Aluminum CNC Machined Parts — 6061 & 7075

Grades we machine

We machine aluminum machined parts from two grades that cover most of the work we quote: 6061 and 7075. These are the most common aluminum grades we machine every week on our own floor in Qidong, Jiangsu Province, and the choice comes down to strength versus corrosion resistance and cost.

• 6061 aluminum is the general-purpose grade. It machines cleanly, welds well, anodizes evenly, and resists corrosion, which makes it the default for housings, brackets, and enclosures. It is the more affordable of the two.
• 7075 aluminum is a high-strength alloy that approaches some steels in strength. It is specified for stressed, lightweight parts where stiffness and fatigue matter. It costs more and offers less corrosion resistance than 6061, so it is usually anodized or otherwise protected.

Machining characteristics of aluminum machined parts

Aluminum is one of the easiest metals to machine. It cuts quickly with lower tool wear than steel or stainless, so our aluminum machining services reach tight tolerances and smooth finishes at lower cost. We hold ±0.01 mm on precision features and work to ISO 2768-m as the general tolerance unless your drawing states otherwise.

The trade-off is stability. Thin walls and large flat faces can deflect or spring back, so we manage clamping pressure and cut sequence to keep parts flat and true. Fine threads also gall easily, so we control feeds and thread passes. We return DFM feedback with your quote within 24 hours.

Typical parts made from this material

Because it is light, stiff for its weight, and easy to machine, aluminum covers enclosures, housings, brackets, and thermal parts. Common orders include:

• Enclosures and housings and brackets in 6061.
• Heat sinks where thermal conductivity and light weight matter.
• Spacers and standoffs and knobs for equipment hardware.
• Gears and shafts in 7075 where strength is required.

Orders start at 50 pieces per style and material, and a material certificate ships with every batch.

Surface finishes that pair well

Aluminum is the material most associated with anodizing, and most anodized aluminum parts we ship are 6061 or 7075. The anodizing aluminum process grows a protective oxide layer that takes dye, giving the classic anodized aluminum finish. Type II and Type III are the main types of aluminum anodizing we specify, and finishing is applied through our vetted partner network, managed under one quality process:

• Anodizing — the standard anodized aluminum finish, available clear or dyed, and the usual choice for corrosion and cosmetic protection.
• Alodine conversion coating — a thin conductive finish where parts must stay electrically conductive.
• Powder coating — a thicker, colored coating for housings and panels.
• Sand blasting and polishing and brushing — textures and directional finishes, often applied before anodizing.