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China Aluminum CNC Machining Factory: High-Quality Parts from Reliable Suppliers for Aerospace, Medical, and Automotive Industries
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Common Aluminum Alloy Material Library
We maintain a complete inventory of aerospace-grade and commercial-grade aluminum alloy materials to ensure the best performance and cost suitability:
Alloy Series 6000
6061-T6
The most versatile structural alloy, offering excellent machinability, weldability, and corrosion resistance. Suitable for most mechanical components, tooling fixtures, and enclosures.
Alloy Series 7000
7075-T6
An ultra-high-strength aluminum alloy with strength comparable to many steels. An ideal choice for aerospace, high-performance sporting goods, and critical load-bearing structures.
Alloy Series 5000
5052-H32
Offers excellent corrosion resistance (especially in marine environments) and formability. Commonly used for ship and vehicle trim, and electronic enclosures.
Alloy Series 2000
2024-T3/T4
Provides good fatigue strength and strength-to-weight ratio. Widely used in aircraft structural components, truck wheels, and other high-strength applications.
Cast / Tooling Plate
MIC-6 / Cast Aluminum Tooling Plate
A precision-ground, pre-hardened plate with stress-free internal structure, ideal for precision substrates, fixtures, and molds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the difference between 6061-T6 and 7075-T6 aluminum alloys?
6061-T6 is the more versatile and cost-effective option, offering excellent machinability, weldability, and corrosion resistance for general structural use. 7075-T6 provides significantly higher tensile strength — comparable to many steels — making it the preferred choice for aerospace, defense, and high-load applications where weight savings are critical.
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Which aluminum alloy is best suited for marine or outdoor environments?
5052-H32 is the top choice for marine and outdoor applications due to its outstanding resistance to saltwater and atmospheric corrosion. It also offers good formability, making it widely used in boat hulls, ship trim, vehicle panels, and outdoor enclosures.
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When should I choose 2024-T3/T4 over other aluminum alloys?
2024-T3/T4 is the preferred alloy when fatigue resistance and a high strength-to-weight ratio are the primary requirements. It is commonly specified for aircraft structural components, truck wheels, and applications subject to repeated cyclic loading. Note that it has lower corrosion resistance than 6061 or 5052, so surface protection is often recommended.
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What makes MIC-6 Cast Aluminum Tooling Plate different from standard aluminum plate?
MIC-6 is a cast aluminum tooling plate that is precision-ground on both surfaces and features a stress-free internal structure. Unlike standard rolled aluminum plate, MIC-6 maintains exceptional dimensional stability and flatness, making it ideal for precision substrates, CMM fixtures, mold bases, and any application requiring tight tolerances over large surface areas.
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Can aluminum alloys be welded, and which grades are most weldable?
Yes, many aluminum alloys can be welded, though weldability varies by grade. 6061-T6 and 5052-H32 are among the most weldable aluminum alloys and are widely used in fabricated structures. 7075-T6 and 2024-T3/T4 are generally considered poor candidates for fusion welding due to susceptibility to cracking, and are more commonly joined using mechanical fasteners or adhesive bonding.
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How do I select the right aluminum alloy for my CNC machining project?
Selecting the right alloy depends on several factors: required mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, machinability, weldability, and budget. For general-purpose parts, 6061-T6 is the most cost-effective starting point. For maximum strength in aerospace or high-performance applications, 7075-T6 is preferred. For marine environments, choose 5052-H32. For precision tooling and fixtures, MIC-6 offers unmatched stability. Our engineering team is available to help evaluate your specific application requirements.
Finishes and Post-Processing Options
The zinc alloy substrate is highly suitable for various surface treatments to enhance decoration, protection, or functionality:
Electroplating: Such as chrome, nickel, gold, or silver plating, providing a highly decorative appearance, excellent wear and corrosion resistance. This is the most common choice.
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Passivation or Chromate Conversion Coating:
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Powder Coating:
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Painting:
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Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD):
Design and Machining Considerations
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Process Selection:
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Design Considerations:
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Material Selection:
Zamak 3 and 5 are suitable for the vast majority of general-purpose parts requiring good appearance and strength; ZA-8 is better for wear and bearing applications; for making rapid tooling, choose specialized alloys like Kirksite.
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