Need reliable CNC Plasma Cutting 3004 Aluminum? VT machining machines 3004 Aluminum to tight tolerances and consistent quality. As a material, 3004 Aluminum is lightweight with excellent machinability; we adapt feeds, speeds and tooling to suit.
CNC Plasma Cutting Capability for 3004 Aluminum
- Lightweight (~2.7 g/cm³)
- Excellent machinability
- Tolerance to ±0.01 mm
- Anodising-ready
3004 Aluminum Material Data
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 310 MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | 276 MPa |
| Hardness | 95 HB |
| Melting point | 582–652 °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 167 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 23.6 ×10⁻⁶/K |
| Electrical conductivity | 43% |
| Machinability (C36000 = 100%) | 190% |
| Grades we run | 6061, 6082, 6063, 7075-T6, 5052, 2024-T3, MIC-6 cast plate |
Published typical values for 6061-T6. Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.
Thin walls relax after roughing. We rough, let the part stabilise, then finish — otherwise a 1.5 mm wall bows by more than the tolerance it was cut to.
Machining 3004 Aluminum with CNC Plasma Cutting
When cutting 3004 Aluminum, machinability is excellent; high cutting speeds and superb finishes achievable. Our process plan reflects this so the finished part holds its tolerances without distortion or poor finish.
Documented parameters for 3004 Aluminum mean predictable cycle times and stable, repeatable results.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Plasma Cutting 3004 Aluminum
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Contour dimension | ±0.10 mm | ±0.05 mm |
| Hole diameter | ±0.10 mm | ±0.05 mm |
| Kerf width | 0.20 mm | 0.10 mm |
| Squareness of cut edge | 0.5° | 0.2° |
| Heat-affected zone | 0.15 mm | 0.05 mm (N₂ assist) |
| Minimum hole diameter | 1.2 × thickness | 1.0 × thickness |
| Edge condition | light dross | burr-free, N₂ cut |
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.
CNC Plasma Cutting Quality & Inspection
Quality is built in, not inspected on. We monitor key features during the run and confirm them at final inspection, with CMM verification available for tight tolerances. We provide the inspection and traceability records your quality system requires.
CNC Plasma Cutting Tolerances & Surface Finish
Laser-cut 3004 Aluminum holds contour tolerances around ±0.05 mm depending on thickness, with a narrow kerf and a clean, near burr-free edge.
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.
Secondary Operations & Finishing
Most 3004 Aluminum parts need some finishing, which we manage in-house or through vetted partners. Options include deburring and edge-breaking, heat treatment, surface grinding, polishing, and plating or anodising for corrosion resistance and appearance. Give us the finished-part requirement and we will sequence every operation correctly.
Design Tips for CNC Plasma Cutting 3004 Aluminum
Small design adjustments often cut cost and lead time. Keeping holes no smaller than the material thickness, allowing for kerf, and grouping features sensibly improves edge quality and nesting yield on 3004 Aluminum. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
Why 3004 Aluminum?
Customers select 3004 Aluminum for CNC Plasma Cutting because it is lightweight with excellent machinability. We handle grade verification and any required heat treatment or finishing.
Applications of CNC Plasma Cutting 3004 Aluminum
3004 Aluminum parts made this way are found throughout aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics and industrial equipment. Prototype, bridge and production volumes are all welcome.
How to Order CNC Plasma Cutting 3004 Aluminum
Starting your project takes one email. Send your CAD or 2D drawing, the 3004 Aluminum grade and condition, the quantity and any finish or inspection requirements. We respond quickly with price, lead time and any DFM notes, in clear English.
Finishing Options for 3004 Aluminum
| Finish | Thickness / effect | Why it gets specified |
|---|---|---|
| Clear anodise (Type II) | 5–25 µm | Corrosion protection, keeps the natural colour |
| Colour anodise | 10–25 µm | Black, red, blue, gold; add 0.02 mm to close tolerances |
| Hard anodise (Type III) | 25–50 µm | 60–70 HRC surface, grows 50% into the part |
| Chromate / Alodine 1200 | < 1 µm | Conductive, meets MIL-DTL-5541 |
| Powder coat | 60–120 µm | RAL colours, needs 0.3 mm clearance on mating features |
| Deburr / edge break | 0.05–0.3 mm | All parts unless the drawing says otherwise |
| Bead blast | Ra 1.6–3.2 µm | Uniform matt finish, hides tool marks |
| Laser marking | — | Part number, lot code, data matrix |
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 Plasma Cutting 3004 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 3004 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.
3004 Aluminum in Other Processes
Related
Send the drawing, the 3004 Aluminum condition and the quantity — pricing and lead time come back the same or next business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What surface finish is achievable on 3004 Aluminum with CNC Plasma Cutting?
Laser cutting leaves a clean cut face on 3004 Aluminum with a small heat-affected zone; most parts need little secondary finishing.
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Plasma Cutting 3004 Aluminum?
CNC Plasma Cutting prototypes for 3004 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.
Why is 3004 Aluminum a good choice for CNC Plasma Cutting?
3004 Aluminum is lightweight with excellent machinability, which makes it well suited to CNC Plasma Cutting. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished 3004 Aluminum cutting part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.
Which industries use CNC Plasma Cutting 3004 Aluminum parts?
CNC Plasma Cutting 3004 Aluminum parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise 3004 Aluminum components are required.