You must have held it wrong or the wrong type blade. You can even cut steel with a chop saw but blade won't last long. Just look at the air clamps from all the mistakes
I've been cutting thin aluminum channels with cheap Delta chop saws for over 32yrs. I had one break a casting once. I have several big saws for cutting metal and for most of my notching I use one of my 5 Delta Rockwell table saws. The only modification to the table saws are a steel table insert to accommodate the smaller diameter rip blades I use.
I also cut architectural bronze extrusions on all of my saws. Only problem is the chips really hurt so you have to cover up hands neck and face.