Aluminum in CNC: Preferred material for automotive parts

Aluminum alloys part

Aluminum is a cornerstone material in CNC machining, celebrated for its versatility, strength-to-weight ratio, and adaptability across industries like automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics. Here’s an overview of why aluminum is indispensable and a look at the alloys frequently used in CNC machining.


Why Aluminum?

Aluminum’s high strength-to-weight ratio makes it lightweight yet robust, offering:

  • Corrosion resistance for durability in harsh environments.
  • Formability for easy shaping and customization.
  • Affordability compared to other metals like titanium.

Its exceptional properties make it ideal for:

  • Automotive parts: Lightweight bodies reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency.
  • Aerospace components: Strength and corrosion resistance meet rigorous design requirements.

Fun Fact: A 20% weight reduction in a Boeing 787 can improve fuel efficiency by 10–12%.


Aluminum Alloys in CNC Machining

Aluminum alloys are created by combining pure aluminum with other elements for enhanced strength and durability. Each alloy is tailored for specific applications, and the naming system (e.g., 6061, 7075) provides insight into its composition and modifications.


Popular Aluminum Alloys:

  • 6061 Aluminum: A versatile, corrosion-resistant alloy widely used in automotive and aerospace parts.
  • 7075 Aluminum: Known for exceptional strength, perfect for aerospace components and high-stress applications.
  • 5052 Aluminum: Excellent corrosion resistance and weldability, ideal for marine and automotive industries.

Applications of Aluminum in CNC

  • Automotive: Engine components, chassis parts, and lightweight body panels.
  • Aerospace: Fuel nozzles, manifolds, and structural components.
  • Electronics: Frames and enclosures for devices.

Why Aluminum Alloys Dominate CNC Machining

Lightweight, strong, and highly machinable, aluminum alloys are indispensable in industries where performance, efficiency, and precision matter.

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Hardness (Brinell)Density (g/cm^3)Tensile Strength(MPa)Fatigue Strength (MPa)
Aluminum 6061602.68193117
Aluminum 6063732.721468.9
Aluminum 70501472.83490160
Aluminum 7075(Aerospace Grade)1502.81503159
Aluminum MIC-6652.7105N/A
Aluminum 5052602.68193117
Hardness (Brinell)Density (g/cm^3)Tensile Strength(MPa)Fatigue Strength (MPa)
Copper 10165 - 908.89 - 8.9469 - 36576 - 90
Copper C11065 - 908.8969 - 36576 - 90
Copper C17280 - 858.25515 - 585275
Copper C26060 - 828.53103 - 44190
Copper C36063-1308.49124-310138
Brass CZ12190 - 1608.47360 - 500220 - 360
Brass CZ13170 - 1408.5340 - 480200 - 350
Hardness (Brinell)Density (g/cm^3)Tensile Strength(MPa)Modulus of Elasticity (GPa)Elongation at Break(%)
Stainless Steel 17-73887.812752046
Stainless Steel 3012178.0320521240
Stainless Steel 3031608.0324020050
Stainless Steel 3161878.0320519340
Stainless Steel 3322008.0329419644
Stainless Steel 4163607.89622009.5
Stainless Steel 4205067.8104020011.5
Stainless Steel 440C495 - 6537.8450 - 1900204 - 2152.0 - 14
Hardness(Shore D)Density (g/cm^3)Modulus of Elasticity (GPa)Tensile Strength(MPa)Elongation at Break(%)
HDPE50 - 760.92 - 0.990.565 - 1.511 - 433 - 80
UHMW-PE54 - 1200.8 - 1.80.3 - 1.111.6 - 403.5 - 800
PVC801.16 - 1.651.82 - 7.033.45 - 73.12 - 330
ABS/Nylon Blend641.04 - 1.210.9 - 5.327 - 1003.1 - 230
Acrylic600.7 - 1.30.95 - 3.7925 - 851 - 85
Nylon 6676 - 881.02 - 2.70.6 - 2510 - 981 - 300
PTFE11 - 700.7 - 3.350.392 - 0.750.86 - 41.470 - 650
PEEK62 - 941.26 - 1.722.14 - 2411 - 1251.7 - 100
POM-H811.423.27530
POM-C791.412.86740
Hardness (Brinell)Density (g/cm^3)Tensile Strength(MPa)Modulus of Elasticity (GPa)Elongation at Break(%)
Titanium(Grade 1)1204.5170 - 31010324
Titanium(Grade 2)2004.51276 - 44810320
Titanium(Grade 4)2654.51480 - 65510515
Ti-6Al-4V(Grade 5)3794.43110011410
Bronze11.6 - 4205.6 - 1469 - 80072.4 - 1380 - 70
Zinc Alloy (Zamak 5)916.720870 - 1007
Steel Alloy AISI 43403887.8597220012.1
Nickel Alloy175 - 2408.44414 - 75820716