Anyone who has been involved in aluminum housing processing knows that there are two main processing technologies in the industry: CNC machining and die casting. Both technologies are technologies that process raw materials into the desired products, but many people know little about these two technologies and don’t know which manufacturers are better and more reliable.

1. Before aluminum enclosure production and processing, we will develop a detailed and appropriate processing plan for our customers to ensure that all production requirements are met, production costs are minimized, and we provide customers with exquisite, qualified products and meticulous service.

2. Oxidation facilities are also essential. The surface of the aluminum enclosure should be fine-finished after processing.

3. CNC machining equipment is essential. The aluminum housing billet that emerges from the extrusion machine is just the beginning. Grooves are milled on both ends of the housing to facilitate the installation of side panels. Without CNC machining equipment, this work would be impossible. Hongfeng CNC aluminum housing manufacturer boasts 60 Brother/Group precision CNC machine tools imported from Japan and 20 precision CNC lathes, producing tens of millions of aluminum housings annually.

4. Sandblasting and laser engraving processes are impeccable, as many manufacturers order aluminum housings with their own company logos. Without production capacity, it would be impossible to address deadlines.

5. A large company size indicates the aluminum enclosure manufacturer has considerable capabilities, enabling mass production to meet your supply needs and ensuring fast delivery times. Hongfeng Aluminum Enclosure Manufacturer, with an industrial park covering 6,000 square meters, currently employs over 260 people, including 128 technicians.

6. Technical talent plays a crucial role in the quality of aluminum alloy enclosures. Jinruixin utilizes imported fully automatic 3D inspection equipment, a dedicated high-precision testing room, and professional testing personnel to ensure consistent enclosure dimensions. The entire process, from incoming materials to finished product, is rigorously tested in accordance with ISO9001 standards.

Jinruixin Hardware Aluminum Enclosures and Plastic Enclosures Manufacturer specializes in high-quality, high-volume aluminum enclosures and panels for 3C electronics. We are a recognized supplier for Xiaomi, DJI, and Lingyi, and have produced over 10 million sets of precision aluminum mobile phone enclosures. With 20 years of experience, we are well-positioned to produce high-end aluminum enclosures.

1. Material Selection and Pretreatment
Material Selection: Common aluminum materials such as 6061, 7075, and 5052 should be selected based on strength, machinability, and anodizing properties.

Pre-stretching: This prevents post-processing deformation. For 6061, use T6 grade material.

Stress Relief Annealing: This is particularly suitable for large-scale or complex aluminum parts, effectively reducing residual stress.

2. Programming and Toolpath Optimization
Rationally divide roughing and finishing toolpaths:

Roughing prioritizes removal efficiency;

Finally, focus on surface quality, leaving a uniform allowance (e.g., 0.2mm) as much as possible.

Avoiding Radius and Internal Angles:

Internal right angles should be rounded to avoid excessive tool load caused by sharp corners;

Appropriately chamfer the edges of the housing to avoid burrs.

Z-Axis Layer Control:

Avoid cutting too deeply at once. Cutting layer by layer is recommended to prevent localized workpiece warping or tool breakage.

3. Fixture and Clamping Techniques
The fixture must be stable and not affect the work surface:

Aluminum shells are easily deformed by stress; use soft jaws or vacuum suction.

Use flexible positioning or elastic clamping devices to avoid clamp marks.

During multiple reversal machining, pay attention to coaxiality and datum repeatability.

4. Tool Selection and Cutting Parameter Optimization
Tool Material: Carbide is recommended for its wear resistance and fast heat dissipation.

Coating: Use DLC, TiB2, or nano-coated tools to extend cutting life.

Speed and Feed Recommendations:

High speed (above 10,000 rpm) with low feed.

Reduced feed is recommended when machining thin-walled areas to reduce side pressure.

1. Products requiring high precision

Parts with tolerances of ±0.01mm or better;

Stringent requirements for coaxiality, perpendicularity, flatness, and surface finish;

Products with complex structures requiring precise and consistent dimensions.

2. Small-batch, high-variety custom parts

Mold prototyping, trial production, and small-batch orders;

Custom parts with frequent design changes or updates;

Model verification and functional samples.

4. Hard materials or soft metals that are difficult to machine: Steel, stainless steel, titanium alloys, copper, aluminum, and engineering plastics (such as PEEK and PTFE).

CNC machining can achieve high-quality cutting and a smooth surface.

5. Parts requiring high strength or high performance: Structural load-bearing components, heat dissipation components, precision transmission mechanisms, etc.

Parts with special requirements for thermal conductivity, electromagnetic shielding, etc.

1. High-volume, simple-structure products, such as plastic parts, legs, and standard components—brackets or injection molding are more suitable.

Injection molded housings and other parts—large quantities are more suitable for injection molding.

2. Very large or heavy workpieces
Exceeding the machine tool’s load capacity or machining stroke;

Usually, large milling machines, gantry milling machines, welding, or casting are used instead.

3. Ultra-thin parts or extremely soft materials: Too thin parts are prone to vibration deformation, making it difficult to maintain dimensional stability.

Ultra-soft materials (such as silicone) are not suitable for machining.

The lead time (delivery time) for CNC machining varies depending on many factors. There is no universal standard, but the general experience is as follows:

Prototyping/Single Item: 1–3 days

Small Batch: 10–100 Items: 3–7 days

Medium Batch: 100–1000 Items: 7–15 days

Complex or High-Precision Items: 7–20 days (depending on the specific structure)

Surface treatment (anodizing, sandblasting, etc.) +2–5 days (depending on the process schedule)

1. Product Complexity
Simple structures (such as turning cylinders and milling planes) are faster.

Complex multi-faceted parts, 3D curved surfaces, 5-axis machining, or thin-walled parts require more time.

2. Machining Accuracy and Inspection Requirements
The higher the accuracy requirements, the slower the machining process and the more inspection steps required.

3. Surface Treatment Requirements
Anodizing, electroplating, sandblasting, painting, etc. require additional scheduling.

Surface treatment is usually outsourced, requiring coordination with upstream and downstream manufacturers.

4. Production Scheduling and Machine Load
If the processing plant’s production schedule is tight, delivery will be delayed;

This is especially true when shipments are concentrated at the beginning or end of the month.

5. Is the material in stock?
Common aluminum and steel materials such as 6061 and SUS304 are generally in stock;

Specialty materials (such as titanium alloy and PEEK) require pre-orders.

6. Are custom tooling or fixtures required?
Customized fixtures or gauges can also increase lead time.