CNC machines offer a wide range of options for machining aluminium. They can saw, mill, drill, tap, flow-drill, press, assemble and much more. By choosing the right machines, you can speed up production, reduce errors, manufacture parts exactly to specification and automate the process.
In this blog post, we explain what CNC machines are, why they are important for aluminium processing, and how you can determine which machines you need in a production environment.
What is a CNC machine?
A CNC machine is a computer-controlled machine that can automatically saw, mill, drill or tap aluminium parts in accordance with the numerical code generated by the control system.
Key features of a CNC machine:
Digital control
Ability to combine multiple machining steps
High precision and minimal deviations
High speeds
What you programme is what is produced
Flexibility when machining different profiles or components
Why is a CNC machine important for machining aluminium?
Aluminium can be machined more quickly than steel. In a production environment, it is therefore important that machines operate precisely and reliably, even at higher production speeds.
The following challenges frequently arise with aluminium:
Correct clamping of profiles for sawing and machining
Chip formation can cause damage to painted surfaces
Handling profiles in a CNC machine
Avoid the presence of operators
A CNC machine helps to avoid these problems, whilst at the same time increasing production speed, automating processes and minimising the number of manual steps. This ensures a consistent and reliable result.
What possibilities do CNC machines offer?
The choice of a CNC machine depends on your production requirements and the type of aluminium machining you carry out.
1. Sawing and machining profiles
CNC sawing and machining centres can cut aluminium profiles to exact dimensions in a single operation and machine them in accordance with the specified requirements. All steps are carried out automatically on the basis of a job file, ensuring that production is precise, efficient and fully automated.
Key features:
Cutting profiles to size
Fully automatic feeding and discharge
Minimal operator presence required
Optimum use of material with minimal scrap
By combining sawing and machining operations, factories can reduce the number of work steps, shorten cycle times and minimise the risk of errors. In many production facilities, a fully automated machining centre such as a DEM ALU often forms the basis of the process.
2. Drilling and milling
CNC milling and drilling machines ensure precise recesses, slotted holes and fixing points, enabling aluminium parts to be manufactured exactly to design specifications. Machines such as the DEM ALU can carry out all kinds of machining operations and patterns, making them ideal for series production and large batch sizes.
Key features:
Milling recesses for fittings and hinges
Drilling and tapping fixing points
These machines increase production output, reduce waste when producing complex components and deliver a fully finished and sawn profile that can be joined seamlessly with other profiles.
3. Counter-profiling
Some CNC machines are specialised in the production of counter-profiles. This ensures that the parts fit together perfectly. For complex profiles, a machine with multiple milling motors is often used, such as the TPF DUPLEX.
Key features:
Production of end-face machining on profiles
Ability to produce highly specialised shapes at the ends of profiles (angled, rounded, …)
Machining of complex shapes using multiple motors and cutter sets
Fully CNC-controlled
This is particularly important in sectors such as window and door manufacturing, where fit and durability are key factors.
4. Pressing and assembly
Some CNC machines can extrude aluminium profiles and assemble them into finished components such as window and door frames. Corner presses, such as the Q4 ALU four-head corner press, ensure that the profiles fit precisely into the corners and that production is fully automated.
Key features:
Processing aluminium profiles into a window or door
This combination of functions reduces production time and ensures consistent quality.
5. Sorting and Transport
In larger production systems, certain CNC machines can operate in conjunction with sorting and conveyor systems. This ensures that aluminium parts are guided safely and efficiently through the production process. A LAD/C ALU, for example, is used for the horizontal sorting of frames.
Key features:
Horizontal and vertical sorting machines
Transfer tables for frames and sashes
Automatic feeding for assembly or packaging
Buffering of components between different stations or workstations
What CNC machines are actually required for aluminium machining?
For many factories, a CNC sawing and machining centre forms the basis of their operations. As production volumes increase, sawing and machining lines can handle all stages of the machining process.
In larger production environments, the focus is on automation: sawing, machining, assembly, fitting installation and transport are combined into a production line that delivers consistent quality and requires minimal manual intervention.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your production volume, the complexity of your aluminium parts and your growth plans.
Contact us
Are you unsure which CNC machines are suitable for your aluminium machining needs? Please contact Soenen Hendrik for a personalised consultation or a bespoke quote.
