What is Aluminum Prototype Manufacturing?
Perhaps you need an aluminum prototype for electronics, robotics, or appliances. Production costs might be something you are looking into as well. Or maybe you need a prototype part made out of aluminum that is needed for testing and evaluation before the big push to mass production.
Once you’ve decided on the idea and have perfected it into a final version of the product, it’s time to choose the materials and the manufacturing method for each part. Modern trends suggest that manufacturers turn to aluminum alloys for metal device prototyping. Those alloys offer a number of definitive advantages and aluminum fabrication techniques are numerous and well-developed. Here are a few reasons why you should choose aluminum processing as the method to manufacture your prototypes.
Why You Should Pick Aluminum Fabrication For Your Prototype
- Excellent Precision and Surface Finish
Aluminum fabrication has the great option of CNC aluminum machining. It is different from other processes that rely on melting and solidification to make prototypes. This route usually results in the warping of parts due to the heat. However, CNC machining does not. It offers better tolerances and surface finish. The parts even get a mirror-like finish with some polishing processes. The instance of viable tolerances is IT8-7 with a surface finish of RA 1.25 µm.
- Exceptional Machinability
The factor of machinability looks into the efficiency of machining a metal. Aluminum has an exceptional machinability score. To obtain the score, we use simple carbon steel as the sample. After dividing its machining speed by that of aluminum, we get a value of 350%. This means that we can cut aluminum 3.5 times faster than steel. Despite steel being stronger and more durable, we have to make machining time more important in prototyping. You only sacrifice a little durability to get your prototypes faster with aluminum fabrication. Any extra coat is a protection bonus to the part.
- Resistance to Corrosion
Aluminum has the unique benefit of being corrosion-resistant. If corrosion is a key factor in your order, simply pick aluminum metal as your material of choice. The resistance comes from a thin oxide layer formed on the exposed surface of the aluminum and is only a fraction of a millimeter thick. It functions to protect the metal from any external harmful agents. Thus, your parts do not need extra paint or coating to avoid becoming rusty.
- Easy Casting and Forming Abilities
The casting properties of aluminum are among the best. The shrinkage of parts is small thus the possibility of errors due to the shrinkage of parts is lower. This significantly reduces lead time trying to fix the errors. Also, the liquidity of molten aluminum is outstanding so the flow into any small details is better. This will lessen the wastage of material per batch. Therefore, if you have any master model in mind consider aluminum fabrication. It is a great option for low-volume manufacturing through die casting.
Forming is another great option for processing raw aluminum blanks. Due to aluminum’s plasticity, you form it into any shape. This is through the help of flexible tools and equipment. Also, you get the benefit of improved strength in parts when compared to non-formed ones.
- A Non-Magnetic Alloy
Aluminum is non-reactive to magnets. It is a vital factor especially when you are looking for a part that offers magnetic field immunity. Despite there being other alloys with similar properties, aluminum is the cheaper and stronger option. Thus, it is a great and affordable option for the enclosure of devices that do not need magnetizing.
- Great Strength to Weight Ratio
Did you know that aluminum is 3 times lighter than steel? That’s why it is ideal for the aerospace industry. Although aluminum is so lightweight, there are many alloys with a few modifications, that can match the strength of aluminum. So, consider aluminum if weight is a crucial factor in the design of your prototype. For instance, in making handheld devices or aircraft. Also, consider the metal in the final parts making as well.
- Great Conductivity
Copper is usually the ideal choice for electrical parts and wiring. Despite its great conductive abilities, copper is soft, and costly with poor corrosion resistance. However, aluminum counters all these negative properties in addition to near equal conductive ability as copper. Thus, you can use aluminum fabrication for your electrical device prototyping. For instance, in making electrodes.
- Recycling Capability
Many industries are now becoming ecologically conscious. They would like to pollute the environment less by getting sustainable solutions. Aluminum offers this option. when compared to plastic use, the differences are glaring. It is hard to get rid of plastic products once they are done doing their function. Deciding to burn them or dumping them in a junkyard is not an effective option. aluminum on the other hand can easily be smelted and used in the next part. This is possible while facing little waste. You can even save a little by selling the chips obtained from processing prototypes.
Aluminum fabrication is a great option for your prototyping needs. Get your projects handled by the pros. Contact CNC Shop China now for your aluminum prototyping services.
CNC Machining Service
DFM Rapid is a CNC manufacturing and sheet metal fabrication company, including CNC machining services, CNC milling services, CNC turning services, laser cutting services, and stamping services.
DFM Rapid offers professional CNC machining and rapid prototyping service for making a wide array of product parts. Our excellent quality control systems ensure that all our deliveries are speedy and standard for every manufacturing size in both low-volume and high-volume productions. Feel free to reach out for a free quote on your project