Aluminum CNC Machining Service
XC Machining machines custom aluminum parts for US product teams, from one prototype to a full production run. Ten alloys are in stock, and anodizing, powder coating and polishing are done in house.
Aluminum in CNC Machining
Aluminum cuts faster than steel, which keeps machine time and cost down. It weighs about a third as much, at 2.7 g/cm³. It conducts heat and electricity well and forms its own oxide layer against corrosion.
It also anodizes cleanly, so you can add hardness and color without a separate coating. For most parts that need metal strength without the weight, aluminum is the first alloy worth pricing. Our CNC machining page covers the process, and the materials page lists every metal and plastic we cut.
| Alloys available | 6061, 6061-T6, 2024, 5052, 5083, 6063, 6082, 7075, 7075-T6, ADC12 (A380) |
| Price | $ on XC’s price scale |
| Lead time | Under 10 days |
| Minimum wall thickness | 0.75 mm |
| Tolerance | ±0.125 mm (±0.005 in) |
| Maximum part size | 2000 × 800 × 1000 mm (200 × 80 × 100 cm) |
Aluminum Alloys We Machine
Each card below gives the use case first and the properties after it. Yield strength is in MPa, fatigue strength is in MPa, hardness is Brinell and density is g/cm³. Ask for the datasheet of your alloy and temper before you lock a design to these figures.
6061 Aluminum CNC Machining
This is the default choice for most parts. It has good strength, cuts cleanly, welds well and anodizes evenly. Teams use it for brackets, housings, frames and general structural work.
2024 Aluminum CNC Machining
2024 resists fatigue well, which is why it shows up in aircraft structures and truck wheels. It corrodes more readily than the other alloys here, so it needs a coating.
5052 Aluminum CNC Machining
This is the marine alloy. It resists saltwater corrosion very well and forms easily, though its strength is lower. Tanks, enclosures and sheet work use it.
5083 Aluminum CNC Machining
5083 is stronger than 5052 and resists corrosion just as well. It holds its properties at cryogenic temperatures, so it suits pressure vessels and cold storage equipment.
6061-T6 Aluminum CNC Machining
This is heat treated 6061. It machines the same way but has a higher yield strength, for parts that carry real load. It is slightly less ductile.
6063 Aluminum CNC Machining
6063 is softer than 6061 and is chosen for looks, not strength. It takes the best anodized finish of any alloy here, so it suits trim, window frames and visible panels.
6082 Aluminum CNC Machining
6082 is a structural alloy with better corrosion resistance than 6061. European drawings call for it on bridges, cranes and marine parts.
7075 Aluminum CNC Machining
7075 comes close to steel strength at aluminum weight. It costs more and machines slower. It is the standard for aerospace fittings, gears and high stress structural parts, and it does not weld well.
7075-T6 Aluminum CNC Machining
This is heat treated 7075 and the strongest alloy on this list. It goes into aircraft structures, climbing hardware and performance automotive parts.
ADC12 (A380) Aluminum CNC Machining
ADC12 is a die casting alloy, not a billet alloy. It has good casting properties and corrosion resistance. We machine it for automotive parts, electronic housings and machinery components that start as castings.
Advantages and Limitations of Aluminum
Aluminum suits most machined parts, but it is not the right answer for everything. Here is where it wins and where it falls short.
- Light. At 2.7 g/cm³ it weighs about a third as much as steel, which matters in anything that moves or flies.
- Corrosion resistant. It forms its own oxide layer, and anodizing thickens that layer further.
- Conducts heat and electricity. That makes it a fit for heat sinks, enclosures and electrical housings, where copper costs more.
- Cuts fast. Higher feed rates mean less machine time, and that shows up directly in your unit price.
- Takes a finish. Anodizing, powder coating and polishing all work well, so cosmetic parts need no extra material. Our surface finishing page lists the full menu.
- Holds up in the cold. Unlike steel, it keeps its toughness at sub zero temperatures, which is why cryogenic work uses it.
- Soft. Pure aluminum marks easily, so parts are machined from alloys, not from the pure metal.
- Costs more than steel. It is refined from bauxite, so raw stock sits above the price of mild carbon steel.
- Scratches show. The soft surface picks up handling marks, and a polished or anodized finish makes them easier to see.
- Loses strength with heat. Above about 200°C (392°F) it softens. For parts near engines, exhausts or furnaces, look at stainless steel or titanium.
Bring Your Designs to Life with XC Machining
Experience precision engineering with XC Machining. From detailed prototypes to high-volume production, we’re here to turn your concepts into reality. Contact us today to discuss your project needs!
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Aluminum CNC Machining FAQs
Which aluminum alloy is best for CNC machining?
Pick 6061 for most work. It machines cleanly, welds, anodizes evenly and costs less than the high strength grades. Choose 7075 only when the part carries serious load. Choose 6063 when the look of the finish matters more than strength. If you are unsure, send the drawing and we will suggest an alloy.
What tolerances can you hold on aluminum parts?
The standard tolerance is ±0.125 mm (±0.005 in). We can hold tighter limits on specific features when you call them out on the drawing. Tight tolerances across a whole part add cost without adding function, so mark only the features that mate, seal or locate other parts.
Can aluminum parts be anodized in color?
Yes. Type II anodizing takes dye well in black, red, blue, gold and clear. Anodizing adds 5 to 25 μm to each surface, so mask any feature with a tight fit. Add the coating allowance to your drawing before you set the final size of a bore or a pin.
What is the lead time for aluminum machined parts?
Most orders take under 10 days. Simple prototypes move faster than that. Lead time depends on alloy availability, part complexity and the finish you specify. Anodizing or powder coating adds time to a bare machined part. Tell us the finish when you ask for a quote.
Is 6061 or 7075 stronger?
7075 is stronger by a wide margin. Its yield strength is 503 MPa against 276 MPa for 6061. The trade is cost, slower machining and poor weldability. That is why 7075 belongs on aerospace and high stress parts, and 6061 belongs on general brackets and housings.
What is the minimum wall thickness for aluminum?
The minimum wall is 0.75 mm. Thinner walls chatter under the tool and distort once the part comes off the fixture. If your design needs a thinner wall, send it over and we will tell you whether it will hold. A short DFM note now saves a scrapped part later.
Do you machine cast aluminum like ADC12?
Yes. ADC12 arrives as a die casting, and we machine the critical features afterward. This is standard for automotive parts and electronic housings. Cast blanks keep their rough surface where you do not need precision, so only the mating faces, bores and threads get machined.