CNC Milling for Aluminum 7075-T6
Aluminum 7075 machines well despite its high strength, producing clean chips and good surface finishes. Higher cutting forces than 6061 require slightly more rigid setups but the material rewards with excellent precision.
Recommended Machining Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Achievable Tolerances | ±0.02 mm (±0.0008") |
| Surface Finish | Ra 0.4-1.6 μm |
| Cutting Speed | 150-350 m/min (SFM 500-1150) |
| Feed Rate | 0.05-0.12 mm/tooth |
| Tooling Recommendations | Carbide end mills with 2-3 flutes, TiAlN or ZrN coated for extended life. |
Expert Machining Tips
1
Slightly lower speeds than 6061 due to harder matrix
2
Ensure rigid workholding to prevent vibration
3
Use sharp tools to avoid work-hardening
4
Flood coolant recommended for deep pockets
Common Parts Made
Aerospace structural components
Aircraft fittings
Gears and shafts
High-stress brackets
Military components
Machining Challenges
- Higher cutting forces than 6061
- Stress relieving may be needed for thin-wall parts