Milling aluminium asks more of a machine than cutting wood: a rigid structure, a well-chosen spindle, secure workholding and good chip evacuation. If you are looking at CNC aluminium milling (also written aluminum), this guide helps you choose between a large-format CNC router and a compact machining center, and shows how the configuration affects CNC router price.
What aluminium demands from a CNC machine
- Rigidity: vibration ruins surface finish and wears the tool. A Heavy Duty steel chassis and 25 mm linear guides help.
- Speed and power: a 9 kW spindle up to 24,000 rpm on NCM models; 5 kW at 24,000 rpm on NCX 1050.
- Secure clamping: the part must not move under cutting force.
- Chip evacuation: chips recut by the tool degrade the surface.
- Accuracy: 12 μm positioning.
Large-format router or compact machining center?
| Criterion | NCM (CNC router) | NCX 1050 (compact center) |
|---|---|---|
| Working area | 2000 × 3050 / 4050 mm | 1000 × 1500 mm |
| Spindle | 9 kW, 24,000 rpm | 5 kW, 24,000 rpm |
| Maximum speed | up to 50,000 mm/min (with safety zone) | 35,000 mm/min |
| Controller | MASSO G3 or NCT 304 | Siemens Sinumerik 828D |
| Tool magazine | 24 positions | 8 positions (optional up to 100) |
| Table | 8-zone vacuum | OLC 45 steel, threaded hole grid, vertical clamping table (parts up to 700 × 700 × 100 mm) |
| Protection | Optional perimeter safety zone | Full enclosure, chip tray |
Choose an NCM (see NCM 2030B or NCM 2030A) if you machine large aluminium plates or mix materials (wood, plastic, aluminium). Choose NCX 1050 if your parts are medium-sized and you want speed, accuracy and an enclosed CNC machining center with a small footprint.
Workholding aluminium parts
On NCM models the 8-zone vacuum table can hold aluminium plates. On NCX 1050 you have the threaded hole grid and vertical clamping table. For difficult geometries or 3D parts you can add a 4th axis (optional on NCX 1050).
Chip evacuation and extraction
Choose extraction suited to the material: for metal chips and fine dust the high-power collector is the right option, and on NCX 1050 the special tray under the machine collects the chips. Avoid leaving chips accumulating in the cutting zone.
Five questions to choose between NCM and NCX 1050
- How large are your parts? Above 1000 × 1500 mm choose an NCM; below that NCX 1050 is enough.
- Do you machine other materials? If you mix wood, plastic and aluminium, an NCM with a vacuum table is more flexible.
- Do you need an enclosure? NCX 1050 has a full enclosure and chip tray.
- Which controller do you prefer? MASSO G3 or NCT 304 on NCM, Siemens Sinumerik 828D on NCX.
- How much space do you have? NCX 1050 takes 2300 × 1500 mm versus 3720 × 2500 mm for NCM.
Aluminium in practice: alloys, burrs and finish
Common aluminium alloys machine well with suitable tools, but behaviour differs from alloy to alloy. There are no universal parameters: spindle speed, feed and depth of cut depend on the alloy, the tool and the rigidity of the clamping. Surface quality and burrs depend on tool wear, chip evacuation and workpiece stability. A test cut helps you find the right parameter set before a production run.
Cooling and lubrication
With aluminium, chip welding onto the tool is a frequent problem. Many users rely on minimal lubrication or air blast to keep the tool clean. Talk to our specialists about which option suits your configuration.
Practical tips for clean milling
- Use tools made for aluminium and replace them in time.
- Set feed and depth of cut so you do not overload the tool.
- Measure tool and workpiece with the optional wireless touch probe for repeatable accuracy.
- Plan toolpaths so chips can escape.
- Check calibration periodically; see our calibration services.
How the configuration affects the price
- Format (NCM or NCX) and working area.
- Controller (MASSO G3, NCT 304, Siemens 828D).
- High-power extraction and the perimeter safety zone.
- Options: wireless probe, 4th axis, extended magazine, linear scales.
For the overall picture, read CNC router price and how much a CNC router costs. For general background see the industrial CNC router explained.
Common mistakes when milling aluminium
- Insufficient clamping that allows vibration.
- Worn tools or tools unsuited to the alloy.
- Chips left in the cutting zone.
- Parameters copied from other applications without testing.
- No calibration or periodic checks.
FAQ
Can a CNC router mill aluminium?
Yes, if the machine is rigid and has the right spindle and workholding. NC Mechanics machines are built for thick aluminium plates (NCM) or fast milling (NCX 1050).
Which CNC router for small aluminium parts?
NCX 1050, with full enclosure and Siemens Sinumerik 828D, is designed for fast milling on a 1000 × 1500 mm area.
How much does a CNC router for aluminium cost?
The price depends on the model and options. Request a custom quote for the right configuration.