Aluminium CNC Machining
Lightweight. Excellent machinability. Corrosion resistant. Cost effective.
Aluminium Machining Overview
Aluminium is one of the most widely machined materials in the CNC engineering industry, and for good reason. Its combination of low density, excellent machinability and natural corrosion resistance makes it the first choice for applications ranging from aerospace brackets to automotive housings and electronic enclosures.
At Clarent Precision, aluminium is one of our most frequently machined materials. We work with the full range of common grades including 6082 (our most requested), 6061, 7075, 2024 and 5083. Each grade offers a different balance of strength, machinability and corrosion resistance, and we can advise on the best choice for your application.
Our portfolio includes hundreds of aluminium components delivered to clients across the aerospace, automotive and motorsport sectors. From complex 3D milled profiles to high-volume turned parts, our CNC facility in Leighton Buzzard handles it all.
Key Properties of Aluminium
Lightweight
Roughly one-third the weight of steel, making it ideal for weight-critical applications in aerospace and motorsport.
Excellent Machinability
One of the easiest metals to CNC machine, allowing faster cycle times and lower production costs.
Corrosion Resistant
Forms a natural oxide layer that protects against corrosion. Can be further enhanced with anodising.
Strength-to-Weight Ratio
Aerospace grades like 7075 offer tensile strengths comparable to some steels at a fraction of the weight.
Cost Effective
Lower raw material cost and faster machining times make aluminium one of the most economical metals to work with.
Thermally Conductive
Excellent thermal conductivity makes it the go-to choice for heatsinks and thermal management components.
Our Aluminium Machining Capabilities
- CNC Milling: 3 and 4 axis machining centres handling sizes up to 762mm x 406mm x 508mm. Complex 3D profiling with full CAD/CAM simulation.
- CNC Turning: Live tooling lathes for complete mill-turn operations in a single setup. Capacity up to Ø279mm x 413mm.
- Batch Sizes: From single prototypes through to production runs. Milling batches up to 1,000+, turning up to 10,000.
- Tolerances: Routinely machining to +/- 0.01mm on critical dimensions, verified by CMM inspection.
- Grades: 6082, 6061, 7075, 2024, 5083 and others on request.
Applications and Industries
Aluminium components machined by Clarent Precision are used across a wide range of industries and applications.
- Aerospace structural brackets and housings
- Automotive fuel rails, manifolds and engine components
- Motorsport lightweight performance parts
- Electronic enclosures and heatsinks
- Medical device housings
- General engineering fixtures and jigs
Post-Production Treatments
Aluminium is highly versatile when it comes to finishing options. Through our approved sub-contractor network, we offer a range of post-production treatments to enhance performance and appearance.
- Anodising: Type II and Type III (hard anodising) for enhanced corrosion and wear resistance. Available in a range of colours.
- Painting and powder coating: For aesthetic or protective requirements.
- Plating: Nickel, chrome and other finishes for specific performance needs.
- Bead blasting: For a uniform matte surface finish.
Aluminium Component Examples
A selection of aluminium components machined at our Leighton Buzzard facility.
Aluminium 6082 fuel rail
Aluminium 6082 handlebar catch
Precision milled aluminium component
Quality Assurance
Every aluminium component we produce is inspected in our temperature-controlled inspection department. Our ISO 9001 certified quality management system, awarded by NQA, ensures consistent, traceable production. Full material certification, Certificates of Conformity and CMM reports are available as standard.
Our quality systems →Frequently Asked Questions
What aluminium grades do you machine?
We machine all common aluminium grades including 6082, 6061, 7075, 2024 and 5083. Our most frequently machined grade is 6082, which offers an excellent balance of strength, machinability and corrosion resistance. If your application requires a specific grade not listed here, please get in touch as we can source most aluminium alloys.
What tolerances can you achieve on aluminium?
We routinely machine aluminium to tolerances of +/- 0.01mm on critical dimensions. Aluminium's excellent machinability makes it one of the easiest materials to hold tight tolerances on. All critical dimensions are verified using our CMM and precision hand tools in a temperature-controlled inspection environment.
Is aluminium easy to CNC machine?
Yes. Aluminium is one of the easiest metals to CNC machine due to its relatively soft nature and excellent chip formation characteristics. This translates to faster cycle times, longer tool life and lower production costs compared to harder materials like stainless steel or titanium. Free-cutting grades like 6082 and 6061 are particularly well-suited to high-speed machining.
How much does aluminium CNC machining cost?
The cost depends on component complexity, tolerances, batch size and the specific grade required. Aluminium is generally one of the most cost-effective materials to machine due to lower raw material prices and faster cutting speeds. For an accurate quote, send us your drawings or CAD models and we will provide a competitive price within 24 hours.
Need Aluminium Components Machined?
Send us your drawings for a fast, competitive quote. From single prototypes to production runs in any aluminium grade.