CNC Machining for Aluminum Extrusions
CNC machining adds mounting holes, threaded holes, slots, connector openings
and precision surfaces to extruded aluminum profiles and finished components.
CNC Capability
| Item | Capability |
|---|---|
| CNC machines | 3-axis, 4-axis and 5-axis CNC machines |
| Parts handled | Long extruded profiles and cut sections |
| Materials | 6063 and 6061 aluminum extrusions |
| Machining work | Cutting, end milling, face milling, drilling, tapping, countersinking, counterboring, slots and openings |
| Finished details | Mounting faces, hole patterns, threads, connector cutouts and internal features |
| Fixtures | Set up according to the actual profile section and machining side |
| Inspection | Length, hole position, threads, machined faces, profile dimensions and flatness when required |
CNC Equipment and Long-Profile Machining
Machining Extruded Profiles
Extruded profiles are machined from their actual section. Wall thickness, internal channels, fins, available clamping surfaces and machining direction determine the setup and machining method.
Before production, we review the profile drawing together with the finished dimensions and machining details. Cut length, reference surfaces, clamping, machining order and inspection points are confirmed at this stage.
If a required feature changes the extrusion section or cannot be reached during machining, we confirm the solution before tooling or production.
Machining Operations
Profiles are cut to the required finished length. End faces can be milled, drilled or tapped for end plates or mounting parts.
Drilled holes, tapped holes, counterbores and countersinks are machined from the approved drawing dimensions.
Slots, connector cutouts, cable entries, windows and other openings are milled after extrusion.
Face milling is used for a flat mounting or contact surface. Machining is also carried out on end faces, outer surfaces and accessible internal areas.
Points Checked Before Machining
Reference surfaces and clamping positions are set from the profile section and the features to be machined. This keeps finished holes, slots and mounting faces in position while holding the part securely during machining.
Thin-wall sections, closely spaced fins, deep slots and narrow internal areas affect tool access and clamping. These details are checked before the machining setup is confirmed.
For long profiles, required length, straightness, feature position and handling are confirmed before production. Repeated holes or slots are machined from the confirmed reference position.
For hollow or partially enclosed profiles, we check the available entry for the tool and the machining direction. Any feature that cannot be reached is identified before production.
Machining Setup and Process
Each profile is set up according to its section shape and required machining features.
Extrusions are cut to the planned machining length and checked before entering the CNC process.
Reference faces and clamping positions are set according to the profile geometry and the surfaces to be machined.
Main mounting faces, holes, slots and other primary features are machined first.
The profile is repositioned where machining is required on additional sides, end faces or accessible internal areas.
Machined edges are deburred. Critical dimensions and finished features are checked before packing or the next process.
Checks During Production
For new parts or critical dimensions, the first machined piece is checked before batch machining continues.
Machined parts are checked against the approved drawing. Inspection points may include:
- Finished length and profile dimensions
- Hole positions, slot locations and machined feature dimensions
- Thread size and thread condition
- Milled mounting faces and other critical surfaces
- Flatness, when required on the drawing
Before shipment, the part quantity, identification and packing condition are checked.
CNC-Machined Extrusion Examples
Selected examples of profiles machined after extrusion.
Start a Manufacturing Review
Send your drawing, extrusion section or requirements for review.
