The Differences Between Machined Aluminum vs. Cast Aluminum

Aluminum is a popular metal in manufacturing, and there are different ways to create aluminum products. While the different processes use aluminum, the resulting products have key differences. Learn the differences between machined aluminum and cast aluminum to determine their benefits. Then, you can choose your preferred process.

What Is Machined Aluminum?

Before we can look at the differences in aluminum products, let’s learn what makes machined aluminum unique. Machined aluminum requires manufacturers to cut and shape solid aluminum with different tools and processes, such as computer numerical control machining and grinding. The most common aluminum alloys for machined aluminum are 6061, 5052, and 2024.

What Is Cast Aluminum?

Cast aluminum starts as molten aluminum. Then, manufacturers pour it into casts or molds to create the shapes they need. Some of the most common aluminum alloys for this process are A380, A360, and A383.

Machined Aluminum: Highly Conductive, Strong, and Lightweight

Machined aluminum products have several benefits. The material is highly conductive, measuring around 180w/M.K. Its ability to conduct heat and electricity makes it excellent for electronics.

Machined aluminum is also very strong; the manufacturing process guarantees an even, solid surface that rarely cracks or bends. Despite its incredible strength, it is lighter than other machined metals, such as steel. The combination of strength and lightweight properties makes machined aluminum a popular choice for the aerospace industry.

Cast Aluminum: Versatile, Cost-Effective, and Environmentally Friendly

While cast aluminum does not offer the same benefits as machined aluminum, it is a valid choice for many people in need of aluminum products. Cast aluminum is more versatile than machined aluminum since manufacturers can pour molten aluminum into any mold. The pouring process is much quicker than machine manufacturing, making cast aluminum more cost-effective to produce.

Cast aluminum is also more environmentally friendly than machined aluminum because it requires less energy and produces fewer emissions. Due to the molten state of the aluminum, it’s easier to recycle waste from this process.

Machined aluminum and cast aluminum have various benefits and differences. Still, you may need to deburr your products, no matter which ones you use. We provide tumble deburring machines that create beautiful finishes on aluminum products.