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Aluminum Plate Machining Services
Aluminum plate machining is when we use special computer-controlled tools to cut and shape flat pieces of aluminum into custom parts. At Istar Machining, we take solid aluminum plates and transform them into exactly what you need using advanced tools that follow digital designs with amazing accuracy.
We use methods like milling, routing, drilling, and surface finishing to create parts that meet your exact needs. Our most common materials include 6061-T6 (great for most jobs), 7075-T651 (super strong), 5083 (perfect for boats), and Mic 6 (flat tooling plate).
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20+ Years
Istar Machining's years in the industry
300,000 square feet
The size of Istar Machining's factory
300 CNC machines
Our CNC equipment count
1000 skilled workers
Istar's number of skilled machinists/operators
Why Choose Aluminum Plate Machining?
Aluminum plate machining offers big benefits for your projects:
- Lightweight and Strong: Aluminum parts weigh much less than steel but stay strong, which is why planes and cars use so much of it.
- Resists Rust: Unlike steel, aluminum won’t rust easily, making it perfect for boats, outdoor equipment, and wet environments.
- Easy to Machine: Aluminum cuts faster than steel, saving time and money on your parts.
- Conducts Heat and Electricity: Great for parts that need to transfer heat or conduct electricity.
- Custom Finishes: We can anodize (color), powder coat, or leave a mill finish on your parts.
As Istar Machining will tell you, these properties make aluminum plates perfect for countless applications!
Industries & Applications
Our aluminum plate machining services serve many different industries:
Aerospace
We make wing parts, fuel tank components, and brackets that meet strict AMS 4027 standards. Our aerospace CNC milling creates parts that help planes fly safely.
Marine
Boat builders love our 5083-H32 aluminum plate parts for hull panels and bulkheads because they stand up to salt water.
Automotive
Car makers need our aluminum parts for chassis components and engine mounts that help make vehicles lighter and more fuel-efficient.
Tooling
We create Mic 6 mold bases, jigs, and fixtures that maintain perfect flatness for manufacturing tools.
Industrial
Companies rely on our aluminum plates for machinery frames, enclosures, and even specialized cryogenic systems.
Our Capabilities
Istar Machining keeps a variety of aluminum materials in stock:
Material Grade | Thickness Range | Common Uses | Special Properties |
6061-T6 | 0.5 mm to 150 mm | General purpose | Good strength, excellent corrosion resistance |
7075-T651 | 0.5 mm to 100 mm | Aerospace, high-stress | Incredibly strong, aircraft-grade |
5083-H32 | 0.5 mm to 75 mm | Marine applications | Superior saltwater resistance |
Mic 6 | 10 mm to 50 mm | Tooling, fixtures | Cast for extreme flatness |
Our Machining Processes Include:
- CNC milling using 5-axis machines for complex shapes
- Precision laser and waterjet cutting for detailed work
- Thread tapping, T-slot milling, and surface grinding for complete solutions
- Custom finish options including anodizing and powder coating
Quality Testing
We maintain ISO 9001 and AS9100 certifications, which means all our parts undergo strict quality checks. We use advanced measuring tools to verify dimensions and ultrasonic testing to check for any hidden flaws.
Why Partner With Istar Machining?
When you choose Istar Machining for your aluminum plate needs, you get:
- Fast Delivery: We can make prototypes in just 5 days and complete large orders in 2-3 weeks.
- Great Prices: Our efficient processes keep costs down for both small and large jobs.
- Deep Experience: Our team has over 20 years working with aerospace and marine aluminum alloys.
- Complete Solutions: We offer design help, stress-relief treatments, and even welding services.
Our precision milling capabilities ensure your parts meet or exceed specifications every time.
Material Details
Aluminum Grades We Work With
We can machine any aluminum grade, but these are our most popular:
- 6061-T6: The most versatile aluminum alloy, with good strength and excellent machinability.
- 7075-T651: When you need maximum strength – this aircraft-grade aluminum is up to the task.
- 5083-H32: The best choice for marine applications due to its outstanding corrosion resistance.
- Mic 6: Cast tooling plate with incredible flatness for precision applications.
Machined Aluminum Plate Parameters
Parameter | Capability | Benefit to You |
Thickness Tolerance | ±0.001″ (standard), ±0.0005″ (high-precision) | Parts fit perfectly the first time |
Surface Finish | As low as 32 Ra | Smooth surfaces without extra finishing |
Flatness | 0.002″ per square foot | Critical for mounting surfaces |
Part Size | Up to 120″ length | Handles everything from tiny parts to huge plates |
Hole Diameter | As small as 0.02″ | Precision features for any application |
Our machined aluminum plate services deliver exceptional quality for even the most demanding applications.
Sustainability
At Istar Machining, we care about the planet. Aluminum is 100% recyclable, and we participate in chip recycling programs to minimize waste. By choosing our services, you’re supporting eco-friendly manufacturing practices.
Get Started With Your Aluminum Plate Machining Project
Ready to bring your aluminum plate project to life? Istar Machining makes it easy. Simply upload your CAD file or specifications, and we’ll provide a fast, competitive quote.
Our team of experts will work with you from design to delivery, ensuring your parts meet all requirements and arrive on time. Whether you need a single prototype or thousands of production parts, we have the capacity and expertise to deliver.
Contact us today to discuss your aluminum plate machining needs!
Frequently Asked Question
For general use, 6061-T6 works great. If you need higher strength, 7075-T651 is better. For marine applications, 5083-H32 is ideal. For tooling, Mic 6 offers the best dimensional stability.
Yes! We can machine plates up to 4 inches thick. For even thicker needs, we use breakdown milling techniques.
Absolutely. We provide full documentation showing ASTM/AMS compliance for all materials.
We can provide anodizing (clear or colored), powder coating, brushed finishes, or mirror polishing to meet your aesthetic and functional requirements.
Our standard tolerance is ±0.001″, but we can achieve ±0.0005″ for high-precision applications using our 5 axis machining centers.
