2023-08-17
As we all know, CNC machining aluminum parts have excellent characteristics such as high strength, good plasticity, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance, and can achieve good mechanical properties, physical properties, and corrosion resistance through heat treatment. The processing of CNC machining aluminum parts is to process aluminum materials through lathes and CNC computer gongs. Sandblasting, polishing, wire drawing, electroplating, spraying, anodizing, and other surface treatments are carried out as required. CNC machining aluminum parts are favored by various industries because of their metal texture appearance, lightweight, and strong heat dissipation. Especially in the military, medical, aerospace, and industrial engineering industry, precision CNC machining aluminum parts have become common.
The Benefits of CNC Machining Aluminum Parts
1. Machinability: Aluminum is easily formed, processed, and machined using a variety of processes. Since it is soft and crumbly, it can be cut quickly and easily by machine tools. It's also cheaper than steel and requires less power to the machine. These features are a huge benefit to both mechanics and customers ordering parts. In addition, aluminum's good machinability means that it deforms less during machining. This results in greater precision as it allows the CNC machine to achieve higher tolerances.
2. High strength and lightweight: Aluminum is about one-third as dense as steel. This makes it relatively light. Aluminum is very strong despite being light. This combination of strength and light weight is described as the material's strength-to-weight ratio. Aluminum's high strength-to-weight ratio makes it beneficial for components needed in several industries, including automotive and aerospace.
3. Corrosion resistance: Aluminum is scratch and corrosion-resistant under common marine and atmospheric conditions. You can enhance these properties with anodizing. It should be noted that different grades of aluminum have different corrosion resistance properties. However, the most conventional CNC machined grades have the greatest resistance.
4. Low-temperature performance: Most materials tend to lose some of their desirable properties at sub-zero temperatures, but Aluminum retains its softness, ductility, and strength at extremely low temperatures.
5. Recyclability: The CNC machining process produces a large number of chips, which are considered waste, but aluminum is a highly recyclable material, meaning it requires relatively low energy, effort, and cost to recycle. This makes it more suitable for CNC machining. This character also makes aluminum a greener material to work with.
What are the common processes of CNC machining aluminum parts’ surface treatment?
1. Sandblasting
Microscopic glass beads are sprayed on machined parts using a high-pressure air gun to effectively remove material and ensure a smooth surface. It gives aluminum a satin or matte finish. The main process parameters of sandblasting are the glass beads’ size and the amount of air pressure used.
2. Coating
Coating the aluminum part with another material such as zinc, nickel, and chrome. This is done to improve the part process and can be achieved by an electrochemical process.
3. Anodizing
Anodizing is an electrochemical process in which an aluminum part is immersed in a dilute sulfuric acid solution and a voltage is applied between a cathode and an anode. The process effectively converts the exposed surface of the part into a hard, non-electroactive aluminum oxide coating. The density and thickness of the created coating depend on the consistency of the solution, anodizing time, and current. You can also anodize to color parts.
4. Powder coating
The powder coating process involves applying colored polymer powder to parts using an electrostatic spray gun. The parts are then allowed to cure at 200°C. Powder coating increases strength and resistance to abrasion, corrosion, and impact.
5. heat treatment
CNC machining aluminum parts can be heat treated to improve their mechanical properties.
The application of CNC machining aluminum parts in the industry
Aerospace: because of the characteristics of high strength and lightweight, CNC machining aluminum parts can be used for the aerospace industry.
Auto: similar to the aerospace industry, several parts in the automotive industry such as shafts and other components are made of aluminum.
Electric: Due to the high conductivity, CNC machining aluminum parts are often applied as electronic components in electrical appliances.
Food/Medic: CNC machining aluminum parts play an important role in the food and pharmaceutical industries as they do not react with most organic substances and with a very high level of hygiene.
Sports: CNC machining aluminum parts are often used to make sports equipment such as the running machine.
Conclusion:
Aluminum is one of the most processed materials today. The aluminum CNC machining process is second only to steel in terms of frequency of execution. This is mainly due to its excellent machinability. We(Shenzhen DMTC Intelligent Technology CO., LTD) can provide CNC machining aluminum parts to many industries. Aluminum 5052, aluminum 6061, and aluminum 7075 are the most commonly used materials.
