CNC for Aluminium
Precise milling of aluminum and non-ferrous metals — from one-off parts to series production
Aluminium places different demands on a machine than wood: the material tends to smear, requires greater machine rigidity and reacts sensitively to incorrect cutting data. All BZT gantry mills machine aluminium, brass and copper. Three things are decisive for the result: a sufficiently rigid machine construction so that the gantry does not lift under cutting force, a suitable HF spindle with the right speed range, and cooling or minimum quantity lubrication that clears the chip from the groove. Typical applications range from front panels and housings to profile machining and aluminium composite panels (Alu-Dibond) for exhibition and shop fitting.
Recommended Machines
Matching CNC Milling Machines
Our customers most often use these series for this application
Materials
Typical Materials
Materials commonly machined for this application
Aluminium (plate & block)
Aluminium profiles
Non-ferrous metals (brass, copper)
Sandwich panels (Alu-Dibond)
Inspiration
Application Examples
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Knowledge
Practical Tips
Recommendations from our application engineers for the best results
Get the chip out of the groove
The most common mistake when milling aluminium is not the wrong spindle speed, but the chip that stays in the groove and is cut again. Minimum quantity lubrication or mist cooling clears it out and prevents smearing on the cutting edge.
Single- and two-flute instead of four-flute cutters
With aluminium, chip space matters more than the number of flutes. Single- and two-flute cutters with a polished flute keep the chip moving; four-flute cutters clog quickly in soft alloys.
Trochoidal milling instead of full engagement
For deep pockets in aluminium, trochoidal milling considerably reduces the cutting force and thus the load on the gantry — with the same or higher metal removal rate. The trochoidal calculator in the knowledge centre provides the starting values.
Clamp the workpiece firmly
Aluminium transmits vibrations differently from wood. Large-area, backlash-free clamping on a T-slot plate prevents chatter marks that can later only be removed by finishing.
Take the alloy into account
AlMg and AlCuMg alloys machine considerably better than soft pure aluminium grades. If the surface is decisive, it is worth looking at the alloy before adjusting the cutting data.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can all BZT gantry mills machine aluminium?
Yes. All BZT series machine aluminium, brass and copper. They differ in the achievable metal removal rate and their suitability for continuous operation — here the rigidity of the construction and the chosen spindle play the main role.
Do I need cooling for milling aluminium?
For occasional machining, compressed air is often sufficient. For deeper pockets, longer toolpaths and in series production, minimum quantity lubrication or mist cooling is practically indispensable — it clears the chip and prevents built-up edges.
Which spindle is suitable for aluminium?
What matters is the usable speed range in relation to the tool diameter. Small tools need high speeds; for larger cutters, torque in the lower range counts. Our application engineers match spindle and tool to your parts.
How clean are the edges when milling aluminium?
With suitable cutting data, a sharp tool and good chip clearance, low-burr edges are achievable. A finishing pass with a small radial depth of cut improves the result considerably once again.
Can Alu-Dibond be milled with the same tools?
Alu-Dibond is a sandwich of two aluminium cover layers and a plastic core and behaves differently from solid material when milled. For clean cut edges, cutters designed specifically for it are advisable.
Individual Consultation for Your Project
Our application engineers will be glad to help you choose the right CNC milling machine for your requirements.