Aluminum
Custom Parts
at Every Scale
Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and highly machinable -- aluminum is the go-to material for engineers across aerospace, electronics, medical, and industrial sectors. Xu Feng supports the full aluminum workflow from prototype to mass production across CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, and die stamping.
Why Engineers Choose Aluminum
Aluminum alloys offer a unique combination of properties that make them indispensable in modern product design and industrial manufacturing -- especially for high-volume, precision-critical applications.
Exceptional Strength-to-Weight Ratio
At just 2.7 g/cm³ -- one-third the density of steel -- aluminum delivers structural rigidity without unnecessary mass, critical for aerospace, robotics, and portable devices.
Natural Corrosion Resistance
Aluminum forms a self-protecting oxide layer, making it inherently resistant to rust and environmental degradation -- suitable for outdoor, marine, and humid environments.
Outstanding Machinability
Aluminum cuts cleanly and quickly, reducing tool wear and cycle time. This translates directly to lower per-part cost -- especially valuable for prototype runs and medium-volume batches.
Excellent Thermal & Electrical Conductivity
With conductivity roughly 60% that of copper at a fraction of the weight, aluminum is a preferred material for heat sinks, bus bars, enclosures, and electronic housings.
Broad Surface Treatment Compatibility
Aluminum accepts a wide range of finishing options -- anodizing, powder coating, chromate conversion, polishing -- enabling functional and aesthetic customization for end-use parts.
Fully Recyclable & Sustainable
Aluminum is 100% recyclable without loss of properties, aligning with sustainability goals and reducing lifecycle environmental impact -- an increasing procurement requirement in Europe and beyond.
Common Aluminum Alloy Grades
Not all aluminum is the same. Each alloy series is optimized for different performance requirements. Use this guide to identify the best grade for your application, or consult our engineering team for a recommendation.
6061-T6
The workhorse of aluminum alloys. Excellent balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability makes it the default choice for structural and general-purpose parts.
Key Properties
- High strength-to-weight ratio
- Good weldability and formability
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Anodizes to a high-quality finish
Supported Processes
- CNC Milling & Turning
- Sheet Metal Fabrication
- Metal Stamping
Typical Applications
Quick Comparison Table
| Grade | Strength | Corrosion Resistance | Machinability | Weldability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6061-T6 | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | General purpose, structural |
| 7075-T6 | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | High-stress, aerospace |
| 5052-H32 | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | Sheet metal, marine |
| 2024-T3 | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | Aerospace, fatigue-critical |
| 6063-T5 | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | Aesthetic, extrusion, anodizing |
| MIC-6 | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | Tooling, fixtures, precision plates |
Supported Manufacturing Processes
Xu Feng operates three specialized factories, each optimized for a core process. Aluminum parts can be produced across all four of our primary manufacturing capabilities -- from single prototypes to production volumes.
CNC Machining
3-axis and 5-axis milling, turning, and drilling for complex aluminum parts with tight tolerances. Ideal for structural brackets, housings, connectors, and precision mechanical components.
Sheet Metal Fabrication
Laser cutting, CNC bending, TIG/MIG welding, and assembly for aluminum sheet and plate. Suitable for enclosures, panels, frames, and structural assemblies requiring precise bends and weld joints.
Metal Stamping
Progressive die and transfer die stamping for high-volume aluminum components. Aluminum's softness and ductility make it ideal for complex stamped shapes with consistent repeatability at scale.
Aluminum Mold Tooling
Aluminum alloys (especially 7075 and MIC-6) are used to fabricate prototype and bridge injection molds. Faster to machine than steel tooling, aluminum molds accelerate your product development timeline significantly.
Aluminum Surface Treatments
Surface treatment selection affects corrosion resistance, hardness, aesthetics, and electrical properties. Xu Feng offers a comprehensive range of finishing options -- all applied in-house or through our vetted partner network.
Type II Anodizing
Standard sulfuric acid anodizing. Improves corrosion resistance and creates a porous surface ideal for dyeing. Available in clear, black, and custom colors. Thickness: 5-25μm.
Type III Hard Anodizing
Hard coat anodizing for extreme wear resistance and surface hardness up to 70 HRC. Ideal for hydraulic components, sliding surfaces, and parts subject to abrasion. Thickness: 25-150μm.
Powder Coating
Electrostatically applied dry powder cured under heat. Provides a durable, uniform color finish with excellent UV and chemical resistance. Wide RAL color range available.
Chromate Conversion (Alodine)
Chemical film treatment (MIL-DTL-5541) that provides corrosion resistance while maintaining electrical conductivity. Common in aerospace and electronics enclosures. Available in clear and gold.
Bead Blasting
Creates a uniform matte surface texture by propelling fine glass or ceramic beads. Removes machining marks and creates a consistent, non-reflective finish. Often used before anodizing.
Mirror Polishing
Multi-stage mechanical polishing to achieve a highly reflective, Ra ≤ 0.1μm surface. Used in optical components, medical devices, and premium consumer products requiring a mirror-like appearance.
Engineering Note: Some surface treatments (especially hard anodizing) add material thickness and affect dimensional tolerances. Always specify final surface treatment requirements in your drawing. Our DFM review will flag any tolerance conflicts before production begins.
Aluminum Parts Across Every Industry
From medical-grade housings to high-cycle stamped connectors, aluminum's versatility makes it the most widely used engineering metal across Xu Feng's global customer base.
Structural & Avionics Components
Lightweight brackets, housings, and structural ribs machined from 7075-T6 and 2024-T3 for demanding aerospace applications where every gram matters.
Heat Sinks & Electronic Enclosures
6061 and 6063 aluminum for thermal management housings, RF shielding enclosures, and PCB mounting frames -- anodized for EMI protection and aesthetic appeal.
Surgical Instrument Housings
Precision-machined 6061 components for diagnostic equipment, imaging device frames, and surgical tool bodies -- with mirror-polished or hard-anodized finishes meeting medical standards.
Robot Arm Links & Motion Frames
Lightweight yet rigid aluminum frames, joint housings, and actuator mounts for collaborative robots and automation systems. 6061-T6 machined parts reduce inertia and improve cycle speed.
Battery Trays & EV Structural Parts
Stamped and fabricated aluminum trays, bus bar supports, and thermal management plates for EV battery packs and solar energy systems. 5052 for corrosion resistance, 6061 for structural rigidity.
Pneumatic & Hydraulic Components
Valve bodies, manifolds, and cylinder end caps machined from 6061-T6 with hard-anodized bores. Tight tolerances ensure leak-free performance in demanding fluid power applications.
ISO-Standard Quality at Every Stage
Xu Feng applies a rigorous quality system to every aluminum part -- from incoming material verification through final shipment inspection. Our processes are designed to give procurement managers and engineers full confidence in every delivery.
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Material Certification & Traceability
All aluminum stock is sourced from certified mills with full material test reports (MTR). Alloy composition and mechanical properties are verified before machining begins.
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CMM Inspection & First Article Reports
Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) inspection for critical dimensions. First Article Inspection (FAI) reports provided for new part numbers, with full dimensional verification against customer drawings.
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In-Process & Final Visual Inspection
Dedicated QC team performs in-process checks at key machining stages and 100% final visual inspection before packaging. Surface finish, burr removal, and cosmetic requirements are all verified.
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Inspection Reports & Documentation
Full inspection packages available including dimensional reports, surface treatment certificates, and material certs. Supports your incoming quality control process and regulatory compliance requirements.
Ready to Source Your
Aluminum Parts?
Share your requirements and receive a detailed quote with DFM feedback within 24 hours. Our engineering team reviews every inquiry personally -- no automated quoting, just expert manufacturing advice.
Aluminum Parts FAQ
What is the tightest tolerance Xu Feng can hold on aluminum CNC parts?
Which aluminum alloy should I choose for a structural bracket?
Does anodizing affect dimensional tolerances on my parts?
What is the minimum order quantity for aluminum CNC parts?
Can Xu Feng supply aluminum parts with full material and inspection documentation?
What is the typical lead time for aluminum CNC machined parts?
Explore Other Materials
Aluminum isn't always the right choice. Compare with other materials we support.