The best material for tasks requiring accuracy and a high tolerance for delicate pieces and tight tolerances is machined aluminum. Larger, simpler pieces and applications where strength and endurance are crucial criteria are better suited for cast aluminum.
The decision between machined aluminum and cast aluminum primarily depends on the requirements of your project. Depending on the use, each has a special advantage.
The definition of machined aluminum
Aluminum CNC Machining ADC12 Parts
Aluminum alloys used for CNC turning and milling are referred to as machined aluminum. The best method for cutting aluminum is CNC milling, which has the advantages of high accuracy and tight tolerance.
Aluminum 6061: The Aluminum 6061 is thought to be the most popular material because of its powerful mechanical properties, high weldability, resilience to harsh environments, and exceptional bendability.
Aluminum 7075: Aluminum 7075 has a very good resistance to fatigue and weariness despite not being as widespread as aluminum 6061. Its cost and unsuitability for welding jobs are its drawbacks, though.
Aluminum 2024: A popular alloy in the aerospace and defense sectors is aluminum 2024. It offers great wear and tear resistance and good mechanical qualities, including high tensile strength. Its disadvantages, however, include poor weldability and its inability to resist corrosion.
Aluminum 2014, aluminum 5052, and aluminum 6063 are some other alloys that can be machined using CNC.
What is aluminum cast?
Aluminum that has undergone one of the several casting processes is referred to as cast aluminum. Cast aluminum is a substance that is frequently used to make cookware. Additionally, this metal is used to make outdoor furniture and engine components for boats and land vehicles, such as housings, pistons, and connecting rods.
A380 alloy: The A380 alloy is exceptionally light and functional at very high temperatures. Its exceptional durability makes it a great fit for complex items as well.
Alloy A383: The aluminum alloy A383 resists corrosion and is a good heat conductor. However, compared to the A380, these qualities are less significant, particularly in terms of durability.
A360: Compared to A380 and A383, A360 is more ductile and has better corrosion resistance. It is advantageous for producing intricate pieces as well. But casting it is more challenging than the first two stated earlier.
What Is the Difference Between Cast Aluminum and Machined Aluminum?
1. Types and grades of materials
Cast aluminum and aluminum that has been machined have differing grades. A360, A380 are typically used for die casting aluminum alloys, whereas alloys 6063, 6061, 7075, and 2024 are typically used for aluminum machining.
2. Aesthetics
Aluminum that is die cast may take on any shape. Typically, die cast aluminum is used to make the street lamp’s shell. For example, the heat sink of a light bulb and the aluminum profile of doors and windows, which are both made of machined aluminum, assume the shape of an equal cross-section with little modification.
3. Thermostatic conductivity
Die cast aluminum has a general conductivity of 80–90 w/ m.k, but machined aluminum has a thermal conductivity of 180–190 w/ m.k.
4. Cost
Die casting and aluminum machining are relative costs determined by weight and machining. Calculate the price using the current labor and material costs. Although die-casting aluminum is more expensive relative to other materials, the details of the particular circumstance should be carefully considered.
5. Effectiveness of production
For injection molding, the manufacturing efficiency must be higher. In mass production, more than 1000 items are typically created each day. Naturally, the efficiency of aluminum machining is decreased.
6. Application
In general, die cast aluminum is utilized extensively in the automotive, street lighting, and now the mobile phone industries. Among other things, doors, windows, ceiling lamps, and downlights all frequently use machined aluminum.
Precision CNC Turning Aluminum Parts
JTR can provide both CNC machining services and die-casting services. We can provide excellent cast aluminum parts, as well as machined aluminum parts. If you want to process different types of aluminum products, please contact us.
