To work with a metal cnc machine, aluminum is most likely your first choice, which is both recyclable and ideal for modeling and prototyping. But if we consider the capabilities of the metal turning machine, it is possible to choose an alternative to aluminum and we can cut different metals with their help. In fact, we must have sufficient knowledge of the CNC lathe and prioritize the common characteristics of metals in our work.
Now, if your decision to work with metal cnc machine is definite and you are looking for the best metals as an alternative to aluminum, stay with Farsad Machine to introduce the most famous ones and talk about their specifications
Why is aluminum the best choice for working with metal cnc machines?
Aluminum is a type of mineral metal with low mechanical strength and relatively soft, which has a high durability against corrosive conditions, and by changing its structure, it can be used in different conditions. Today, aluminum is used from simple and ordinary applications in homes to advanced applications in the aerospace industry and the body of spacecraft and airplanes.
But if you want to know why aluminum is the best possible choice for working with metal cnc machine, just pay attention to the following features:
Machining aluminum with a CNC lathe is very easy and you can use it to make different parts
Aluminum is very resistant to corrosion and corrosive conditions, and due to the formation of the surface layer, it can be used outdoors or indoors.Aluminum has a very high strength-to-weight ratio, which makes it a better choice than some other alloys, such as common iron or stainless steel.
High electrical conductivity makes aluminum to be used in many electrical and power plant projects
Aluminum has a high anodization potential and this makes it used as a sacrificial anode in electrochemical reactions.
Aluminum is one of the metals that can be recycled very much, and this is very important in CNC workshops and companies that choose to work with metal cnc machines.Alternatives to aluminum in working with metal cnc machines
Now, if we use a CNC lathe or CNC milling machine in our workshop and we want to choose an alternative for aluminum, it is necessary that this alternative meets the minimum requirements for the above replacement. These conditions should be at a good level both in terms of corrosion and in terms of strength, and we can mention the most famous ones:
Steel and stainless steel
These two metals are known as iron alloys and are better than aluminum in terms of strength and heat resistance. Of course, these two metals are much heavier than aluminum and their machining is more difficult.
Steel and stainless steel are widely used in CNC machining. Thanks to their high strength, these alloys are used in high-pressure applications and those that require strong welding.Steels are very resistant to high temperatures, and stainless steel can be used in hot environments to enhance corrosion resistance.
However, we must accept that steels have limitations in terms of the difficulty of machining and being heavier than aluminum for working with metal cnc machines, and for this reason, the conditions of the project must be considered in their selection. If heat resistance is the main thing in your machine and weight is not important, without a doubt, steel and stainless steel are better alternatives to aluminum.
Titanium
Titanium is one of the precious and expensive metals in the market, which is better than aluminum in terms of strength and strength ratio. Of course, titanium is known as an expensive alloy and therefore is not a good choice in normal applications.Titanium is an alternative metal similar to aluminum in cnc machine work, and its main advantage is its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. While titanium has the same weight as aluminum, it is almost twice as strong and is very resistant to corrosion like aluminum.
Of course, when choosing titanium, we must pay attention to its much higher price, and for this reason, it is considered a better choice in some special cases, such as the production of aircraft parts and the manufacture of medical devices. If light weight is the most important concern in your project, titanium is a good choice, but if budget is a priority, it is better to choose aluminum.
magnesium
Magnesium is in better conditions in terms of machining and weight than aluminum when working with metal cnc machines.Meanwhile, if machining safety and corrosion resistance are a priority for the workshop, magnesium cannot be a better choice.
Although magnesium machining is not as common, it has many of the prominent and common features of aluminum and is lighter in weight. Magnesium is one of the metals that can be processed in the normal atmosphere, which makes the CNC machining process faster and more efficient.
One of the negative points of working on magnesium is that magnesium shavings are highly flammable and their contact with water can aggravate their condition. Therefore, if you choose to work with magnesium metal cnc machine, you should be very careful when working with them.
Rice
Brass is one of the main choices of CNC machine technicians for aesthetic applications.Although this alloy is more expensive than aluminum, its capacity can be used for various purposes, including making products and parts more beautiful.
As a metal with a golden appearance and high machinability, brass is considered an excellent choice in working with a metal cnc machine. This alloy is considered a good choice for valves and nozzles as well as structural components that are visible. Also, in cases where large orders arrive at the workshop, the machinability of rice can be fully utilized and the desired parts can be produced faster.
copper
Copper metal is used as the main alloy for the transmission of electricity and an important part of the winding of various devices is done with this metal.In terms of machining power, this alloy is at a lower level than aluminum, and for this reason, it may be more limited to work with a metal cnc machine.
Copper metal has several properties in common with aluminum metal. However, the superior electrical conductivity of copper has made it preferred in various electrical applications. While pure copper is difficult to machine, many copper alloys have similar machining conditions to aluminum, making them less restrictive.
Conclusion
Considering the conditions that we have said for aluminum and its alternatives, we still have to admit that the best possible choice for working with a cnc machine is metals. At the same time, we must also accept the fact that in some cases aluminum shows weaknesses compared to other metals that technicians cannot ignore.This container may be an aesthetic discussion and compare it with brass or copper or even include a discussion of thermal resistance compared to stainless steel or steel. In fact, when choosing metals to work with a metal cnc machine, the conditions of the project should be considered