Manufacturing projects cover a wide range of requests and demands. As such, refinements in materials can mean the difference between a building that stands the test of time or a pole that doesn't even stand up to a light breeze.
In regards to accessible materials, companies around the world are beginning to turn to aluminum for several projects and reasons. It's light enough to aid in medical machinery while tough enough to be found on nearly all modern vehicles, and there are several reasons to consider aluminum for any fabrication job.
8 Reasons to Choose Aluminum Fabrication
If you are looking to build your product or part on a budget without sacrificing quality, aluminum could be the ideal material to use. Keep reading below for 8 reasons to choose aluminum and a list of projects that it's perfect for.
Aluminum is Durable
Though you may initially think of aluminum as the crushable can you're about to throw away, companies have managed to utilize it in such a way as to protect you in dire situations.
For example, Ford's F-150 pickup trucks changed from featuring almost exclusively steel to a mixture of aluminum and steel — depending on the part.
The trucks maintain their crash safety thanks to the usage of steel, but the incorporation of aluminum allows for a lighter truck capable of better gas mileage and faster acceleration without sacrificing much on durability.
Aluminum is Lightweight
Aluminum is approximately ⅓ of the weight of copper, iron, steel, and brass. This makes it more malleable, which, in turn, makes it less costly to manufacture and an ideal choice in several products
Outpatient cases in the medical industry has seen a boost from aluminum usage, as modern walkers, canes, and wheelchairs all predominantly feature aluminum in their construction. In these situations, aluminum allows for more effortless movement through lighter tools while still keeping sound structural integrity for outdoor usage.
Even though the tensile strength of aluminum is not the highest in the world, the trade-off remains that aluminum usage makes for lighter fare.
Compared to other metals, aluminum features a lighter weight, which in turn can mean significantly reduced shipping costs for when projects are shipped out via parcel or freight services. Any Logistics Manager who has been asked to obtain shipment quotes can attest to the difference just a few ounces per parcel can make.
Aluminum Resists Corrosion
A layer of oxide naturally accumulates on the surface of the aluminum. This gives it resistance to corrosion, which makes it outlast other metals. You can even increase the resistance to corrosion with the design of your product or part. Working with a quality manufacturer can ensure that you get the most corrosion-resistance possible.
As mentioned earlier, alongside vehicle manufacturing, the medical industry has benefited from switching to aluminum in some instances. Through the process of anodizing the aluminum of many tools, hospitals now have machines that last longer due to corrosion resistance.
Aluminum Has Great Electrical and Thermal Conductivity
Aluminum is a superior alternative to copper. Copper is more expensive, and aluminum has almost 60% more conductivity than copper. Aluminum is more durable and corrosion-resistant, making it a better choice for a wide range of products and parts. It can transfer heat for both cooling and heating products, so it's an excellent choice for HVAC units.
Copper vs Aluminum
| Aluminum | Copper |
|---|---|---|
Conductivity | Not as good of a conductor as aluminum. | |
Weight | Heavier than aluminum. | |
Durability | Extremely durable | Soft and not as durable |
Corrosion Resistant | Yes | No |
Cost | Lower cost vs copper. | Higher cost vs aluminum. |
Aluminum Isn't Magnetic
Aluminum is perfect for projects and parts that need protection from magnets. This makes it useful for electrical shielding as in computer disks, dish antennas, bus bars, or magnet housings.
Aluminum Has a Ton of Finishing Options
You can add a wide range of colors and textures to your finished design. In some cases, this will help increase aluminum's corrosion resistance and durability. Powder-coating, anodizing, and painting are some examples of finishing options you can choose from.
Aluminum in Greener
So, about that can that was mentioned earlier. What bin did that can get thrown into? Your trash can…or your recycle bin? Hopefully, it was the recycling bin, because aluminum is completely reusable and recyclable…which is something you can't exactly say about several fabrication materials.
With aluminum's lack of any toxic materials, it remains a trendy choice for many products, allowing that it can be taken and made into other cans or even wholly new items. Though there are debates about reusing materials versus completely recycling them, aluminum at least allows for both tactics to be used.
The next time you take a trip out to grab a can of food, take a second to realize that every single aspect of your trip involves aluminum. Your vehicle, the shopping cart, the can, and even the home you're headed back to all exist thanks in part to this excellent metal.
Aluminum Has a Wide Range of Applications
Different types of aluminum alloys are great for different projects. An experienced manufacturer can help you determine which alloy would be best. Check out the list below for some ideas of what projects and parts aluminum would be an excellent choice for.
Projects Aluminum is Great For Include:
- Stampings
- Spun and Drawn Parts and Products
- Cooking Utensils
- Chemical Equipment
- Builders Hardware
- Storage Tanks
- Mailboxes
- Cabinets
- Fan Blades
- Awnings
- Siding
- Kitchen Equipment
- Decorative Trim
- Architectural Uses
- Signage Applications
- Food Processing Equipment
- Aircraft Components
- Electronic Chassis
- Boat Hulls
- Deckhouses
- Hatch Covers
- Pressure Vessels
- Ladders
- Railings
- Frames
- Drip Pans
- Toolboxes
- Truck Bumpers
- Inner and Outer Body Panels
- Truck and Auto Industry Components
Get Started On Your Project Today
Determining the right material for your projects is an important decision and should not be made lightly. Picking the perfect material can make the difference in if your project is a success or a dud. Check out our services page to see how we can help you with all your manufacturing needs.