The turning of aluminium can be performed on both standard as well as automatic lathes and must be performed at a great rotational speed. In general terms, aluminium then has good cutting characteristics.
Two important factors are the alloy that is used and its ability to be machined. It is best to select an alloy containing lead, tin or bismuth, since these materials increase the ability to be cut and improve the finish.
The alloys known as free machining alloys are EN 2007, 2011, 2030, 2111B, 6012, 6023, 6262 which are best for the automatic turning of components in longer production runs.
Free machining alloys provide components of the right quality and at the same time increase the operative reliability considerably. For further information about alloys, see under technical information.
