Aluminum CNC Machining

Aluminum CNC machining is when computers control tools to shape aluminum into parts. At Istar Machining, we use special machines to cut, drill, and shape aluminum with high precision.

Our computer-controlled tools follow detailed plans to make perfect parts every time. This is much better than making things by hand!

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20+ Years

Istar Machining's years in the industry

300,000 square feet

The size of Istar Machining's factory

856 CNC machines

Our CNC equipment count

2000+ skilled workers

Istar's number of skilled machinists/operators

Why Choose Aluminum for Your Projects?

Aluminum has many great features that make it perfect for many jobs:

Lightweight – It weighs three times less than steel
Strong – Certain types are as strong as some steels
Rust-resistant – It won’t corrode like other metals
Good heat conductor – It moves heat away quickly
100% recyclable – Better for the environment
Easy to machine – Saves time and money

These benefits make aluminum a top choice for aerospace cnc machining and many other industries.

Popular Aluminum Alloys We Work With

We use different types of aluminum for different jobs:

6061-T6 Aluminum

6061-T6 is the most used type. It is strong. You can weld it. Many cars and planes use it.

This type makes up 40% of all aluminum CNC parts. It is easy to work with. It is good for new makers.

7075 Aluminum

7075 is very strong. It is used for high-stress parts. Planes and army tools use it a lot.

It makes up 25% of the parts in planes. You can cut it well, but not as easy as 6061. It costs more too.

5052 Aluminum

5052 does not rust even in salt water. Boats use it a lot. It makes up 15% of parts in boats.

2024 and 5083 Aluminum

2024 is for planes.

5083 is for boats.

Both are good for special jobs.

Aluminum CNC Products Produced by Istar Machining

Industries We Serve

Istar Machining creates aluminum parts for many different fields:

Aerospace

Planes and spacecraft need parts that are light but strong. We make:
Structural brackets
Drone components
Instrument housings
Engine parts

Automotive

Cars need reliable parts that can handle stress and heat:
Engine mounts
Custom housings
Heat sinks
Racing components

Medical Devices

Medical parts need special care:
Surgical tools
Equipment housings
Implant components
Laboratory devices

Consumer Electronics

Your phones and computers use aluminum parts like:
Heat sinks
Custom enclosures
Mounting brackets
Decorative elements

Renewable Energy

Green energy needs tough parts:
Solar panel frames
Wind turbine components
Battery housings
Control system parts

The Tools We Use

We have top-quality machines that can make almost any aluminum part you need:

3-axis to 5-axis mills for simple to complex shapes
CNC turning for round parts
Precision drilling for exact holes
Custom finishes for the perfect look

Our 5 axis machining center can create very complex shapes in a single setup.

How Precise is Our CNC Machining Aluminum?

When we say precision, we mean it:

Tolerances as tight as ±0.001″ (about the width of a human hair!)
Surface finishes smoother than a mirror
Perfect fit for parts that need to work together

CNC Machining Aluminum Finishing Options

Raw aluminum is just the start. We offer many ways to finish your parts:

Anodizing – Adds color and protection
Powder coating – Tough, colorful finish
Bead blasting – Creates a matte look
Polishing – Makes parts shine like mirrors

How We Cut Aluminum with CNC

There are many ways to cut aluminum with CNC machines.

Milling Aluminum

Drilling Aluminum

Turning Aluminum

5-Axis Machining Aluminum

Milling Aluminum

Drilling Aluminum

Turning Aluminum

5-Axis Machining Aluminum

Why Work With Istar Machining?

Speed When You Need It

We know you don't want to wait for your parts:
Prototypes in 3-5 days
Production runs scheduled to meet your deadlines
Quick quotes so you can plan your project

Quality That Exceeds Expectations

We check every part thoroughly:
In-house inspection with precise measuring tools
Materials tested for strength
Documentation of all quality checks

Cost-Effective Solutions

Quality doesn't have to be expensive:
Competitive pricing
No hidden fees
Volume discounts
Design advice to reduce costs

Engineering Support

Our team can help improve your designs:
CAD/CAM expertise
Design for Manufacturing (DFM) guidance
Material selection help
Problem-solving for tricky parts

The Aluminum CNC Machining Process at Istar Machining

Here’s how we turn your idea into a finished part:

Step 1

Design Review

We look at your plans and suggest improvements

Step 2

Programming

Our experts write the computer code for the machines

Step 3

Machining

Computer-controlled cutting creates your part

Step 4

Finishing

Your chosen surface treatments are applied

Step 4

Final QC

One last check before shipping

Cost Factors for Aluminum CNC Machining

Several things affect the price of your parts:

Quantity – More parts usually means lower cost per part
Complexity – Simple shapes cost less than complex ones
Material grade – Special alloys can cost more
Tolerances – Extremely tight tolerances take more time
Finishes – Some surface treatments add cost
Rush jobs – Fast turnaround can cost extra

For the most cost-effective results, talk to our team about your budget early in the process.

Start Your Aluminum CNC Machining Project Today

Ready to bring your ideas to life with precision aluminum parts? Istar Machining is here to help:

Upload your CAD files for a quick quote
Call us to discuss your project needs
Email your questions about materials or design

Our team of experts will guide you through the entire process from design to delivery. With our cnc prototype machining services, you can test your ideas before full production.

Contact Istar Machining today and discover why we’re the trusted partner for precision aluminum CNC machining!

Frequently Asked Question

What's the strongest aluminum alloy for CNC machining?

7075-T651 is typically the strongest common aluminum alloy we machine. It’s often used in aerospace and high-stress applications.

How quickly can you deliver aluminum parts?

Standard delivery is 1-2 weeks, but we can make prototypes in as few as 3 days for rush jobs.

Can aluminum parts be as strong as steel?

Some aluminum alloys approach the strength of mild steel while weighing only one-third as much. For many applications, properly designed aluminum parts work perfectly.

What surface finishes can be applied to aluminum?

Many options exist including anodizing (clear or colored), powder coating, bead blasting, polishing, painting, and chemical films.

Is aluminum good for outdoor use?

Yes! Aluminum naturally forms an oxide layer that protects it from corrosion. With proper finishing like anodizing, it performs excellently outdoors.