A Guide to Aluminum CNC Machining
Last updated : 2026/7/13
Key Takeaways
Aluminum is a lightweight metal with an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and high thermal and electrical conductivity.
Aluminum has a relatively low melting point of approximately 660°C compared to other metals.
A wide variety of options are available, including high-strength aluminum alloys and tempered grades.
Overview of Aluminum
Aluminum is a lightweight, high-strength metal that is non-toxic and odorless. Its high thermal and electrical conductivity make it a go-to material for heat exchangers and electronic components. It also resists brittle fracture at low temperatures and has excellent toughness, making it suitable for satellite components and cryogenic plant applications.
Lightweight and high-strength
Excellent corrosion resistance
Good machinability
Suitable for low-temperature applications
High thermal and electrical conductivity
Non-toxic
Types of Aluminum
Most aluminum used in CNC machining is an alloy, not pure aluminum. While pure aluminum is lightweight and corrosion-resistant, it is also soft, low in strength, and easily deformed. To improve performance, metals such as manganese, copper, silicon, zinc, magnesium, and nickel are added. The result is a material that retains aluminum’s light weight while gaining strength and durability.
Aluminum alloys are classified by a four-digit number preceded by “A.” This article introduces the key types of aluminum alloys produced by the wrought method and their characteristics.
The 2000-series, for example, contains a high percentage of copper (Cu) to boost strength. Because copper tends to oxidize, this series has lower corrosion resistance — but that can be addressed with surface treatments such as anodizing. A2017 and A2024, also known as duralumin and super duralumin, are the most common grades in this series.
The 7000-series adds zinc (Zn) and magnesium (Mg), making it the highest-strength series available. A7075, also called extra super duralumin, is the standout grade, widely used in aircraft components and automotive applications.
Material Selection Considerations
Aluminum has a melting point of approximately 660°C, which is on the lower end compared to other metals. Its hardness is similarly modest—with the exception of high-hardness series like the 7000-series (e.g., A7075), most aluminum grades are prone to denting and scratching under impact. Aluminum also has a relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion, meaning it is more susceptible to dimensional changes with temperature fluctuations.
Lower melting point than most other metals
Prone to denting and scratching
High coefficient of thermal expansion
Available Post-Machining Surface Treatments
Anodizing
Alodine (Chemical Film / Chromate Conversion Coating)
Electroless Nickel Plating
Hard Chrome Plating
Black Oxide Coating
Trivalent Chromate Treatment
Plating
Series | Added Metals | Characteristics | Available Grades |
|---|---|---|---|
A1000 | None | Pure aluminum (99%+). Excellent electrical/thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance, but very low strength. Common grades: A1100 (99%+), A1050 (99.5%+), A1070 (99.7%+). | A1050, A1050P-H112, A1050-H24, A1070, A1100, A1100P |
A2000 | Copper (Cu) | Known as Duralumin. High strength but low corrosion resistance due to copper’s reactivity. Requires surface treatments such as anodizing. Common grades: A2017 (Duralumin), A2024 (Super Duralumin). | A2017, A2017P, A2017-T3, A2017-T4, A2017P-T351, A2017B, A2017BE-T6, A2024, A2024-T4, A2024-T351 |
A3000 | Manganese (Mn) | Stronger than pure aluminum while maintaining corrosion resistance. Rarely used in CNC machining; more common in molding and aluminum cans. Main grade: A3003. | |
A4000 | Silicon (Si) | Enhanced heat resistance and wear resistance. Representative grade: A4032. | |
A5000 | Magnesium (Mg) | Excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability. Widely used in CNC machining. Common grades: A5052 (sheet), A5056 and A5083 (round bar). A5052 is precise in sheet thickness, allowing use without additional finishing. | A5052, A5052P, A5052H-O, A5052-H14, A5052-H34, A5052-H112, A5052TD, A5056, A5056B, A5056S, A5056-H34 |
A6000 | Magnesium (Mg) + Silicon (Si) | Higher strength and corrosion resistance than the 5000 series. A6061, with added copper and heat treatment, offers strength comparable to SS400 steel. | A6061, A6061-T6, A6061-T651, A6063, A6063-T5, A6063S, A6063S-T5, A6063FB |
A7000 | Zinc (Zn) + Magnesium (Mg) | The strongest aluminum alloy series, hardened by heat treatment. A7075 (Extra Super Duralumin) is widely used in aircraft and automotive parts. | A7050, A7075, A7075P, A7075-T6, A7075-T651, A7075-T7351 |
Aluminum CNC Machining at Yumoto Electric
Yumoto Electric delivers high-quality components fast, worldwide. We provide precision machining for a wide range of metals using milling, turning, and specialized metal processing. We have experience with over 200 materials including aluminum alloys, stainless steel, molybdenum, and titanium.
If you’re unsure about material selection or machining methods, we offer complimentary consultations to help optimize your design and production. For any questions, please feel free to contact us.
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