Material Spotlight: Mastering 2000 Series Aluminum at Our Colorado Machine Shop
At Focused on Machining, we’ve machined countless materials over the years, but aluminum is at the core of what we do. The majority of our projects are aluminum parts, and our team has developed unmatched expertise in machining this metal. That knowledge translates to faster lead times and more competitive pricing for our customers.
One material we’ve been seeing more frequently is 2000 series aluminum. Learn more about this alloy family and why our experience gives us an edge.
Understanding the Basics of 2000 Series Aluminum
2000 series aluminum alloys are primarily alloyed with copper, which allows them to be precipitation hardened to achieve very high strength levels. That copper content, however, also makes them more susceptible to corrosion compared to some other aluminum series.
Because of their strength-to-weight ratio, these alloys have been widely employed in aerospace machining for decades. Aircraft components and structural parts often rely on 2000 series, and we’ve manufactured parts like flanges and components for cryogenic systems. While some aerospace manufacturers prefer options like 7000 series aluminum, 2000 series remains a popular choice in the industry.
Aluminum Expertise Comes From Experience
We have tackled many projects with 2000 series aluminum, especially grades 2024 and 2219. Because of our experience providing both aluminum and copper machining services, these projects are a natural fit for our shop.
Our team has found that machining speeds for these materials fall between soft alloys like 6000 series aluminum and pure copper. Through extensive testing and process refinement, we’ve found the sweet spot where we maximize speed without ever compromising accuracy or risking costly scrap.
Why Choose FOM for 2000 Series Aluminum Projects
By partnering with Focused on Machining for your 2000 series aluminum parts, you benefit from the full capabilities of a trusted manufacturing partner:
Short lead times: Not only are we well versed in the best speeds and feeds for 2000 series aluminum, our team’s all-around efficiency leads to better setups and tool paths for fast turnaround.
Competitive pricing: Our experience allows us to run parts smarter, keeping your costs under control.
Lights-out efficiency: Our advanced automation and unattended machining let us run production 24/7 to maximize throughput, a critical feature of our contract manufacturing services.
Complex parts and 5-axis machining: Our team can handle even the toughest designs in 2000 series aluminum parts like intricate aerospace components.
Trusted network of finishing vendors: 2000 series aluminum is less corrosion resistant than some other aluminum alloys, but our network of trusted vendors can provide treatments like chem film and anodizing to help protect your parts.
Let Us Handle Your Next Aluminum Project
If you need a reliable partner for your next aluminum project, try us out! We combine advanced equipment and a proven track record in aluminum parts for a wide variety of customers. Whether you’re in aerospace, defense, or another demanding industry, we can deliver the results you need.
Request a quote today and see why our customers trust us with their aluminum machining needs!