Aluminum
Lightweight, corrosion-resistant and highly machinable — the default metal for aerospace, automotive and consumer parts.
Aluminum is the most widely machined metal in custom manufacturing, prized for its low weight, natural corrosion resistance and outstanding machinability. At roughly a third the density of steel, it lets engineers cut weight without sacrificing strength, and it anodizes into a hard, attractive, corrosion-proof surface.
The most common grade, 6061-T6, balances strength, weldability and cost for general structural and machined parts. 7075 offers far higher strength for aerospace structure, 2024 excels in fatigue resistance, and 5052 is the go-to for formed sheet-metal work.
Material properties
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength (6061-T6) | 310 MPa |
| Hardness | ~95 HB |
| Max service temp | ~150 °C |
| Corrosion resistance | Good (excellent anodized) |
| Machinability | Excellent |
| Relative cost | Low–Medium |
Typical values for reference; exact properties depend on grade, temper and heat treatment. Full material certification is provided on every order.
Machinability
Aluminum machines faster than almost any other metal — high cutting speeds, long tool life and clean chip formation. It is ideal for tight tolerances and fine finishes, though softer grades can leave built-up edge if tooling is dull or feeds too low.
Typical applications
Related engineering guides
Frequently asked questions
Which aluminum grade should I choose?
For most machined parts 6061-T6 is the best all-round choice. Choose 7075 when you need maximum strength, 2024 for fatigue-critical aerospace parts, and 5052 for bent sheet-metal work.
Can aluminum be anodized in colors?
Yes. Type II anodizing accepts a wide range of dye colors; Type III (hardcoat) is thicker and more wear-resistant but usually clear, grey or black.
Is aluminum strong enough for structural parts?
7075-T6 approaches the strength of mild steel at a third of the weight, making aluminum suitable for many load-bearing structures where weight matters.