Housings and covers
Enclosures for equipment, instrumentation, and product prototypes.
Aluminum · Custom parts
CNC machining
of aluminum.
Lightweight, strength, and freedom for your design. We manufacture custom aluminum prototypes and parts via CNC milling and turning, starting from a single unit.
Get your quoteQuote in 24 h · Engineering review
- From
- 1 unit
- Delivery from
- 8 working days
- Alloys
- 4 catalog options
01 / Why choose aluminum
Aluminum properties
for CNC machining.
Aluminum combines low weight, ease of machining, and a good strength-to-weight ratio. That is why it is used in machinery components, automotive, electronics, and industrial prototypes.
CNC machining of aluminum allows manufacturing parts from a block or bar: from simple brackets to housings with cavities, drilled holes, and complex surfaces. The alloy and finish are chosen according to the function of each part.
Learn about the CNC machining process ↗Aluminum properties
Indicative values · AL6082 sample from the Proto&Go! PDF
- Indicative density
- 2,71 g/cm³
- Elastic modulus
- 70 GPa
- Melting point · ref. 6082
- 575–650 °C
- Tensile strength · sample AL6082
- 338 MPa
- Hardness · sample AL6082
- 104 HB
Density, modulus, and melting point are indicative for aluminum 6082. Tensile strength and hardness correspond to the sample in the Proto&Go! PDF, not a guaranteed minimum. The alloy, heat treatment, and supply format change the properties; the melting point is not the admissible working temperature.
Applications of machined aluminum
Supports and tooling
Lightweight components for positioning, clamping, or mounting other parts.
Machine parts
Mechanical elements adapted to the design and working loads.
Functional prototypes
Parts to check form, assembly, and operation before a run.
02 / One alloy for every use
Aluminum alloys.
Choose based on application.
Compare aluminum 6061, 6082, 7075, and 5083. The choice depends on strength, working environment, and desired finish.
Balanced for general use
6061T651
An option for housings, brackets, and aluminum prototypes. Combines good machinability, corrosion resistance, and weldability.
Housings and brackets
AL6061 datasheet PDF ↗Machine components
6082T651
Aluminum 6082 is an option for structural parts and mechanical components. Final strength depends on the condition and supplied thickness.
Machinery and structures
AL6082 datasheet PDF ↗When strength is the deciding factor
7075T651
Aluminum 7075 is used for components with high mechanical demands. Check corrosion resistance, finish, and welded joints.
Parts under load
AL7075 datasheet PDF ↗For marine environments
5083H111
Stands out for its good corrosion resistance. It can be considered for parts exposed to marine environments, depending on working conditions.
Humid or marine environments
AL5083 datasheet PDF ↗Don't you need a specific alloy?
You can request aluminum without specifying an alloy. The team will propose an option based on geometry and available stock, aiming for a cost-effective solution. If the drawing requires a grade, specify it in the request.
The PDF datasheets correspond to documentation published by Proto&Go!. Supplied values and drawing requirements are confirmed in the quote.
03 / Finishing also counts
Finishes for
aluminum parts.
Explore aluminum part finishes: machining, anodizing, sandblasting, nickel plating, and painting.
The surface retains machining marks. An option for functional parts when no additional treatment is needed.
The image could not be loaded. Try a different finish.
Specify the color and surfaces that must retain their dimensions. Surface treatments are included in the quote when requested.
04 / From design to quote
CNC
aluminum milling and turning.
We manufacture via 3, 4, and 5-axis CNC milling and turning. Milling allows obtaining faces, cavities, and contours; turning is used for rotational parts, such as shafts or bushings.
To get a quote for your aluminum part machining, we need the 3D model, quantity, alloy, and finish. If there are critical dimensions, threads, or inserts, also attach the drawing.
Upload your file and request a quoteAluminum tolerances
ISO 2768-f for dimensions without specific tolerances. With a drawing, equivalent tolerances to IT7 can be achieved, subject to geometry review.
Calculate a tolerance ↗From a single part to short runs
Choose the quantity you need to validate the prototype or produce the run. In CNC machining, setup time is distributed across the units in the run.
Quote in 24 hours
Aluminum parts from 8 working days after confirming the order. The quote indicates the lead time based on material, geometry, finish, and quantity.
How much does it cost to machine aluminum
How much does
machining aluminum cost?
The price of a custom aluminum part includes material, setup, and machining. Deep cavities, tight tolerances, and additional finishes also affect the cost.
To compare materials, check the catalog example. To know the cost of your part, request a quote with your 3D model.
Frequently asked questions
Before machining
aluminum.
Alloys, price, tolerances, and finishes: answers to prepare your request.
Which aluminum alloy is best for machining a part?
The choice depends on loads, the environment, and the finish. Aluminum 6061-T651 offers a balance between machinability, strength, and weldability; 6082-T651 is used in machinery and structural components. For high strength, consider 7075-T651, and for marine environments, 5083-H111. Indicate usage conditions when requesting a quote.
What is the difference between aluminum 6061, 6082, and 7075?
Aluminum 6061 and 6082 are suitable for general-purpose and structural machined parts. 7075 is used when higher mechanical strength is needed, although it requires special attention to weldability and corrosion. Always compare the alloy along with its supply condition, such as T651, and the part requirements.
Can I manufacture an aluminum prototype or a short run of parts?
Yes. Proto&Go! manufactures aluminum prototypes from a single unit and short runs via CNC machining. You can request custom housings, brackets, fixtures, and other components from a 3D model. Indicate the quantity when requesting the quote; the machining setup is distributed across the units in the run.
How much does it cost to machine a custom aluminum part?
The price of aluminum machining depends on geometry, alloy, tolerances, finish, and quantity. To get the price of your design, upload the 3D model to the Proto&Go! platform and specify those requirements. You will receive a quote with the cost and manufacturing lead time.
What tolerances can I request for a machined aluminum part?
Proto&Go! applies ISO 2768-f tolerances to dimensions without specific tolerances in aluminum machining. With a drawing, equivalent tolerances to IT7 can be achieved, depending on the geometry and requested dimensions. Attach the PDF drawing and mark the functional surfaces so the team can confirm feasibility.
Can an aluminum machined part be anodized or painted?
Yes. You can request anodizing or painting for a machined aluminum part. Anodizing improves surface protection and allows for color finishes; painting allows you to define color and a matte, satin, or glossy appearance. Specify the alloy, finish, and critical surfaces to include the treatment in the quote.
Which aluminum can I choose for a part exposed to a marine environment?
Aluminum 5083-H111 is a common option due to its good corrosion resistance in marine environments. The choice must take into account contact with water, other metals, loads, and the finish. Describe the part's environment to confirm that this alloy is suitable for your application.
What file do I need to order a machined CNC aluminum part?
Send a 3D model per part in STEP or one of the native formats accepted by Proto&Go!: SLDPRT, X_T, X_B, IPT, CATPART, PRT, SAT, or 3DM. Add a PDF drawing if you need threads, inserts, or specific tolerances. STL files are accepted only for 3D printing, not for quoting CNC machining.
Compare before choosing
Other options for your part.
Your next part
Shape it
in aluminum.
Upload the 3D file. We review feasibility and send you the quote.