In today’s era of advanced manufacturing, few materials and processes offer the versatility, strength, and aesthetic appeal of custom CNC machined laser cut anodized aluminum parts. These parts are critical in industries where high precision, lightweight construction, corrosion resistance, and visual appeal are essential—such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, consumer products, and industrial equipment.
Breaking Down the Process
1. CNC Machining
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining is a subtractive manufacturing process where tools are controlled via computer programs to remove material from a solid aluminum block or billet. CNC machining allows for:
- Exceptional dimensional accuracy (tolerances as tight as ±0.001 inches)
- Complex 3D geometries
- Clean internal features (bores, threads, pockets, etc.)
- Smooth surface finishes
Common CNC operations for aluminum include:
- Milling
- Turning
- Drilling
- Tapping
- Surface contouring
Aluminum alloys like 6061, 7075, and 5052 are favored for their machinability, strength-to-weight ratio, and excellent finish quality.
2. Laser Cutting
Laser cutting uses high-powered lasers to cleanly and precisely slice aluminum sheets or plates. It is often used to create flat or 2D profiles that serve as bases for further CNC machining.
Key benefits:
- Ultra-fine cuts with minimal material distortion
- High-speed production of detailed patterns or outlines
- Tight tolerances for intricate shapes
- Reduced material waste
Laser-cut aluminum parts can then be machined further to add threads, chamfers, countersinks, or detailed features.
3. Anodizing
Once parts are machined and/or laser cut, anodizing is applied as a final surface treatment. Anodizing is an electrochemical process that thickens the natural oxide layer on aluminum, enhancing:
- Corrosion resistance
- Surface hardness
- Wear and scratch resistance
- Aesthetic value (via color dyeing)
Types of anodizing:
- Type II (decorative anodizing) – Colorful, protective finish for general applications
- Type III (hard anodizing) – Thicker, more durable coating for industrial and military parts
Applications Across Industries
1.Aerospace
Structural brackets
Sensor housings
Instrument panels
2.Automotive & Motorsports
Engine bay components
Custom shift knobs and pedals
Lightweight frame reinforcements
3.Consumer Electronics
Laptop and phone housings
Mounting brackets
Internal heat dissipation parts
4.Medical Devices
Surgical tool enclosures
Lightweight frames for portable equipment
5.Industrial Equipment
Custom enclosures
Machine panels
Precision positioning plates
Why Customization Matters
Custom CNC machined laser cut anodized aluminum parts are engineered for specific use cases. Customization ensures:
- Exact fit and functionality within a larger assembly
- Material and finish chosen for the part’s environment (marine, sterile, high-wear, etc.)
- Compliance with industry standards and tolerances
- Reduction in weight without compromising strength
| | CNC Turning, CNC Milling, Laser Cutting, Bending, Spining, Wire Cutting, Stamping, Electric Discharge Machining (EDM), Injection Molding,3D Printing,Rapid Prototype,Moulds etc. |
| | Aluminum: 2000 series, 6000 series, 7075, 5052, etc. |
| Stainlesss steel: SUS303, SUS304, SS316, SS316L, 17-4PH, etc. |
| Steel: 1214L/1215/1045/4140/SCM440/40CrMo, etc. |
| Brass: 260, C360, H59, H60, H62, H63, H65, H68, H70, Bronze, Copper |
| Titanium: Grade F1-F5 |
| Plastic: Acetal/POM/PA/Nylon/PC/PMMA/PVC/PU/Acrylic/ABS/PTFE/PEEK etc. |
| | Anodized, Bead Blasted, Silk Screen, PVD Plating, Zinc/Nickl/Chrome/Titanium Plating, Brushing, Painting, Powder Coated, Passivation, Electrophoresis, Electro Polishing, Knurl, Laser/Etch/Engrave etc. |
| | ±0.002 ~ ±0.005mm |
| | Min Ra 0.1~3.2 |
| CERTIFICATE | ISO9001:2015,AS9100D,ISO13485:2016,ISO45001:2018,IATF16949:2016,ISO14001:2015,ROSH,CE etc. |
FAQ
1. Are you a manufacturer or a trading company?
We are a factory located in Shenzhen, China, with 20 years of rich experience,
covering 6000 square meters. Complete facilities, including 3D quality inspection equipment, ERP system and 40 machines. If necessary, we can provide you with material certificates, sample quality inspection and other reports.
2. How to get a quote?
Detailed drawings (PDF/STEP/IGS/DWG...), including quality, delivery date, materials, quality, quantity, surface treatment and other information.
3. Can I get a quotation without drawings?
Can your engineering team draw for my creativity? Of course, we are also glad to receive your samples, pictures or detailed size drafts for accurate quotation.
4. Can you provide samples before mass production?
Of course, the sample fee is necessary. If possible, it will be returned during mass production.
5. What is the delivery date?
Generally, the sample lasts for 1-2 weeks and the batch production lasts for 3-4 weeks.
6. How do you control quality?
(1) Material Inspection - Check material surfaces and approximate dimensions.
(2) First inspection of production - ensure
critical dimensions in mass production.
(3) Sampling inspection - check the quality before delivery to the warehouse.
(4) Preshipment inspection - 100% inspection by QC assistant before shipment.
7. After sales service team
If you have any problems after receiving the product, you can provide feedback through voice call, video conference, email, etc. within one month. Our team will provide you with solutions within a week.
