ALUMINUM

#AS light as air

Aluminum is one of the most widely used materials in our workshops. Valued for its lightness, ease of machining, and good mechanical properties, it is an excellent choice for producing precision machined parts.

Tons of aluminum machined each year
0

Widely used in the aerospace, automotive, electronics, and medical industries, aluminum is distinguished by its high machinability, good corrosion resistance, and numerous finishing options.

At Meunidec, we regularly machine aluminum to create complex, custom-designed components in small to medium series. Leveraging our modern production equipment and expertise in CNC machining, we can achieve tight tolerances and high-quality surface finishes, all while guaranteeing short and reliable lead times.

Why choose aluminum for your machined parts?
Because it offers weight savings, high precision, and optimized manufacturing costs. In addition, its wide range of available treatments (anodizing, bead blasting, polishing, etc.) allows finishes to be adapted to the aesthetic or functional requirements of your industry.

We put our expertise at your service to help you with grade selection, part design, and choosing the right treatment for your final application.

✔ Advantages :

  • Excellent machinability: Allows for fast and precise production, which is ideal for technical series.

  • Lightweight: Reduces the weight of mechanical assemblies without compromising performance (3 times lighter than steel), making it perfect for moving or onboard parts.

  • Good hardness and mechanical strength (depending on the grade): Ensures the reliability and durability of the parts.

  • Clean surface finish: Offers a polished aesthetic, functional benefits (fewer deposits, easier maintenance), and a naturally bright surface, ideal for visible or decorative parts.

  • Optimized production costs: Thanks to high speeds and efficient machining.

  •  

⚠ Limitation :

  • Average corrosion resistance: May require surface treatments depending on the application.

  • Poor weldability: Certain grades, particularly those with high machinability, are difficult to weld.

  • Strategic alloy selection is crucial: Each grade has its own specific properties—a poor choice can compromise overall performance.

  •  

Most common aluminum grades used in precision machining

Aluminum 2011 and 2017: Exceptional machinability, used for complex parts in large series.

Aluminum 6060 and 6082: A good balance of machinability, mechanical strength, and corrosion resistance.

Aluminum 7075: Very high mechanical strength, used particularly in aerospace.

 

Typical applications of aluminum in precision machining

Aerospace: Structural components, lightweight connectors, axles.

Automotive: Supports, linkage components, connectors.

Electronics: Housings, heat sinks.

Medical: Lightweight device parts, instrumentation.

Designer furniture: Thanks to its lightweight and modern visual appeal.

Bicycle components: Wheel axles and hubs, freewheel bodies.

Defense: Parts for (ammunition).

axee-roue-velo-meunidec-secteur-sport-loisirs-retouche-redim

Wheel axle |  Aluminum 7075 

free wheel body machining for bike, e-bike and MTB

Freewheel body |  Aluminum 7075 

2000 series (Aluminium + Copper)

N°Symbols
EN AW-2011EN AW-AlCu6BiPb
EN AW-2017EN AW-AlCu4MgSi
EN AW-2024EN AW-AlCu4Mg1
EN AW-2030EN AW-AlCu4PbMg

5000 series (Aluminium + Magnesium) 

N°Symbols
EN AW-5083EN AW-AlMg4.5Mn0.7
EN AW-5754EN AW-AlMg3

6000 series (Aluminum + Magnesium + Silicon)

N°Symbols 
EN AW-6064  
EN AW-6082EN AW-AlMgSiMn 
EN AW-6060EN AW-AlMgSi 
EN AW-6061EN AW-AlMgSiCu 
EN AW-6026EN AW-AlMgSiBiLow in lead and tin
EN AW-6026LF Lead and tin free

7000 series (Aluminum + Zinc)

N°Symbols
EN AW-7049EN AW-AlZn8MgCu
EN AW-7075EN AW-AlZn5.5MgCu
+33(0)450347056