Aluminum CNC Machining Services
Send us your drawings and specifications for custom aluminum parts. JeaSnn supports drawing-based CNC machining from prototypes to production orders, with each project reviewed according to your part requirements.
Aluminum for CNC Machined Parts
Aluminum is commonly considered for CNC machined parts when weight, mechanical performance, machinability, corrosion behavior, thermal or electrical properties, and surface finishing are important to the project. The right aluminum grade should be selected based on the part's functional and manufacturing requirements.
Lightweight & Strength-to-Weight Balance
Aluminum is often selected when part weight needs to be reduced while still meeting the mechanical requirements of the application.
Machinability
Many aluminum grades are well suited to CNC machining, including parts with detailed features and multiple machining operations.
Corrosion Behavior
Corrosion resistance varies by aluminum grade and service environment, making grade selection important for different operating conditions.
Surface Finishing Versatility
Aluminum is compatible with a range of surface finishing options for appearance, texture, identification, and other part-specific requirements.
Compare Aluminum Grades for Your Part
JeaSnn machines the aluminum grades below for custom parts. Use this comparison as an initial selection reference; the final grade should follow your drawing, mechanical requirements, operating conditions, and other part-specific requirements.
| Grade | Key Characteristics | Selection Considerations | Consider When |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6061 | Balanced strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability | A common general-purpose machining grade. Confirm the required temper and part-specific requirements. | The part needs a practical balance of mechanical performance, machinability, corrosion resistance, and finishing requirements. |
| 5052 | Good corrosion resistance and formability | Often selected for its material properties rather than as a default machining grade. Machining behavior varies with material condition. | The drawing specifies 5052, or corrosion resistance and forming-related requirements influence material selection. |
| 2024 | High strength and good machinability | Corrosion exposure, required temper, and mechanical requirements should be considered together. | The part requires high strength and the specified material condition is suitable for its operating environment. |
| 6063 | Good corrosion resistance and surface characteristics | Commonly supplied as extruded material. Confirm material form and temper against the drawing and machining requirements. | The specified material form or surface requirements make 6063 appropriate for the part. |
| 7050 | High-strength 7xxx-series aluminum | Properties depend strongly on temper. Strength, toughness, and stress-corrosion requirements should be evaluated together. | The drawing specifies 7050 or requires high-strength aluminum with clearly defined engineering requirements. |
| 7075 | Very high strength and good machinability | Temper, corrosion exposure, and mechanical requirements should be considered together; do not select it on strength alone. | Higher strength is a primary requirement and the specified material condition suits the application. |
| MIC-6 | Dimensional stability and flatness | A cast tooling plate with different selection considerations from wrought grades such as 6061, 2024, or 7075. | Machined plates, fixtures, tooling, bases, or other parts where dimensional stability and flatness are important. |
Aluminum Parts We Machine
We machine custom aluminum parts from customer drawings and 3D models, including milled, turned, and multi-feature components. The examples below show aluminum parts produced by JeaSnn to different drawing requirements.
Surface Finishes for Aluminum Parts
Surface finishing can be specified for aluminum parts to meet appearance, surface protection, texture, or identification requirements. The appropriate finish depends on the drawing, part requirements, and required final appearance.
As Machined
Retains the natural machined aluminum surface, with tool paths and machining marks remaining visible.
Anodizing
Forms a protective oxide layer on aluminum to improve corrosion and wear resistance, with color options available for appearance requirements.
Sandblasting
Produces a uniform matte texture on aluminum and reduces the visual prominence of machining marks and minor surface variations.
Polishing
Reduces surface roughness and the visibility of machining marks, producing a smoother aluminum surface with increased reflectivity.
Brushing
Creates fine directional lines on aluminum, producing a controlled and consistent linear surface texture.
Powder Coating
Forms a durable coating over aluminum, providing full surface coverage and additional protection from environmental exposure.
Painting
Applies a liquid coating to aluminum where specific color, gloss, or cosmetic appearance is required.
Applications of Aluminum Machined Parts
Aluminum machined parts can be produced for a wide range of industrial applications, from structural and mounting components to housings, mechanical parts, and other custom components. Each part is manufactured to the customer's drawing and application requirements, with material grade, critical features, and finishing specifications defined for the project.
Aluminum CNC Machining FAQ
Should the aluminum alloy and temper be specified on the drawing?
Yes. When material properties are important to the part, specify both the aluminum alloy and temper. Different tempers of the same alloy can have different mechanical properties, so defining both helps avoid material ambiguity during quoting and production.
Can aluminum parts be machined with thin walls or deep pockets?
Yes, but feasibility depends on the part geometry, wall thickness, pocket depth, tolerance, and surface requirements. Thin walls and deep features require additional consideration for deformation, vibration, tool access, and workholding.
Does anodizing affect the dimensions of aluminum parts?
Yes. Anodizing forms an oxide layer and can affect finished dimensions. Critical fits, threads, holes, and mating surfaces should be identified on the drawing when dimensions after anodizing are important.
Can a different aluminum grade be substituted for the one specified on my drawing?
If your drawing specifies a particular aluminum grade, we will follow that requirement. If an alternative is needed, we will review it with you and confirm the material before production.
Cost-efficient Machined Parts at Any Quantity
Upload your CAD file and get a quote with free DFM feedback within 24 hours. From rapid prototypes to mass production — flexible volumes to fit your project.