Material

Aluminum

Lightweight, high-strength alloys for structural and cosmetic parts.

Material decision support

How this alloy behaves in your project.

Below is what we tell buyers about this alloy: where it pays for itself, where it costs you in cycle time or tooling, and which records to specify for shipment. Compare against your operating environment and tolerance stack before you finalize the print.

Aluminum alloys for CNC-machined lightweight housings, brackets and thermal-management parts. 6061-T6 is a common general-purpose machining choice; 7075 is considered when higher strength is required. Neither is a universal substitute for the other.

Reference grades

Grades to consider for Aluminum

CodeNotes
AL2024Aircraft structural — high fatigue strength
AL5052Marine grade — excellent corrosion resistance
AL5083Cryogenic and marine — weldable
AL5754Sheet metal — automotive & marine panels
AL6061-T6Most common structural grade
AL6063Architectural extrusions & cosmetics
AL6082European structural equivalent of 6061
AL7075Aerospace — highest strength aluminum

Typical uses

Typical uses for Aluminum

Structural brackets & frames

For structural brackets, specify 6061 or 7075 (or the drawing grade), temper, hole-position datums and whether anodizing thickness is included in the tolerance.

Aerospace fittings

For aerospace fittings, specify the exact alloy, condition, material certificate format and finish masking. Program names do not replace a drawing-controlled grade.

Consumer electronics housings

For electronics housings, specify appearance faces, anodize color, masking of contact surfaces and which dimensions are checked after finishing.

How we work

Materials, tolerances, equipment

Aluminum alloys for CNC-machined lightweight housings, brackets and thermal-management parts. 6061-T6 is a common general-purpose machining choice; 7075 is considered when higher strength is required. Neither is a universal substitute for the other.

How should I select the grade?

6061-T6 is a common general-purpose machining choice; 7075 is considered when higher strength is required. Neither is a universal substitute for the other. Material availability, stock size and certificate requirements are confirmed during quotation; a listed grade is not a stock guarantee.

What affects machining and inspection?

Review temper, corrosion exposure, anodizing appearance and thin-wall stability. Functional tolerances depend on part geometry, material condition, fixturing and measurement method, not only the material family.

What should I specify for finishing?

State the finish standard, thickness, color or texture, masking and functional surfaces. Consider coating build in fits and threads. Approve any material or finishing substitution in writing.

Material quotation checklist

Send the exact grade and condition, 2D drawing, STEP model, quantity, critical features, service environment and traceability requirements. Tecpreva can review machining suitability and proposed alternatives before production.

Bring a drawing

Discuss your Aluminum part with us.

Send the CAD file, required grade, quantity and operating conditions. We will review material availability and machining feasibility before confirming a production route and quote.

Request a quote