Aluminum is a popular choice for industries like automotive, aerospace, and construction. However, its softness and low melting point present unique challenges during the cutting process. Without the right precautions, loose chips can overheat and fuse to the cutting tool, leading to friction buildup, dull blades, and excessive heat—all of which can result in premature tool failure.
At McKiney Manufacturing, we understand the importance of efficient aluminum machining for your projects. Here’s how we ensure smooth operations and precision cuts:
Best Practices for Cutting Aluminum
When working with aluminum, there are a few different ways to avoid potential issues during CNC machining including: clamping the aluminum properly to avoid warping or bending, optimizing feed rates and cutting speeds to avoid unnecessary friction and uncontrolled material removal, and lubricating the aluminum properly to avoid any stickiness from the chips that form.
And while all of these things can help, the most important thing you can do when machining aluminum is choosing the right cutting tool.
For this reason, McKiney Manufacturing offers two state-of-the-art CNC machines: an OMAX abrasive waterjet cutter and a 12 kW fiber laser cutter. These technologies deliver unrivaled aluminum cuts when compared to alternative CNC machines or traditional saws, avoiding common issues like dull blades, excessive heat, and friction buildup.
CNC Waterjet Cutting For Aluminum
Waterjet cutting is perfect for thicker aluminum pieces, particularly those over ½” thick. This technique uses a high-pressure stream of water mixed with abrasives to cut through material without generating heat, preserving the aluminum’s natural properties. With no heat stress and clean, smooth edges, waterjet cutting is an excellent choice for projects requiring exact precision.
- Best for thicker aluminum – Waterjet cutting is ideal when working with aluminum plates or blocks, where fiber lasers may struggle.
- No heat-affected zone (HAZ) – Since the waterjet cutter doesn’t generate heat, there’s no risk of warping, melting, or distorting the material, making it perfect for thicker or heat-sensitive parts.
- Highly versatile – Waterjet cutters are capable of cutting various materials beyond aluminum, making it an ideal choice for projects involving mixed materials.
- Slightly slower cutting speed – While not as fast as some other methods, waterjet machines can offer more flexibility with cutting options.
Learn more about our CNC waterjet cutting services.
CNC Fiber Laser Cutting For Aluminum
For thinner aluminum, under 1” thick, fiber laser cutting offers a faster, more efficient solution. This method uses a concentrated beam of light to cut through the material with extreme accuracy. While laser cutting isn’t ideal for thick or brittle materials like granite, fiber laser cutting excels at processing metals such as aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and titanium. It’s quick, precise, and the ideal choice for cutting thinner materials.
- Best for thinner aluminum – Fiber laser cutting is ideal for projects that call for thin aluminum sheets. For thicker materials, a waterjet is recommended to avoid potential edge issues or warping that may occur with other cutting methods.
- Faster than waterjet – Save time on high-volume jobs due to the faster cutting speed, making it a cost-effective option for large-scale production.
- Narrow kerf for precision – The narrow kerf provides highly accurate and precise cuts, making it perfect for projects with tight tolerances or intricate details.
Learn more about our fiber laser cutting services.
Expert Aluminum Cutting With McKiney Manufacturing
The McKiney team is ready to help you complete your manufacturing projects on time and within budget. Our Nebraska-based shop is equipped with state-of-the-art waterjet and fiber laser cutting machinery, ensuring high-quality results for your business.
