--- title: Machining Aluminum - Why It's Not So Simple description: When it comes to machining aluminum it’s not a simple task. There are many grades of aluminum, all of which have different recommended machining techniques. This tool tip helps break down some of the different grades of aluminum and our recommendations for tooling and surface feed per minute. image: https://blog.fullertontool.com/hubfs/social-suggested-images/Tool-Tips-Square-Logo-2.png --- Menu [![fullerton](https://blog.fullertontool.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Fullerton_June2021/images/fullerton-logo.svg "fullerton")](https://fullertontool.com/) Close - [Search Tools](https://fullertontool.com/search) - Products - [End Mills](https://fullertontool.com/products/end-mills) - [Drills](https://fullertontool.com/products/drills) - [Drill Mills](https://fullertontool.com/products/drill-mills) - [Burrs](https://fullertontool.com/products/burrs/burr-rotary-files) - [Keyseat Cutters](https://fullertontool.com/products/keyseats/4375-general-purpose) - [Saws](https://fullertontool.com/products/saws) - [Reamers](https://fullertontool.com/products/reamers) - [Countersinks](https://fullertontool.com/products/countersinks) - [Routers](https://fullertontool.com/products/routers) - 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SFM = > 1000 **2024 & 6061 Grades Aluminum** These grades are high strength and heat treatable aluminum alloys.  They are very commonly used in Aircraft, Recreation, and Automotive body components. SFM = > 600 **7050 & 7075 Grades Aluminum** These grades are some of the highest strength aluminum alloys available.  They are used in the manufacturing of Aircraft and Marine Vehicles. - This grade of Aluminum reacts much like tool steel when being machined. It is recommended to use high speed machining techniques when machining these materials. Using these types of techniques promotes the use of light radial cuts. - The use of heavier radial depths of cut and higher feed rates will promote the movement of the material due to the higher stress levels in the material. - Speeds – You can use higher SFM when machining these types of materials but you must use light RDoC and control the feed rates. **Cast Aluminum** ***A319 – 5% Silicon*** Standard Tooling can be used very effectively. ***A356 – 7% Silicon*** Standard Tooling can be used very effectively. ***A380 – 10.5% Silicon*** PCD Tooling is the preferred tool for this material. TiB2 or ZrCN coatings must be used if using a carbide tool.            ***A390 – 17% Silicon*** PCD Tooling or Coating is the only tool material that will effectively machine this grade of Aluminum. Lower SFM is preferred for this grade, < 1000 SFM. Have more questions about machining aluminum?  Contact our team at **989.799.4550** or **855.722.7243**. Tags: [Advanced Performance End Mills](https://blog.fullertontool.com/topic/advanced-performance-end-mills), [End Mills](https://blog.fullertontool.com/topic/end-mills), [high speed machining](https://blog.fullertontool.com/topic/high-speed-machining), [tool tip](https://blog.fullertontool.com/topic/tool-tip), [effective feed rates](https://blog.fullertontool.com/topic/effective-feed-rates), [high performance](https://blog.fullertontool.com/topic/high-performance), [high performance end mills](https://blog.fullertontool.com/topic/high-performance-end-mills), [advanced performance](https://blog.fullertontool.com/topic/advanced-performance), [aluminum](https://blog.fullertontool.com/topic/aluminum), [2024 grade aluminum](https://blog.fullertontool.com/topic/2024-grade-aluminum), [6061 aluminum](https://blog.fullertontool.com/topic/6061-aluminum), [7050 aluminum](https://blog.fullertontool.com/topic/7050-aluminum), [1100 grade aluminum](https://blog.fullertontool.com/topic/1100-grade-aluminum), [7075 aluminum](https://blog.fullertontool.com/topic/7075-aluminum), [cast aluminum](https://blog.fullertontool.com/topic/cast-aluminum) [Back to Blog](https://blog.fullertontool.com) ## Related Articles ## [Machining Aluminum: Understanding Grades, Speeds, and End Mills for Optimal Results](https://blog.fullertontool.com/machining-aluminum-with-optimal-results) Aluminum is one of the most used materials in modern manufacturing due to its lightweight and high... 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