project and can ensure the right tolerances according to your needs. 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.
As the most versatile heat-treatable alloy, the highly machinable Aluminum 6061 is found in a wide range of new products, from laptops to large architectural features.
Structural components
Electronic components
Pipes
Aircraft parts
Couplings
Truck bodies, frames, runways
Covers
Running boards
Steps, floors, walkways, platforms
Welded parts
Aluminum 7075
Aluminum 7075 is one of the strongest machinable aluminum alloys, and is consequently used in the aerospace industry and beyond.
Aircraft parts
Transportation industry parts
Bicycles
Rock climbing equipment
Sports equipment
Weaponry
Highly stressed parts
Molds and tooling
Aluminum 2014
A strong, hard and heat-treatable aluminum alloy, Aluminum 2014 is especially machinable when left untreated. It is regularly used in the aerospace industry.
Aircraft parts
Truck frames
Aluminum 2024
Exhibiting an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and fatigue resistance, Aluminum 2024 is commonly found in vehicles.
Electronic components
Structural components
Aircraft parts
Automotive parts
Transportation industry parts
Aluminum 5052
Though not heat-treatable, Aluminum 5052 has a high strength and resistance to corrosion, making it suitable for underwater applications and more.
Aircraft parts
Home appliances
Heat exchangers
Panels
Marine parts
Transportation industry parts
Cooking utensils
Food processing equipment
Aluminum 6063
Used regularly in architecture, Aluminum 6063 is strong and corrosion resistant while offering an excellent finish.
Moldings
Construction parts
Lawn furniture
Luggage racks
Window and door frames
Air cylinders
Electronic components
Advantages of Aluminum Machining
Aluminum is one of the most versatile manufacturing materials in the world, which is why it’s so popular in a wide range of industries. But why exactly is aluminum so suitable for CNC machining? Well, here are some of its main advantages:
Light Weight. Aluminum is one of the lightest metals available, weighing just over 2.7 g/cm3. That’s very useful for transportation, usability, and other practical reasons that are important in a range of industries.
Anti-Corrosive qualities. Anti-corrosive qualities are another significant advantage of aluminum, was it helps protect it from oxidation. That, combined with a range of finishes and coatings, ensures that your parts will serve you for a long time.
Conductivity. Aluminum has excellent qualities of thermal and electrical conductivity. That makes it suitable for a range of uses similar to copper and other conductive materials.
Convenient Machining. Another reason why aluminum is so popular is its ease of use with machining. The material is easy to shape, drill, and fold, allowing to create even the most complex shapes.
Temperature Resistance. Unlike some other material options, aluminum is resistant to low temperatures, meaning that the machining process is more flexible.
Start Your Custom Aluminum Machining Project Today!
