Custom aluminum parts for prototypes, low-volume orders, and repeat production. TENGHUI combines in-house CNC machining with sheet metal fabrication, aluminum 3D printing, and coordinated surface finishing to support your project from drawing review to delivery.
Send us your CAD files, drawings, and quantity requirements for a quotation and manufacturability review.
Choose an aluminum alloy based on strength, machinability, forming requirements, operating environment, and surface finish. Our team can review your drawings and help identify a suitable material and manufacturing process.
| Aluminum Alloy | Common Manufacturing Processes | Key Characteristics & Selection Notes | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6061-T6 General-Purpose Aluminum | CNC machining; selected sheet metal applications | A practical balance of strength, machinability, corrosion resistance, and anodizing suitability. For bent or welded parts, forming limits and changes in material strength require review. | Equipment housings, mounting plates, brackets, fixtures, and heat sinks |
| 7075-T6 High-Strength Aluminum | CNC machining | High strength and good machinability for load-bearing components. Corrosion protection should be considered for the operating environment. Generally unsuitable for conventional fusion welding. | High-load brackets, precision tooling, mechanical components, and weight-sensitive assemblies |
| 5052-H32 Formable Sheet Aluminum | Laser cutting, bending, and sheet metal fabrication | Good formability and corrosion resistance, making it a common choice for bent enclosures and sheet metal parts. Machined features and threads require design consideration. | Enclosures, chassis, covers, panels, and outdoor equipment components |
| AlSi10Mg Aluminum for Metal 3D Printing | Laser powder bed fusion (SLM / DMLS) | Suitable for complex geometries, internal channels, and lightweight structures. Properties depend on the printing process, build direction, and heat treatment. Critical features may require post-machining. | Lightweight brackets, complex housings, prototypes, and components with internal passages |
| 2024-T3 Fatigue-Critical Aluminum | CNC machining from suitable stock | Offers high strength and fatigue performance. Corrosion protection is often important, and conventional fusion welding is generally not recommended. | Structural components, tension members, and parts subject to repeated loading |
| 6082-T6 Structural Aluminum | CNC machining; selected fabrication applications | A structural alloy used for machined parts and assemblies. Forming, welding, and cosmetic finishing requirements should be reviewed before production. | Structural plates, machine components, fixtures, and transport equipment parts |
*Material availability, stock form, thickness, and temper are confirmed during quotation. Material documentation can be discussed before ordering.
The comparison below provides general selection guidance. Mechanical properties vary with alloy temper, product form, thickness, manufacturing process, and testing conditions.
| Selection Factor | 6061-T6 | 7075-T6 | 5052-H32 | AlSi10Mg — 3D Printed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Advantage | Balanced performance for general-purpose parts | High strength for weight-sensitive components | Formability for sheet metal parts | Design freedom for complex geometries |
| CNC Machining | Common choice for milling and turning | Well suited to high-strength machined parts | Machinable, but less commonly selected for complex CNC parts | Post-machining can finish critical features |
| Sheet Metal Bending | Requires careful bend-radius and temper selection | Generally not preferred | Common choice for bent sheet metal | Not a conventional sheet metal material |
| Corrosion Considerations | Good general resistance; finish selected to suit use | Protective finishing often important | Good resistance in many atmospheric and marine environments | Depends on printing condition, environment, and finish |
| Cosmetic Anodizing | Commonly used; appearance depends on stock and preparation | Possible, with alloy-dependent color and appearance | Possible; appearance may differ from 6061 | Silicon content can produce darker or less uniform results |
| Key Design Consideration | Thin walls and large flat areas may distort during machining | Check corrosion exposure and assembly method | Review bend geometry, threads, and hardware insertion | Plan supports, powder removal, heat treatment, and machining access |
Select a finish based on corrosion exposure, wear, appearance, electrical contact, and dimensional requirements. TENGHUI coordinates finishing requirements with machining and inspection to help ensure the finished parts meet your drawings.
Parts retain visible machining marks without an additional decorative coating. This is a practical option for functional components and surfaces where appearance is secondary.
Type II anodizing is commonly used for corrosion protection and decorative finishes, including clear and dyed colors. Type III hard anodizing provides a thicker oxide layer for greater surface wear resistance.
Powder coating provides a protective colored finish for housings, covers, brackets, and other aluminum components. Different powder systems are available for different appearance and service requirements.
Plating options can be evaluated for applications requiring wear resistance, corrosion protection, or electrical contact. Electroless nickel provides relatively uniform coating coverage across intricate geometries.
Liquid painting offers flexible color and gloss options for cosmetic and protective finishes. Specify your required RAL or Pantone reference, gloss level, and operating environment.
Bead blasting creates a uniform matte texture and reduces the visibility of machining marks. It is commonly used as a preparation step before decorative anodizing.
Mechanical polishing reduces surface roughness and increases gloss, from a bright finish to a mirror-like appearance where geometry permits.
Chemical conversion coating can provide corrosion protection and a base for painting. Suitable systems can also be considered for parts requiring electrically conductive contact surfaces.
Aluminum offers a useful combination of low weight, machinability, and finishing options. Selecting the right alloy and planning the manufacturing process are essential to achieving the required result.
6061-T6 is a common starting point for general-purpose CNC components. 7075-T6 may suit applications requiring higher strength, while 5052-H32 is commonly selected for bent sheet metal.
For complex printed geometries, AlSi10Mg may be suitable. Grades such as 2024 and 6082 can be reviewed against your application and drawing requirements.
Share the intended use, loads, environment, and finish requirements with your inquiry so we can help review manufacturing suitability.
Tolerances are reviewed against the drawing, part size, geometry, material, and finishing requirements. Selected CNC-machined features can achieve tolerances as tight as ±0.01 mm, subject to engineering review.
General tolerances should follow the standard or requirements agreed for the order. ISO 2768-1 uses different tolerance limits for different nominal dimensions; it does not represent one fixed tolerance for every feature.
Please mark critical dimensions, fits, and inspection requirements on your 2D drawing. Dimensional reports and CMM inspection can be discussed during quotation.
Type II anodizing is a common option for corrosion protection and decorative appearance. Type III hard anodizing may suit surfaces requiring greater wear resistance.
Powder coating and painting offer colored protective finishes. Plating or chemical conversion coating may be considered for specific wear, corrosion, or electrical requirements.
For cosmetic parts, specify visible surfaces and the required color and texture. Anodized appearance can vary between alloys and production batches.
Straightforward CNC prototypes can often be completed in approximately 3–7 working days. Medium and larger production orders commonly require around 15–20 working days, depending on quantity, complexity, and finishing.
Lead times for sheet metal and printed aluminum parts are reviewed separately. Material availability, special inspection, and finishing requirements can affect the schedule.
We confirm the delivery plan after reviewing your files and production requirements.
Please provide:
For appearance-critical parts, include photos, finish samples, or clearly identified cosmetic surfaces. If your design is still being developed, send the available files for an initial review.
Yes. TENGHUI provides in-house CNC machining and coordinates additional processes such as sheet metal fabrication, metal 3D printing, and surface finishing.
We review the manufacturing sequence, finishing requirements, and inspection needs to help manage parts through to shipment.
Upload your 2D drawings (PDF/DWG/DXF) and 3D CAD files (STEP/IGES). We evaluate part geometry, materials, and tolerances within 24 hours.
Once we receive your design files, our senior manufacturing engineers will manually perform a comprehensive DFM review and deliver an accurate, optimized quote within 24 hours.