Aluminum is the metal people reach for when a part needs to be light, corrode slowly or move heat. In a machine shop that means housings, plates and fixture parts. Here is how it behaves under the cutter and what we need from you.
At a glance
- We machine aluminum at our Reno shop
- Cuts quickly with sharp tools and good chip clearance
- Grades from free-cutting to hard and strong
- Housings, plates and fixture parts
- Welding aluminum is covered on its own page
I have used Wolf Machine several times over the past few years for fabricating and repair of parts on my ultralight aircraft. [...] These guys are great to deal with. I wouldn't take my projects anywhere else.
How aluminum cuts
Aluminum is soft compared with steel, so it can be cut at high speeds and removed quickly. The challenge is the chip. In the softer, gummier alloys the chip can weld itself to the cutting edge, which spoils the finish. Sharp tools, plenty of chip room and coolant keep the cut clean.
Thin walls and long, slim parts move under the pressure of the cutter and ring like a bell. That chatter shows on the surface. The answer is firm clamping, light finishing cuts and sometimes leaving a part attached to the bar until the last operation.
Common grades, as general education
Aluminum comes in families. The grades below are named from The Aluminum Association system as general knowledge, not as a list of what is in stock. If your drawing calls out a grade, we work to it. If not, tell us what the part does and we can talk through the options.
| Grade | What it is known for | Where it shows up |
|---|---|---|
| 6061 | Good strength, machines and welds well, corrosion resistant | Brackets, plates, fixtures, frames |
| 7075 | Very high strength, harder to weld | Heavily loaded parts and shafts |
| 2024 | Strong, good fatigue behavior | Structural parts |
| Cast alloys | Good for complex shapes, can hold pores | Housings, covers, pump bodies |
What to tell us
Send the grade if you know it, plus a drawing or the worn original, the quantity and what the part does. Surface appearance matters on aluminum, so mention it if the finish is visible or a seal rides on the surface.
If a cast aluminum part has cracked, or you need a welded assembly, see the page on aluminum welding. For new parts, start with CNC milling or custom machining, then send the quote request or call (775) 359-5570.
Sources
- The Aluminum Association (2026-10-18)
