Aluminium

High machinability and ductility, good strength-to-weight ratio.

Aluminium at a glance
Common grades
6061-T6 · 7075-T6 · 5052 · Other grades on request
Machinability
Aluminium is the fastest metal to machine well: it cuts at high spindle speeds and feeds, evacuates chips cleanly, and puts little wear on tooling.
Tolerances
±0.025 mm standard on linear dimensions; ±0.010 mm on critical features
Processes
CNC milling, CNC turning and 5-axis machining
Finishes
Anodizing (Type II) · Hardcoat anodizing (Type III) · Chemical film (chromate conversion) · Bead blasting
Used in
Automotive, Semiconductor, Optics
Certification
Mill test certificate (chemistry and mechanical properties) with every lot; EN 10204 3.1 certificates on request

Machining Aluminium

Aluminium is the fastest metal to machine well: it cuts at high spindle speeds and feeds, evacuates chips cleanly, and puts little wear on tooling. That speed translates directly into lower part cost, which is why aluminium is the default choice for enclosures, housings and structural parts unless the application demands otherwise.

The main considerations are thermal movement and burr control. Aluminium expands more with heat than steel, so we manage cutting temperatures and let parts normalize before final inspection. Thin walls machine well with the right toolpaths and workholding, and we hold ±0.025 mm on critical features across milling and turning.

Aluminium also anodizes (Type II for colour and corrosion resistance, Type III hardcoat for wear surfaces). Anodizing adds a controlled thickness, so we machine to allow for coating growth when a drawing calls for post-anodize dimensions.

Common Grades We Machine

  • 6061-T6 - The general-purpose high-strength alloy: good strength, weldability and corrosion resistance. The default for housings, brackets and fixtures.
  • 7075-T6 - Near steel-like strength at a third of the weight. Lightweight structural assemblies, high-load brackets and tooling, at the cost of lower corrosion resistance.
  • 5052 - Excellent corrosion resistance and formability for marine and chemical environments.
  • Other grades on request - 2024, 6082 and specialty alloys sourced with mill certificates and full traceability.

Applications by Industry

  • Automotive - chassis brackets, EV battery enclosures and lightweight structural fittings in 6061 and 7075.
  • Semiconductor - equipment frames, chamber components and handling parts, often anodized for wear and cleanliness.
  • Optics - mounts and housings where black anodize controls stray light and weight matters.

Surface Finishing Options

  • Anodizing (Type II) - corrosion resistance and colour: clear, black or custom.
  • Hardcoat anodizing (Type III) - a thick, hard oxide layer for wear surfaces and sliding parts.
  • Chemical film (chromate conversion) - corrosion protection that keeps electrical conductivity for grounding surfaces.
  • Bead blasting - a uniform matte texture before anodizing or as a final cosmetic finish.

See our surface finishing services for the full range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I choose 6061 or 7075?

6061 covers most parts with good strength, corrosion resistance and lower cost. Choose 7075 when strength-to-weight drives the design; it is significantly stronger but costs more and resists corrosion less.

What tolerances can you hold on aluminium parts?

±0.025 mm on critical features across milling and turning. For post-anodize dimensions we machine to allow for coating growth so finished parts meet the drawing.

Do you anodize in-house or manage it for me?

We manage the complete finishing chain and deliver anodized, inspected parts, so you deal with one supplier and one quality standard.

Is aluminium suitable for cleanroom or vacuum applications?

Yes. 6061 with the right finish is standard in semiconductor equipment. We machine, clean and can assemble aluminium parts in ISO Class 6–8 cleanrooms.

Precision Aluminium Manufacturing in Singapore

Need complex Aluminium parts manufactured to tight tolerances? Explore our 5-axis simultaneous CNC machining, CNC milling, CNC turning and certified ISO Class 6–8 cleanroom assembly capabilities.

Speak with Our Sales & Engineering Team

Explore how Shine's Singapore precision CNC machining and cleanroom assembly integrate into your global supply chain. We welcome technical consultations, mutual NDAs, and facility audits.

  • Mutual NDA executed within 24 hours
  • ISO 9001:2015 certified & Cyber Essentials mark
  • 24–48h engineering DFM feedback & formal RFQ pricing