Aluminum offers an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and natural corrosion resistance. Jucheng Precision specializes in machining the full spectrum of alloys, from 6061 to aerospace-grade 7075. With 25 high-precision 5-axis Haas and Mazak machines, we deliver complex geometries and thin-walled parts with tolerances down to +/- 0.01mm. Our ISO 13485 and IATF 16949 certified facility ensures rigorous quality for medical and automotive components. We also provide in-house anodizing and finishing, offering a seamless, one-stop solution from prototype to mass production.
The most versatile and widely used CNC alloy. 6061 offers an excellent balance of strength, weldability, and corrosion resistance. It anodizes beautifully, making it ideal for structural frames, automotive parts, and consumer electronics. The T651 temper minimizes warping during machining.
Known as "Aircraft Grade," 7075 offers immense tensile strength comparable to steel but at a fraction of the weight. It is the top choice for high-stress aerospace gears, shafts, and structural parts. It machines with precision but has lower corrosion resistance than 6061.
The highest strength non-heat-treatable alloy, 5052 excels in marine environments due to exceptional saltwater corrosion resistance. It is softer and gummier than 6061 but offers superior formability, making it perfect for bent sheet metal chassis, fuel tanks, and marine hardware.
A primary aerospace alloy prized for its exceptional fatigue resistance and high strength-to-weight ratio. 2024 is the standard for aircraft wing structures and fittings subject to cyclic tension. It has high copper content and typically requires anodizing for corrosion protection.
Often called "Architectural Aluminum," 6063 provides the best surface finish and anodizing response of the 6xxx series. Its high thermal conductivity makes it the industry standard for manufacturing intricate heat sinks, extruded profiles, and cosmetic trim where visual appeal is paramount.
The standard structural alloy in Europe, 6082 offers higher tensile strength than 6061. It combines excellent corrosion resistance with good machinability and weldability. Widely used for heavy-duty structural components, cranes, and transport machinery requiring robust performance and durability.
Designed for heavy aerospace applications, 7050 retains its superior strength, toughness, and stress-corrosion resistance even in very thick sections (where 7075 might fail). It is the preferred choice for machining massive bulkheads and wing spars from solid billets.
A precision cast aluminum plate renowned for its superior dimensional stability. Fully stress-relieved, MIC-6 does not warp or twist during heavy machining operations. It is the gold standard for manufacturing flat inspection fixtures, base plates, and vacuum tables.
| Grade | Common Name | Key Characteristics | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al 6061 | Structural Aluminum | The most versatile alloy. Good strength, weldability, and high corrosion resistance. Anodizes well. | Truck bodies, machine frames, electronic enclosures, general machining. |
| Al 7075 | Aircraft Aluminum | High-strength alloy (Zinc is the primary alloying element). Excellent fatigue resistance but harder to weld. | Aerospace gears, shafts, aircraft wings, rock climbing equipment, bicycle frames. |
| Al 5052 | Marine Aluminum | Superior resistance to saltwater corrosion. Excellent formability for sheet metal work. Non-heat treatable. | Marine hardware, fuel tanks, sheet metal enclosures, street signs. |
| Al 2024 | Aircraft Alloy | High strength and fatigue resistance. Lower corrosion resistance (often requires cladding or coating). | Aircraft fuselage skins, tension members, precision fittings. |
| Al 6063 | Architectural Aluminum | Known for excellent surface finish and extrudability. Slightly lower strength than 6061. | Window frames, architectural trim, pipes, tubes, heatsinks. |
| Al MIC-6 | Cast Tooling Plate | Stress-relieved cast plate. Extremely stable and flat; does not warp during heavy machining. | Jigs, fixtures, base plates, vacuum tables, precision electronics. |
| Capability | Technical Description | Jucheng Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Axis Simultaneous Milling | Utilization of advanced Haas and Mazak 5-axis centers to machine complex contours, impellers, and off-axis features in a single setup. | Eliminates accumulation errors from re-fixturing; achieves superior geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T). |
| High-Speed Machining (HSM) | High RPM spindles (up to 20k RPM) combined with optimized tool paths (trochoidal milling) for rapid material removal rates (MRR). | Significantly reduces cycle times for large aluminum structural parts, lowering unit costs. |
| Thin-Wall Fabrication | Specialized strategies to machine walls as thin as 0.5mm, managing vibration and material stress relief to prevent warping. | Critical for lightweight aerospace and drone components where weight reduction is paramount. |
| Turn-Mill Operations | Combined lathe and mill functions to produce cylindrical parts with side features like slots, cross-holes, and flats. | Ensures perfect concentricity and alignment for optical housings and tactical flashlight bodies. |
| Integrated Surface Finishing | In-house capabilities for bead blasting, cosmetic anodizing (Clear/Black/Gold/Blue/Red), and hard coat anodizing. | One-stop service ensures faster lead times and strict control over final part aesthetics and durability. |
Tooling Selection:
We primarily use solid carbide end mills with high-helix angles (45°) and polished flutes (2 or 3 flutes). This design is crucial for aluminum as it prevents “chip packing” and Built-Up Edge (BUE), ensuring a mirror-like surface finish.
Coolant Strategy:
Aluminum has a high thermal expansion coefficient. We employ high-pressure flood coolant or Through-Spindle Coolant (TSC) systems to evacuate chips instantly and maintain a stable part temperature, ensuring that dimensional tolerances remain consistent throughout the run.
Workholding & Fixturing:
Since aluminum is softer than steel, it is susceptible to deformation under high clamping forces. Jucheng engineers utilize vacuum tables for flat plates and custom-machined soft jaws for complex shapes to distribute holding pressure evenly without marring the surface.
Thread Reinforcement:
Aluminum threads can strip after repeated use. For applications requiring frequent assembly, we recommend and install stainless steel Helicoil inserts or STI (Screw Thread Insert) threads to significantly extend the lifespan of the threaded holes.
Aerospace & Aviation
Key Parts: Wing ribs, bulkhead frames, drone fuselages.
Why Aluminum: The 7075-T6 alloy offers strength comparable to some steels but at a fraction of the weight, critical for fuel efficiency and payload capacity.
Automotive & EV (IATF 16949 Certified)
Key Parts: Battery trays, heat sinks, suspension knuckles, motor housings.
Why Aluminum: Excellent thermal conductivity allows for efficient heat dissipation in electronics and batteries, while lightweighting improves vehicle range.
Medical Devices (ISO 13485 Certified)
Key Parts: MRI components, prosthetics, surgical robot arms, diagnostic equipment chassis.
Why Aluminum: It is non-magnetic (essential for MRI), easy to sterilize, and cost-effective for large structural housings compared to titanium.
Consumer Electronics
Key Parts: High-end camera bodies, audio equipment front panels, laptop enclosures.
Why Aluminum: It accepts cosmetic anodizing extremely well, providing a premium, scratch-resistant surface with a variety of color options.
| Density | 2.6 - 2.8 g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength | 90 - 570 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 30 - 500 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 5 - 40 % |
| Elastic Modulus | 68 - 72 GPa |
| Hardness | 20 - 150 HRB |
| Thermal Conductivity | 120 - 235 W/m-K |
| Electrical Conductivity | 30 - 65 % IACS |
| Melting Point | 475 - 660 °C |
| Max. Part Size | 2000 mm (L) x 800 mm (W) x 600 mm (H) |
