Aluminium

What is aluminium?

Aluminium is a light metal with a low density and excellent mechanical properties. It is characterised by its corrosion resistance, high conductivity and good machinability. Because of these characteristics, aluminium is an indispensable material in many branches of industry.

Properties of aluminium

Low weight

With a density of just 2.7 g/cm³, aluminium is around three times lighter than steel. This makes it a popular choice for applications where weight reduction is crucial, such as in aerospace and vehicle construction.

High corrosion resistance

Aluminium naturally forms a dense oxide layer that protects it from environmental influences. This protective layer makes it particularly resistant to rust and chemical influences.

Good conductivity

The metal has high electrical and thermal conductivity. It is therefore frequently used in electrical engineering and as a material for cooling systems.

High formability and strength

Aluminium is easy to machine, mill and turn. Through various alloys, the strength of the material can be increased considerably, so that it also withstands high loads.

Applications of aluminium

Aluminium in metalworking

Aluminium is particularly well suited to CNC turning and milling processes. Thanks to its good machinability, precise components with a high surface quality can be produced. In addition, its corrosion resistance ensures that the manufactured parts are durable and low-maintenance.

Construction and mechanical engineering

Aluminium is used in load-bearing structures, façades and window frames, as it is light yet stable. It is also used in mechanical engineering, particularly for moving parts that benefit from the reduction in weight.

Aerospace

The aviation industry uses aluminium because of its lightness and strength. Wings, landing gear and structural components are often made from special aluminium alloys.

Packaging industry

Cans, foils and protective packaging are made from aluminium, as it protects the contents from light, air and moisture and is also recyclable.

Aluminium alloys

There are numerous aluminium alloys that have different properties depending on the application.

• Pure aluminium (1000 series): Very corrosion-resistant, soft and highly formable.
• Aluminium-copper alloys (2000 series): High strength, but lower corrosion resistance.
• Aluminium-magnesium-silicon alloys (6000 series): A good mix of strength, corrosion resistance and machinability.

Machining of aluminium

The CNC machining of aluminium requires special tools in order to achieve optimum results.

• Cutting tools: Carbide or diamond-coated tools are ideal for aluminium.
• Coolants: Sufficient cooling prevents material adhesion and improves the surface quality.
• Milling strategies: High-speed milling ensures efficient material removal and less heat generation.

Sustainability and recycling

Aluminium is one of the most sustainable metals, as it is 100% recyclable. The recycling process requires only about 5% of the energy compared with primary production, which saves considerable resources. This makes aluminium an environmentally friendly material with long-term benefits.

Conclusion

Aluminium is a key material in metalworking. Its combination of lightness, strength and corrosion resistance makes it an optimum choice for numerous applications. Particularly in CNC machining, it offers many advantages and is used successfully in a wide variety of industries.