2024 Best CNC Routers for Aluminum
Looking for a CNC router for aluminum fabrication? Review this ultimate buying guide of 2024 for the most popular selections. It's helpful for both beginners and professionals. You will find the best one for aluminum cutting and milling to start or grow your business.
A CNC router is a professional automatic machine tool that uses a computer numerical controller with the control system on the computer to drive the X, Y, and Z axes to move, uses G-code commands to control the router bit to cut along the tool path generated by the CAD/CAM software, and removes the excess parts on the substrate to achieve the final results of cutting texts and patterns. It can work with DSP, Mach3, Mach4, NcStudio, LNC, OSAI, LinuxCNC, PlanetCNC, Syntec, Siemens, FANUC, and more controllers based on the business requirements. It can do relief carving, rotary carving, flatbed cutting, and 3D routing for wood, aluminum, copper, brass, glass, plastic, acrylic, and foam.
A primary router machine is typically used for woodworking, however, if the machine is equipped with a high-speed spindle, it can mill and cut soft metals, including different types of aluminum such as 2024, 3003, 5052, 6061, and 7075, as well as wrought and cast aluminum alloys.
Aluminum (Aluminium) is a kind of soft metal that can be milled with text and pattern by a CNC machine, it can also be cut into different shapes. The premise is that the machine must be equipped with professional router bits for aluminum, which is different from tools for woodworking.
There are many kinds of CNC machines for aluminum fabrication, how to choose the right one for aluminum machining? It all depends on your requirements.
Choosing The Right CNC Router for Aluminum Machining
The importance of choosing the right CNC router for any aluminum machining industry is undeniable. A proper CNC machine can turn the production wheel unimaginably. Difficulties like softness characteristic of aluminum, thermal conductivity, and tendency to generate heat can clash with the production. To ensure the most efficient usage of a CNC machine it is important to choose the right router that meets your requirements.
A few key notes to follow before you jump for the purchase,
⇲ Choose the router that offers the most precision and accuracy
⇲ A router with optimized cutting speed, feeds, and tool paths is more efficient and offers higher productivity
⇲ Make sure the machine offers a better surface finish
⇲ The right machine may require a higher initial cost but will serve as a cost-saver in the long run
⇲ Versatility and adaptability are always frontier qualities of a good CNC router
Technical Parameters
| Brand | STYLECNC |
| Table Sizes | 2' x 3', 4' x 4', 4' x 8', 5' x 10' |
| Functions | Cutting, Carving, Engraving, Milling, Turning, Drilling |
| Axis | 3 Axis, 4th Axis, 4 Axis, 5 Axis |
| Capability | 2D Machining, 2.5D Machining, 3D Machining |
| Price Range | $2,580.00 - $150,000.00 |
If you are working for simple aluminum fabrication with a small size, A small desktop CNC router is enough. Space saving with low cost. The affordable price range is from $2,580.00 to $3,000.00.
Aluminium Coins Milling Projects
If you need to do some 3D milling works on aluminum, the 4th axis is an ideal option, you can call it a rotary CNC router lathe machine. The 4th axis can help you to make 3D cylinder milling for aluminum.
3D Aluminum Milling Projects
1. Small CNC Routers for Aluminum
ST4040M Enclosed Mini Mill for Aluminum
ST6060F Enclosed Small Milling Machine
2. Desktop CNC Routers for Aluminum
STG6090 Desktop CNC Kits with 4th Rotary Axis
3. Hobby CNC Routers for Aluminum
STS6090 Hobby Kits for Aluminum
STM6090 Hobby CNC Kits with Rotary 4th Axis
If you are working for industrial aluminum fabrication, including large format aluminum carving, aluminum sheet and plate cutting, and 3D aluminum mold making, an industrial CNC is the best choice.
Aluminum Relief Carving Projects
Aluminum Parts Machining Projects
4. Industrial CNC Routers for Aluminum
STM1325-R3 4x8 CNC Table Kits with Rotary 4th Axis at Front
STM1325-2 Dual Spindles CNC Machine
STM1325D 4x8 ATC CNC Router Table with Automatic Tool Changer
STM2040-R1 6x12 CNC Table with 4th Rotary Axis at Side
Aluminum Sheet Cutting Projects
The large format CNC machine is used for cutting aluminum composite panels (ACP), aluminum sheets, aluminum plates, and aluminum parts with high speed and high accuracy.
3D Aluminum Mold Making Projects
Except for 4x8 and 5x10 CNC router tables, we also have 2x4 and 4x4 CNC router kits for aluminum fabrication. The working table size can be OEM as your requirements.
5. Router Bits for Aluminum
If you have owned one CNC, you should learn how to choose the right router bits for aluminum?
Router tools for aluminum adopt a special proprietary edge cutting system, high-quality sub-micro-grain carbide, with a super high polished cutting edge, resulting in clean cuts, a superior surface finish, and a longer CNC tool's service life.
Router Bits for Aluminum
FAQs
Is a CNC router easy to cut aluminum?
Of course, a common CNC kit comes with a T-Slot table, and solid carbide router bits can easily cut aluminum. For better cutting results, you should first find optimal settings working best on aluminum.
How to use a CNC router for aluminum?
Step 1. Design and layout according to customer requirements, calculate the path correctly, and save the file.
Step 2. Copy the file to the DSP controller. (If using a control card machine, please open the control card software, read in the layout, and save the file).
Step 3. Fix the aluminum material, define the origin, start the spindle, and adjust the spindle speed.
Step 4. Turn on the power, the machine performs a reset self-test, the X, Y, and Z axes return to the zero point, and then run to their initial positions.
Step 5. Adjust the X, Y, and Z axes separately, align with the origin of the routing work, and adjust the spindle speed, feed speed, and Z axis height to make the machine enter the work waiting state.
Step 6. Open the designed file, transfer the file to the machine, and the routing work of the file can be completed automatically.
Step 7. When the routing ends, the machine will automatically raise the tool and run to the top of the work start point.
What are the best router bits for aluminum?
When a router machine works with aluminum, we should use end mills, which are made of either carbide or HSS (high-speed steel). End mills have the advantages of high precision and are not easy to break. End mills have many styles, sizes, and flutes, including single-flute carbide end mills and double-flute carbide end mills. Typically, more flutes, better quality.
How to buy an affordable CNC machine for aluminum?
Step 1. Consult:
We will recommend the most suitable aluminum machine tools to you after being informed by your requirements.
Step 2. Quotation:
We will offer you with our detailed quotation according to the consulted router machine for aluminum. You will get the most suitable specifications, the best accessories, and the affordable price.
Step 3. Process Evaluation:
Both sides carefully evaluate and discuss all the details (specifications, technical parameters, and business terms) of the order to exclude any misunderstanding.
Step 4. Placing an order:
If you have no doubts, we will send the PI (Proforma Invoice) to you, and then we will sign a contract with you.
Step 5. Production:
We will arrange the machine production as soon as receiving your signed sales contract and deposit. The latest news about production will be updated and informed to the buyer during the production.
Step 6. Quality Control:
The whole production procedure will be under regular inspection and strict quality control. The complete machine will be tested to make sure they can work very well before out of our factory.
Step 7. Delivery:
We will arrange the delivery according to the terms in the contract after the confirmation by the buyer.
Step 8. Custom Clearance:
We will supply and deliver all the necessary shipping documents to the buyer and ensure a smooth customs clearance.
Step 9. Support and Service:
We will offer professional technical support and free service by Phone, Email, Skype, WhatsApp, Online Live Chat, and Remote Service. We also have door-to-door service in some areas.
What are the differences between laser cutter and CNC router for cutting aluminum?
One is to use a laser and the other is to cut with a tool, each with its own advantages. Laser cutting machine has higher cutting speed and higher efficiency, but the price is also higher. The price of CNC is relatively low, all depends on your requirements. CNC cutting aluminum is feasible, it can not only cut aluminum, but also cut copper, acrylic board, wooden board, and other materials.
How accurate is CNC machine cutting and milling of aluminum?
Many people are willing to ask for on-site processing demonstrations when buying equipment from CNC manufacturers, but few customers carefully measure the processing accuracy. Once the machine processing accuracy is not up to standard, not only will the product be unsightly, but it will also waste costs and even lead to the loss of potential customers, which is a waste of money.
So how do you test the accuracy of a machine?
1. Make a piece of plate processing, measure whether the diagonals of the plate are the same, whether the dimensions of the opposite sides are the same, and whether the edge distances of the holes are the same.
2. Small plate processing accuracy, small plate processing is required during processing. You can cut several small boards that will appear in production to see the adsorption capacity of the table and whether there will be running boards. In addition, you can measure the processing accuracy of the small boards.
3. You can cut two boards of the same specifications on one board and punch wooden dowels at the four corners to see if the two boards can be aligned with the wooden dowels.
In short, the purpose of buying a CNC machine is to save time, effort, and labor, improve plate utilization, improve processing efficiency, improve processing accuracy, and improve quality. A good machine can help you get twice the result with half the effort. A bad machine will not only waste manpower, material resources, and financial resources, but may even destroy your career. Therefore, you should be careful when buying equipment, choose reliable manufacturers, and don’t be greedy for cheap, as the gain outweighs the loss.
Things To Consider
• Vibration isolation. The main function of vibration isolation is to reduce interference and set obstacles on the vibration transmission route so that the vibration source cannot be transmitted to the tool or workpiece. According to the amplitude-frequency characteristics of forced vibration, it can be seen that the amplitude of the vibration system is related to the frequency of the interference force. When the frequency of the interference force is greater than the natural frequency of the system, although the size of the interference force remains unchanged, the amplitude decreases.
• Vibration elimination: In the process system, installing an additional device can increase an interference force that is equal in magnitude, opposite in direction, and of the same frequency to the system's interference force to offset the system's original interference force. How to reduce the vibration of an aluminum engraving machine?
• Reduce or eliminate imbalances in rotating components in process systems. In this case, the imbalance of the high-speed rotating workpiece, machine tool spindle components, motor, and grinding wheel in the processing system will produce periodic interference forces, so be vigilant. To reduce this interference force, general rotating parts should be statically balanced, and high-speed rotating parts should be dynamically balanced.
• Improve the accuracy of system transmission components. We can know about gears, rolling bearings, belts, etc. In the transmission components of machine tools, impact will occur during high-speed operation. The solution is to improve the manufacturing accuracy and assembly accuracy of parts and choose impact-resistant materials.
Tips To Maximize The Machining Efficiency
CNC routers are more efficient in the long run when taken good care and maintenance. A proper CNC machine will save your overall cost by exceeding the production expectancy. Regular maintenance and a few tips can enhance the productivity and longevity of your machine.
Here, we have given ten very useful tips that can significantly optimize the aluminum machining of your CNC router and maximize productivity over time.
1. Select the right cutting tools
2. Optimize the cutting parameters
3. Use coolant or lubricant
4. Minimize vibration
5. Optimize tool paths
6. Implement proper work-holding
7. Manage chip evacuation
8. Monitor tool wear
9. Maintain machine rigidity and
10. Consider high-speed machining (HSM)
Further Reading
A Guide to CNC Router Materials
This article identifies the most common materials used for computer numerical controlled router machines and describes the appropriate materials for specific uses, while predicting the behaviors of different CNC router materials when inserted into those roles.
2024 Best CAD/CAM Software for CNC Machines (Free & Paid)
Looking for a free or paid CAD and CAM software for CNC machining based on Windows, macOS, Linux? Review this guide to find out the 21 best CAD/CAM software of 2024 for popular CNC machines, including AutoCAD, MasterCAM, PowerMill, ArtCAM, AlphaCAM, Fusion 360, SolidWorks, hyperMill, UG & NX, SolidCAM, Solid Edge, BobCAD, ScultpGL, K-3D, Antimony, Smoothie 3D, DraftSight, CATIA, CAMWorks, HSM, SprutCAM.
How to Use a CNC Router Machine for Beginners?
Before starting work with CNC router, take some time to learn the user guide for beginners, you will get the basic skills on how to use a CNC routing machine.
Round Guide Rails VS Square Guide Rails for CNC Routers
The most common linear guide rails include square guide rails (profile guide rails) and round guide rails. We will make a comparison between them and help you to choose the right CNC linear rail kit to DIY or build your CNC router machine.
Is A CNC Router Worth It? - Pros And Cons
A CNC router is worth buying with the creating value far exceed its cost, whether you are working for hobbies, learning CNC machining skills, or making money for your business.
How Much Is A CNC Machine for Metal? - Cost Analysis
Metal CNC machines are available in various price tags, ranging from $500 to $500,000 regarding the size, capacity, precision, brands, and additional features.
