Aluminum 6061 is one of the most popular materials for CNC milling due to its excellent machinability, good strength, and cost-effectiveness. It machines cleanly with minimal tool wear and produces an excellent surface finish.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Achievable Tolerances | ±0.005 mm (±0.0002") |
| Surface Finish | Ra 0.4-1.6 μm |
| Cutting Speed | 200-400 m/min (SFM 650-1300) |
| Feed Rate | 0.05-0.15 mm/tooth |
| Tooling Recommendations | Carbide end mills with 2-3 flutes, uncoated or ZrN coated. HSS acceptable for prototyping. |
Use high spindle speeds (8,000-15,000 RPM) for optimal chip formation
Climb milling preferred for better surface finish
Use 3-flute end mills for efficient chip evacuation
Coolant recommended but not always required
Can achieve mirror finishes with proper parameters
Housings and enclosures
Brackets and mounting plates
Heat sinks
Structural frames
Jigs and fixtures
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