Aluminum Alloys: Types and Characteristics for CNC Machining
2025/9/26
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.
Overview of Aluminum Alloy Series
Series | Added Metals | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
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%+). |
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). |
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. |
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. |
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. |
At Yumoto Electric, we machine aluminum alloys from the 1000, 2000, 5000, 6000, and 7000 series. We handle the entire process, from CNC machining to surface treatment.
Step Up Your Project with 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.
