VT machining provides CNC Cylindrical Grinding Aluminum for customers who need accurate, repeatable Aluminum components. Because Aluminum is lightweight, excellent machinability, good corrosion resistance, we adapt the process to suit — controlling the variables that matter for this alloy.
Process Data for CNC Cylindrical Grinding Aluminum
| Wheel (supply condition) | Silicon carbide, open structure |
|---|---|
| Depth per pass (rough / finish) | 0.02-0.05 / 0.002-0.005 mm |
| Achievable finish | Ra 0.4-0.8 µm (soft metals load the wheel) |
| Typical size tolerance | Ø ±0.002 mm, roundness 0.001-0.002 mm |
| Diameter growth, Ø50 mm, +3 °C | 3.5 µm |
| Work speed | 15-30 m/min (between centres) |
Shown for 6061 Aluminum, the most common Aluminum grade we see for CNC Cylindrical Grinding. Typical values for 6061 Aluminum, T6 / T651; confirmed on the first part.
CNC Cylindrical Grinding Capability for Aluminum
- Roundness within 0.002 mm
- OD tolerance ±0.002 mm
- Ra to 0.2 µm
- Between-centers work
Aluminum material properties, finishing options and grade notes are on our CNC Surface Grinding Aluminum page.
How CNC Cylindrical Grinding Aluminum Works
An abrasive wheel removes a fine, controlled layer from the Aluminum part. Wheel specification, dressing interval, infeed and coolant are matched to the alloy's hardness so the surface is not burned or left with residual stress.
Programming is driven directly by your 3D model or print. Work-holding, tool selection and the cutting strategy are planned around the critical features and the material before the first chip is cut. First-off inspection confirms the process is centred before production continues.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Cylindrical Grinding Aluminum
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Size (OD, ID, thickness) | ±0.005 mm | ±0.002 mm |
| Flatness over 100 mm | 0.010 mm | 0.003 mm |
| Parallelism | 0.010 mm | 0.003 mm |
| Roundness | 0.005 mm | 0.002 mm |
| Squareness | 0.010 mm | 0.005 mm |
| Surface finish | Ra 0.4 µm | Ra 0.1 µm |
| Workpiece hardness | up to 62 HRC | up to 65 HRC |
Standard is what a normal quotation assumes. Precision is available on nominated features and is priced separately, because it needs extra setups, in-process gauging and CMM verification. Call out only the features that need it — blanket-tightening a drawing is the single most common reason a quote comes back expensive.
Design Tips for CNC Cylindrical Grinding Aluminum
We are happy to suggest design tweaks that improve manufacturability. Allowing adequate grind stock, specifying realistic flatness over the true datum, and relieving corners help us hit tight tolerances on Aluminum efficiently. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
CNC Cylindrical Grinding Tolerances & Surface Finish
Ground Aluminum reaches single-micron tolerances on size, flatness and parallelism, with surface finishes down to Ra 0.1–0.4 µm — and a near-mirror finish on suitable alloys.
Exact achievable figures depend on the alloy, the feature size and the part geometry. Tell us which dimensions are critical and we will advise feasibility up front.
Applications of CNC Cylindrical Grinding Aluminum
Customers order CNC Cylindrical Grinding Aluminum components for everything from instrumentation to structural and functional assemblies. Whether you need a single prototype or recurring production volume, the same process discipline applies.
Typical Aluminum Parts for CNC Cylindrical Grinding
Illustrative examples of CNC Cylindrical Grinding Aluminum parts and the callouts that usually drive the process plan. They show the kind of work that fits this process; they are not specific customer orders.
Lapping plate
- Material
- Aluminum
- Size
- 300 × 300 × 30 mm
- Key callouts
- Flatness 0.005 mm over the full face
- Batch
- 20 pcs
Ground, stress-relieved, ground again — one pass will not hold flatness on this area.
Punch tool
- Material
- Aluminum
- Size
- Ø10 × 60 mm
- Key callouts
- OD ±0.002 mm, roundness 0.002 mm, Ra 0.1 µm
- Batch
- 300 pcs
Cylindrical ground after hardening to 60 HRC — machining soft would not hold the size.
Gauge block set
- Material
- Aluminum
- Size
- 50 × 30 × 10 mm
- Key callouts
- Thickness ±0.002 mm, flatness 0.002 mm, parallelism 0.002 mm
- Batch
- 200 pcs
Ground wet in one chucking, then left to normalise before final inspection at 20 °C.
No drawing yet? Build one in the browser.
Set the metal, dimensions and features, watch the 3D model update as you type, then switch to the 2D sheet to add dimensions and tolerances. Download it or send it straight to us with your RFQ.
What We Need to Quote CNC Cylindrical Grinding Aluminum
- GeometrySTEP or IGES for the 3D model, plus a PDF drawing if you have tolerance callouts. A dimensioned sketch is enough to start.
- MaterialThe exact Aluminum grade and condition — temper, heat-treat state or hardness. If you are not sure, tell us the function and we will suggest one.
- QuantityPrototype count and the expected annual volume. Both change how the part is made and therefore what it costs.
- TolerancesWhich features are critical. Everything else runs to our standard tolerance, which is what keeps the price sensible.
- FinishSurface treatment, cosmetic requirements, and any faces that must be masked.
- DocumentsWhether you need a material certificate, dimensional report, FAIR or PPAP with the shipment.
Missing something from the list is not a problem — send what you have. We will come back with the specific questions rather than a generic form.
Other Metals for CNC Cylindrical Grinding
Other Processes for Aluminum
Send the drawing, the Aluminum grade and the quantity. You get pricing, lead time and any DFM notes back — usually within one business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What surface finish is achievable on Aluminum with CNC Cylindrical Grinding?
Grinding can take Aluminum to a fine finish — typically Ra 0.1–0.4 µm, and to a mirror grade on suitable alloys.
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Cylindrical Grinding Aluminum?
CNC Cylindrical Grinding prototypes for Aluminum can be produced quickly and scaled to series production. Send your drawing and quantity and we will advise lead time and any minimum order.
What tolerances can you hold for CNC Cylindrical Grinding Aluminum?
Achievable tolerances for Aluminum grinding depend on the alloy, geometry and feature size. Grinding routinely holds single-micron tolerances on diameter, flatness and parallelism. Exact figures are confirmed against your drawing callouts.
What material thickness or size range suits CNC Cylindrical Grinding Aluminum?
We machine Aluminum across a broad size range; share your part envelope for confirmation.
Why is Aluminum a good choice for CNC Cylindrical Grinding?
Aluminum is lightweight, excellent machinability, good corrosion resistance, which makes it well suited to CNC Cylindrical Grinding. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Aluminum grinding part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.