Aluminium Machine Components

ALUMINUM ALLOYS can be machined rapidly and economically. Because of their complex metallurgical structure, their machining characteristics are superior to those of pure aluminum. The microconstituents present in aluminum alloys have important effects on machining characteristics. Nonabrasive constituents have a beneficial effect, and insoluble abrasive constituents exert a detrimental effect on tool life and surface quality. Constituents that are insoluble but soft and nonabrasive are beneficial because they assist in chip breakage; such constituents are purposely added in formulating high strength free-cutting alloys for processing in high-speed automatic bar and chucking machines.