Aluminum Alloys in Manufacturing
Aluminum is defined by its high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent machinability.
Common Grades
| Alloy | Yield Strength | Machinability | Weldability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6061-T6 | 276 MPa | Good | Excellent |
| 7075-T6 | 503 MPa | Fair | Poor |
Machining Aluminum
Due to its tendency to stick (Built-Up Edge or BUE), machining aluminum requires high rake angle tools, polished flutes (often 2 or 3 flutes maximum for chip clearance), and copious coolant or minimum quantity lubrication (MQL).