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Precision CNC Machining

Custom Aluminum Parts Manufacturing

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.

NDA available upon request.
Custom Aluminum Parts Manufacturing
Material Selection Guide

Popular Aluminum Alloys & Applications

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.

Engineering Guidance

Aluminum Material Property Comparison

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
Post-Processing & Treatment

Surface Finishes for Aluminum Parts

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.

01

As-Machined

Standard Finish

Parts retain visible machining marks without an additional decorative coating. This is a practical option for functional components and surfaces where appearance is secondary.

Design Note: Specify roughness requirements on critical surfaces. Achievable roughness depends on geometry, tool access, and machining conditions.
02

Anodizing — Type II & Type III

Most Popular

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.

Design Note: Anodizing affects finished dimensions and creates an insulating layer. Specify coating thickness, color, critical fits, and areas requiring masking.
03

Powder Coating

Durable Protective

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.

Design Note: Outdoor UV resistance depends on formulation. Threads, mating surfaces, electrical contacts, and close-tolerance features may require masking.
04

Plating & Electroless Nickel

Wear & Conductive

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.

Design Note: Aluminum requires suitable pretreatment. Coating type, thickness, dimensional allowance, and masking requirements should be confirmed before production.
05

Painting

Custom Color Match

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.

Design Note: For appearance-critical parts, an approved sample can help establish acceptable color, texture, and visual quality standards.
06

Bead Blasting

Matte Texture

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.

Design Note: Blasting alone does not provide a protective coating. Texture, media, and areas requiring protection should be specified for sealing surfaces and fits.
07

Polishing

High Gloss / Mirror

Mechanical polishing reduces surface roughness and increases gloss, from a bright finish to a mirror-like appearance where geometry permits.

Design Note: Result depends on alloy, starting surface, and feature access. Polishing alone should not be treated as a corrosion-protection coating.
08

Chemical Conversion Coating

Conductive Primer

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.

Design Note: Specify required standard (e.g. MIL-DTL-5541), coating class, and electrical requirements so the appropriate process can be reviewed.
Engineering Evaluation

Advantages and Limitations of Aluminum Parts

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.

Advantages of Aluminum

Key Benefits for Engineering & Production
Low Weight: Aluminum alloys provide lightweight options for equipment, assemblies, and moving components.
Efficient CNC Machining: Many common grades are well suited to milling and turning, supporting both prototypes and repeat orders.
Material and Process Choices: Different alloys support machined components, bent sheet metal, and complex printed geometries.
Thermal and Electrical Performance: Suitable alloys can be used for heat sinks and conductive components, with surface finishes selected to match functional requirements.
Finishing Flexibility: Anodizing, coating, plating, and mechanical finishing provide options for different environments and appearances.
Recyclability: Aluminum can be recycled, although actual material recovery depends on collection and processing arrangements.

Considerations & Limitations

Design Rules & Manufacturing Safeguards
Distortion During Manufacturing: Thin walls, deep pockets, and large flat areas may move as material is removed. Stock selection, machining sequence, and workholding require planning.
Alloy-Dependent Formability: A grade suitable for CNC machining may be unsuitable for tight bends. Material temper and bend geometry must be considered together.
Surface Wear and Handling Marks: Uncoated aluminum can scratch or dent. Protective finishes and suitable packaging may be needed.
Finishing Effects on Dimensions: Anodizing, plating, and coatings can affect fits, threads, and sealing surfaces.
Variation in Cosmetic Appearance: Alloy composition, stock condition, surface preparation, and finishing batches can affect color and texture.
Corrosion in Assemblies: Exposure to moisture, chemicals, or dissimilar metals may require protective finishing and appropriate assembly design.
DFM Review Available: Our engineering team can analyze your 3D CAD models and 2D prints to identify wall-thickness risks, machining tolerances, and suitable post-treatment allowances before production.
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Aluminum Parts Manufacturing FAQs

1. Which aluminum alloy should I choose for my parts?

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.

2. What tolerances can you achieve for aluminum parts?

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.

3. Which surface finish should I choose?

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.

4. What is the typical lead time for aluminum parts?

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.

5. What files and information do you need for a quotation?

Please provide:

  • A 3D CAD model, preferably STEP; IGES and Parasolid files can also be reviewed.
  • A 2D PDF drawing showing tolerances, threads, surface roughness, and inspection requirements.
  • Material grade and temper, if specified.
  • Required quantities and surface finish.
  • Target delivery date and shipping destination.

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.

6. Can you manage aluminum parts that require several processes?

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.

Send us a message

Upload your 2D drawings (PDF/DWG/DXF) and 3D CAD files (STEP/IGES). We evaluate part geometry, materials, and tolerances within 24 hours.

Send Us a Message

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.