Non ferrous

Non-ferrous softer metals form the ISO N group. This group includes materials such as aluminum, copper, brass, bronzes and magnesium-based alloys with hardness under 130 HB, except for some high-strength bronzes (>225HB). Aluminum (Al) alloys containing less than 12–13% silicon (Si) represent the largest portion of this group. Low-alloyed aluminums are very sticky while aluminum with a Si-content of >10% is very abrasive.

Machining non-ferrous metal, especially aluminum, produces long chips with a relatively easy chip control when alloyed. Cutting forces, and thus the power required to machine them, are low – and sharp cutting edges can keep them low.