Machined aluminum parts offer a great strength to weight ratio. While aluminum itself costs more by volume than steel, the faster machining times associated with it can make machining aluminum less expensive than steel. Machined aluminum is great for prototypes and production parts alike.
Aluminum is a much softer metal than steel, and certainly softer than stainless, but aluminum machining has its own issues to address. To properly machine aluminum, you require the correct cutters, drills and inserts to insure precision results. In fact, the coolant you run with aluminum is as critical as the tooling used to cut it.
Seaborn machines aluminum parts on a daily basis. Aluminum provides good dimensional stability but can also raise issues with deep drilling small diameter holes. With correct tooling and equipment, a near mirror finish can be produced in aluminum. With a higher strength to weight ratio than steel, aluminum is often used for mobile equipment and devices. Many field deployed devices utilize aluminum machining.
Seaborn Manufacturing Machined Aluminum
At Seaborn we pride ourselves on the quality of our precision machined aluminum parts. Seaborn machines all the common aluminum alloys – 6061 T6, 6063 T5, Mic 6, 5052 H32,7005, 7075 – and others as requested and/or required. Our high speed CNC machining centers and skilled programmers will insure you get the quality parts you deserve.
Seaborn machines small components to weldments in aluminum and do a lot of prototype and short-run custom aluminum machining. We offer CMM inspection for your aluminum machining project to ensure we meet your high standards for accuracy. From simple spacers to bearing block and aluminum tooling, Seaborn has your aluminum machining covered.
Machining aluminum extrusions and castings offers a chance to reduce cost and provide complex geometry to many production parts. Aluminum extrusions and casting are not practical for many low volume and one off parts but in production they can save time and lower cost.
The diverse benefits the many different aluminum alloys offer is why machined aluminum parts can be found everywhere, in industry and the home. Aluminum machining is a practical solution to many situations that require strength and lower weight.
When every gram counts, consider aluminum as an affordable option for your project. We are ISO 9001:2008 certified.