We offer a comprehensive range of CNC machining services with a completely flexible solution for everything from precision component to long length fabrications.
What are the most common aluminum CNC machining processes?
CNC milling machines are the most common and versatile way of machining aluminum parts. The machine uses rotating cutting tools to efficiently and precisely carve material from a stationary block of material.
Traditional milling machines transformed into “machining centers” in the 1960s thanks to the arrival of computer numerical control (CNC) systems, automatic tool changers and tool carousels. These machines are available in 2- to 12-axis configurations, although 3 to 5-axis are the most widely used.
CNC metal lathes, or CNC metal turning centers, firmly hold and rotate a workpiece while a toolhead holds a cutting tool or drill against it. These machines allow for very precise removal of material and manufacturers use them in a broad range of industries.
Typical lathe operations include drilling, shaping, slot-making, tapping, threading and tapering. CNC metal lathes are swiftly replacing older, more manual production models due to their ease of setting up, operation, repeatability and accuracy.
CNC plasma cutters heat compressed air to a very high temperature to create a “plasma arc” capable of melting metal up to six inches thick. Sheet material is held flat against a cutting table and a computer controls the path of the torch head. The compressed air blows away the hot molten metal, thereby cutting through the material. Plasma cutters are fast, precise, relatively easy to use and affordable, and manufacturers use them in many industries.
CNC laser machines either melt, burn or vaporize material away to create a cut edge. Similar to a plasma cutter, sheet material is held flat against a cutting table and a computer controls the path of the high-power laser beam.
Laser cutters use less energy than plasma cutters and are more precise, particularly when cutting thin sheets. However, only the most powerful and expensive laser cutters are capable of cutting through thick or dense materials.
CNC water cutters use extremely high-pressure jets of water forced through a narrow nozzle to cut through material. Water on its own is enough to cut through soft materials like wood or rubber. To cut through hard materials such as metal or stone, operators usually mix an abrasive substance with water.
Water cutters don’t heat material like plasma and laser cutters. This means that the presence of high temperatures won’t burn, warp or change its structure. It also helps to reduce waste and allows shapes cut from a sheet to be placed (or nested) closer together.
Our CNC machining services:
Bending
We can supply tube bending, roller bending, stretch forming and flow forming services to our customers, using tailored processes and integrating other machining services to achieve bespoke results.
Drilling
Our selection of four-axis CNC centres and custom drill bits allow us to combine creative solutions and rapid processing times to get you the best results in the shortest lead time possible.
Milling
We can meet a huge range of milling requirements, from small components to large profiles. With our four-axis CNC centres, we can produce intricate pieces with a range of slots, holes and shapes.
Turning
Our machine turning and boring services are typically four times faster than the manual equivalent. Offering a reliable 99.9% accuracy, CNC turning delivers precise and timely results.
