Custom Aluminum CNC Machining Services
Precision aluminum parts for prototypes and production, with tolerances down to ±0.01 mm, lead times under 10 days, and no minimum order quantity.
Essengold Parts manufactures custom aluminum components in 6061, 7075, 5052, 2024, 6063, 6082, and many other grades. Using 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC milling, CNC turning, and secondary finishing processes, we produce accurate and repeatable parts for single prototypes, low-volume runs, and ongoing production orders.
With more than 10 years of CNC machining experience, our engineering team reviews every drawing for manufacturability before production. This helps reduce machining risk, avoid unnecessary cost, and resolve tolerance or finishing issues early in the process.
Why Engineers Choose Us
- Tolerances down to ±0.01 mm on critical features
- Lead times under 10 days for most aluminum parts
- No MOQ, from one-off prototypes to production quantities
- Multiple finishing options, including anodizing, bead blasting, powder coating, polishing, and brushing
- Worldwide delivery by express courier, air freight, or sea freight
Upload your drawings to receive a fast quotation and manufacturability review from our team.
Accepted files: STEP, STP, IGES, X_T, DWG, DXF, PDF
Aluminum CNC Machining Capabilities
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processes | 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC milling; CNC turning; drilling; tapping; thread milling; assembly |
| Aluminum alloys | |
| Standard tolerance | ISO 2768-m (typically ±0.1 mm on most linear dimensions) |
| Precision tolerance | Down to ±0.01 mm on critical features |
| Surface roughness | Ra 3.2 µm standard; Ra 1.6 µm or Ra 0.8 µm available on request |
| Typical lead time | Under 10 days for most parts |
| Minimum order quantity | 1 piece |
| Production volume | Prototypes, low-volume runs, and repeat production |
| Surface finishes | As machined, anodizing (Type II), hard anodizing (Type III), bead blasting, powder coating, polishing, brushing |
| Quality documentation | Dimensional inspection reports and material certificates available on request |
If your part requires tighter tolerances, special finishes, or an alloy not listed here, send us your drawing for review. Our engineering team will evaluate manufacturability and recommend the best production approach.
Why Aluminum Is Ideal for CNC Machining
Aluminum is one of the most widely used materials in CNC machining because it combines low weight, good strength, fast machinability, and cost efficiency. Compared with many other metals, aluminum is easier to machine, more versatile in finishing, and well suited to both prototypes and production parts.
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01
High Strength-to-Weight Ratio
Aluminum offers an excellent balance of strength and weight, making it ideal for parts that need structural performance without unnecessary mass. High-strength grades such as 7075-T6 are widely used in aerospace, robotics, drones, and automotive applications where weight reduction is critical.
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02
Corrosion Resistance
Aluminum naturally forms a protective oxide layer that helps resist corrosion in many environments. 5000- and 6000-series alloys perform especially well in humid, outdoor, and marine conditions, and anodizing can further improve surface protection and durability.
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03
Excellent Machinability
Aluminum machines quickly and efficiently, allowing higher spindle speeds, faster feed rates, and lower tool wear than many harder metals. This helps reduce cycle times, improve surface finish, and lower the cost of machined parts.
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04
Thermal and Electrical Conductivity
Aluminum provides good heat dissipation and electrical conductivity, which makes it a practical choice for heat sinks, electronic enclosures, LED housings, and other functional components.
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05
Finishing Flexibility
Aluminum supports a wide range of surface treatments, including anodizing, bead blasting, polishing, brushing, and powder coating. These finishing options can improve appearance, wear resistance, and corrosion protection while keeping parts lightweight.
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06
Cost Efficiency
Aluminum is often more cost-effective to machine than stainless steel, titanium, or other harder metals. Its fast cutting speeds, lower tool wear, and wide material availability help reduce machining time and overall part cost, especially for prototypes and medium-volume production.
Aluminum Alloys We Machine
The right alloy depends on your strength, corrosion, welding, finishing, and cost requirements. These six grades cover most of the aluminum parts we produce.
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T6 / T651
Aluminum 6061 (6061-T6 / 6061-T651)
6061 is the most widely used aluminum alloy for CNC machining. It offers a balanced combination of strength, machinability, weldability, and corrosion resistance. It anodizes well and costs less than high-strength grades.
Best for Read our guide to 6061 aluminum properties and applications -
T6 / T651
Aluminum 7075 (7075-T6 / 7075-T651)
7075 is an aerospace-grade alloy with strength comparable to many steels. It offers excellent fatigue resistance and machines to a fine finish. It is not recommended for welding and costs more than 6061.
Best for Explore 7000 series aluminum alloys for CNC machining -
H32
Aluminum 5052 (5052-H32)
5052 is a non-heat-treatable alloy with outstanding corrosion resistance, especially in saltwater. It welds and forms easily. Because it is softer than 6061, it machines more slowly and needs careful chip control.
Best for See 5052 aluminum CNC machining -
T351
Aluminum 2024 (2024-T351)
2024 is a high-strength aluminum-copper alloy with excellent fatigue resistance. It machines well but has poor corrosion resistance, so parts are usually anodized or coated.
Best for See 2024 aluminum for CNC machining -
T5 / T6
Aluminum 6063 (6063-T5 / 6063-T6)
6063 is often called architectural aluminum. It provides a smooth surface finish and excellent anodizing results, with moderate strength.
Best for See 6063 aluminum for CNC machining -
T6 / T651
Aluminum 6082 (6082-T6 / 6082-T651)
6082 is the European counterpart to 6061, with slightly higher strength. It offers good weldability and corrosion resistance and is widely specified under EN standards.
Best for See 6082 aluminum for CNC machining
Other Aluminum Grades Available
We also machine these aluminum grades.
Compare Alloy Families
Browse properties by aluminum series.
CNC Machining Processes for Aluminum Parts
We select the most suitable machining process for each aluminum part based on its geometry, tolerance requirements, and production volume. This helps control part cost while maintaining the accuracy, consistency, and finish your application requires.
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01
3-Axis CNC Milling
3-axis milling is the most cost-effective option for prismatic parts with features on one or two faces. It is commonly used for plates, brackets, covers, and simple housings where straightforward machining and tight dimensional control are required.
Typical parts -
02
4-Axis CNC Milling
Adding a rotary axis allows multiple sides of a part to be machined in a single setup. This reduces handling, improves positional accuracy between features, and is well suited for parts with side holes, radial patterns, and indexed features.
Ideal for -
03
5-Axis CNC Milling
5-axis machining is ideal for complex contours, undercuts, compound angles, and organic geometries. Fewer setups also improve accuracy between related features.
Typical applications -
04
CNC Turning
CNC turning is used for cylindrical aluminum parts such as shafts, bushings, spacers, pins, and threaded fittings. It provides tight control over diameters, concentricity, and roundness, while secondary milling operations can add flats, cross holes, and slots when needed.
Typical parts -
05
Drilling, Tapping, and Threading
We machine through holes, blind holes, counterbores, countersinks, and deep holes with controlled positional and diameter tolerances. Threads can be produced by tapping or thread milling in metric, UNC, UNF, and custom thread forms. Threaded inserts are also available when stronger or more durable threads are required in aluminum parts.
Thread options -
06
Assembly
For multi-part projects, we can assemble machined components and deliver ready-to-install units. This helps reduce supplier coordination, shorten in-house assembly time, and simplify your production workflow.
Key benefits
Explore Related Services
See full capabilities for each process.
Surface Finishes for Aluminum CNC Parts
Surface finish affects corrosion resistance, wear performance, appearance, and final dimensions. The most suitable finish depends on how the part will be used, the appearance required, and any dimensional or masking considerations.
| Finish | Description | Main Benefits | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| As machined | No post-treatment; light tool marks visible; Ra 3.2 µm standard | Lowest cost and best dimensional control | Prototypes, functional parts, and internal components |
|
Anodizing Type II |
Electrochemical oxide layer, typically 5–25 µm; available in clear, black, or custom colors | Improved corrosion resistance and decorative color options | Electronics enclosures, brackets, and consumer-facing parts |
|
Hard anodizing Type III |
Dense oxide layer, typically 25–75 µm | High surface hardness, wear resistance, and added durability | Sliding parts, aerospace components, defense parts, and tooling |
| Bead blasting | Glass bead media creates a uniform matte texture | Reduces the visibility of tool marks and creates an even satin appearance | Cosmetic parts, often before anodizing |
| Powder coating | Dry powder cured into a durable protective layer | Strong impact resistance, UV resistance, and wide color selection | Outdoor equipment, covers, and industrial housings |
| Polishing | Mechanical polishing can produce a smooth or mirror-like finish | Improved appearance, lower surface roughness, and easier cleaning | Decorative parts, lighting components, and medical parts |
| Brushing | Abrasive belts create fine parallel surface lines | Satin appearance that helps hide fingerprints and light scratches | Panels, trim, and electronic enclosures |
Industry Applications for CNC Machined Aluminum Parts
We machine aluminum parts for industries where weight, precision, and surface quality directly affect performance. Each application below shows the typical parts we produce and the grades most often specified.
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01
Aerospace and Defense
Typical parts include structural brackets, fittings, housings, avionics enclosures, and UAV components. Common grades include 7075, 2024, and 6061, often paired with hard anodizing for improved wear and corrosion resistance.
Typical partsCommon grades -
02
Automotive, Motorsports, and Robotics
Aluminum is widely used for engine brackets, intake components, suspension parts, end effectors, gripper fingers, sensor mounts, and lightweight structural components. Common grades include 6061 and 7075, selected for their balance of strength, stiffness, weight reduction, and machinability.
Typical partsCommon grades -
03
Electronics and Telecommunications
Typical applications include device housings, heat sinks, RF enclosures, chassis, and connector bodies. Common grades include 6061, 6063, and 5052, often finished with bead blasting and anodizing for appearance and corrosion protection.
Typical partsCommon grades -
04
Medical Devices
Common aluminum parts include diagnostic equipment frames, surgical tool handles, prosthetic and orthotic components, and mobility equipment parts. Grades such as 6061 and 7075 are often used where low weight, good strength, and clean surface finishes are required.
Typical partsCommon grades -
05
Industrial Equipment
Aluminum is commonly used for jigs, fixtures, manifolds, gearbox housings, and conveyor components. Grades such as 6061 and 6082 are often selected for their machinability, structural performance, and broad availability.
Typical partsCommon grades -
06
Marine
Typical marine applications include deck hardware, fittings, brackets, and other components exposed to humid or saltwater environments. Grades such as 5052 and 5083 are preferred for their strong corrosion resistance and good durability in marine service.
Typical partsCommon grades
Compare 6061, 7075, 5052, and 2024 Aluminum Alloys
These four grades cover a wide range of aluminum CNC machining applications. Use the comparison below to identify the best fit based on strength, corrosion resistance, weldability, machinability, and cost.
| Property | 6061T6 | 7075T6 | 5052H32 | 2024T351 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | ~310 MPa | ~572 MPa | ~228 MPa | ~469 MPa |
| Yield strength | ~276 MPa | ~503 MPa | ~193 MPa | ~324 MPa |
| Hardness (Brinell) | ~95 HB | ~150 HB | ~60 HB | ~120 HB |
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ | 2.81 g/cm³ | 2.68 g/cm³ | 2.78 g/cm³ |
| Machinability | Very good | Very good | Fair | Very good |
| Corrosion resistance | Good | Moderate | Excellent | Poor |
| Weldability | Good | Not recommended | Excellent | Not recommended |
| Anodizing suitability | Excellent | Good | Good | Fair |
| Relative cost | Low | High | Low | High |
| Best for | General-purpose parts | High-load parts | Marine and corrosive environments | Fatigue-critical structures |
Values shown are typical reference values and may vary by temper, product form, and material supplier.
Quick Selection Guide
Match your top priority to the grade that fits it best.
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Choose 6061 if you need a cost-effective, general-purpose alloy with good weldability, machinability, and anodizing performance.
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Choose 7075 if maximum strength-to-weight ratio is the priority and welding is not required.
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Choose 5052 if the part will operate in saltwater, chemical, or consistently humid environments.
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Choose 2024 if the part will experience repeated cyclic loads and can be protected with anodizing or another surface coating.
Not sure which alloy is right for your part?
Share your load requirements, operating environment, and cost target, and our engineers will recommend the most suitable grade.
How to Order Custom Aluminum CNC Parts
From file upload to doorstep delivery, our five-step process keeps your aluminum CNC project clear, predictable, and on schedule. Here is what happens at each stage.
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Step 01
Send Your Files
Upload your 3D model and 2D drawing through our quote form, or send them to our sales team by email. To help us quote accurately, include the required alloy, quantity, tolerances, surface finish, and any critical notes. Large files can be sent as ZIP or RAR archives.
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Step 02
Receive a Quote and DFM Review
We will provide a detailed quotation along with design-for-manufacturing feedback. If your part includes features that may increase cost or production risk—such as deep pockets, thin walls, or sharp internal corners—we will recommend practical alternatives.
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Step 03
Approve the Quote and Start Production
Once the quotation is approved, we source certified material, confirm the manufacturing plan, and begin production. Most aluminum CNC machining orders are completed in under 10 days, depending on part complexity and order volume.
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Step 04
Inspection and Finishing
Parts are inspected against your drawing requirements during production and again after finishing when required. Inspection reports and material certificates are available on request.
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Step 05
Packaging and Worldwide Shipping
Finished parts are packed to prevent damage during transit and shipped worldwide by express courier, air freight, or sea freight based on your delivery schedule and budget.
Start Your Aluminum CNC Order Today
Send us your 3D model and 2D drawing. Our engineers will review your files and reply with a detailed quote and DFM feedback.
- Free DFM review
- Most orders in under 10 days
- Worldwide shipping
Aluminum CNC Machining FAQs
Clear answers to the questions engineers and buyers ask most, from cost and lead time to tolerances, alloy selection, finishes, and what to send for a quote.
Aluminum CNC machining is a subtractive manufacturing process in which computer-controlled mills and lathes remove material from solid aluminum stock to produce a finished part from a CAD model. It is widely used for accurate, repeatable prototypes and production parts.
Cost depends on the alloy, part size, geometry, tolerances, quantity, and surface finish. Simple 6061 parts produced in volume cost much less than complex 5-axis parts made from 7075. Unit cost also decreases as quantity increases because setup costs are spread across more parts. Send us your drawing for an exact quote.
Most aluminum CNC machining orders are completed in under 10 days. Simple prototypes can often be produced faster, while transit time depends on the shipping method and destination.
Our standard machining tolerance generally follows ISO 2768-m unless otherwise specified. For many linear dimensions, this is typically around ±0.1 mm. On critical features such as bearing bores, mating surfaces, and locating holes, we can hold tolerances down to ±0.01 mm. Tighter tolerances increase machining and inspection time, so they should be specified only where function requires them.
6061-T6 is the best all-purpose choice for most projects because it balances strength, machinability, corrosion resistance, and cost. 7075 is better for high-strength applications, 5052 is preferred for marine or corrosive environments, and 2024 is often selected for fatigue-critical parts.
7075-T6 is much stronger and harder than 6061-T6, making it better suited for high-stress, weight-sensitive parts. However, 6061 is more affordable, easier to weld, and offers better corrosion resistance. In general, 7075 is used for maximum strength, while 6061 is the better choice for general-purpose components.
We offer as-machined, Type II anodizing, Type III hard anodizing, bead blasting, powder coating, polishing, and brushing. For cosmetic aluminum parts, bead blasting followed by anodizing is one of the most popular finish combinations.
Yes. We provide 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC milling for aluminum parts. 5-axis machining is ideal for complex contours, undercuts, and compound angles, and it also improves accuracy by machining multiple faces in a single setup.
No. Our minimum order quantity is 1 piece, which allows you to order a single prototype before moving to larger runs. We also support low-volume production and repeat orders with consistent quality across batches.
The best way to request a quote is to send a 3D CAD file, preferably in STEP or IGES format, along with a 2D PDF drawing that shows tolerances, threads, and finish requirements. If you only have a 3D model, we can usually still quote the part as long as you provide the alloy, quantity, and any critical dimensions.
Have a Question We Didn't Cover?
Send us your 3D model, drawing, and requirements. Our engineers will review your part and reply with a detailed quote and DFM feedback.
- No minimum order quantity
- Most orders in under 10 days
- STEP, IGES & PDF accepted
Request a Quote for Your Aluminum CNC Parts
Send your drawing to receive a detailed quote with DFM feedback. Most parts complete production in under 10 days, with no minimum order quantity.
- Detailed quote with DFM feedback
- Most parts in under 10 days
- No minimum order quantity
Upload your 3D model and drawing to get started.
Precision Aluminum CNC Machined Parts for Aerospace and Automotive
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