Aluminium is arguably one of the most versatile materials on the planet and is usually a mainstay somewhere for building structures, fixtures, and furniture (to name a few). It can be used for so many things and is so abundant that there is hardly any product that doesn’t contain it, in some amount.
This versatility and affordability also make aluminium one of the most cost-effective options for manufacturing and construction.
Suffice it to say, there is hardly any industry that doesn’t use this metal in some capacity. With that said, there is more involved in using aluminium than just the base material. How it is treated and fabricated will matter, as well. Specifically, there are many times where aluminium needs to be fabricated to make the most of its qualities.
Different Ways Aluminium Materials Can Be Fabricated
Like any other type of metal, aluminium can be fabricated and turned into an endless number of materials and parts. Some are more commonly used than others with varying degrees of demand. Among the most common of these are:
- Extrusion. The fabrication technique that puts the least amount of stress on aluminium is called extrusion. This process involves pushing the material through a die in order to achieve a form. Parts of various shapes and sizes can be made using this method. It’s also used for some of the most common items sold on the market like construction or manufacturing materials.
- Drawing. Aluminium is soft, which makes it easy to bend and draw. In the latter case, the material is pulled and stretched in order to achieve a certain form. This is how things like cans are produced.
- Bending. Aside from drawing, aluminium can also be bent or stamped. The metal can also be rolled by applying enough pressure. 3003 alloy is a good option for this type of fabrication because it is soft and flexible enough without sacrificing durability.
- Casting. Aluminium has a fairly low melting point, which makes it easy to cast. Using a mould, the molten metal is simply poured and then allowed to harden in order to achieve the shape that it needed.
- Forging. One of the oldest methods of working with metal, forging can be used to fabricate aluminium through repeated striking or compression. This will then result in more durability and more specialised functions.
- Machining. Perhaps one of the most efficient and precise fabrication methods, machining aluminium is a great way to sculpt the material in more sensitive shapes. Sheets of the metal can be cut, rolled, turned, or bent, depending on the need. Specialised equipment might be necessary for this method, which typically uses heat to achieve the intended results.
- Waterjet Cutting. Similar to machining but using water to achieve its objective, waterjet cutting also cuts through sheets of aluminium to produce pre-shaped parts. It pushes water at incredibly high pressure that can punch right through the material. This method is better suited for fabrications that would be ruined using any source of heat.
- Welding is one of the most common fabrication methods for more specialised needs such as construction or manufacturing heavy machinery. MIG welding is one option along with TIG welding. Both will join two or more pieces of metals together of varying shapes and sizes.
- Bonding. Last but not least, a powerful adhesive can be used to bond two or multiple pieces of aluminium. This is typically used to bond inner and outer layers of parts.
Advantages of Fabricated Aluminium
Fabricating aluminium has been one of the most in-demand manufacturing practices in modern times. The material simply has so many uses and is counted as a part of multiple popular products that range from industrial to common consumer goods. It’s lightweight, which cuts down on costs. It’s fairly cheap since it is fairly easy to produce. And the uses are practically endless since it is durable, flexible, and non-reactive.
Disadvantages of Fabricated Aluminium
For all the advantages that go with fabricating aluminium, it does come with its own disadvantages. For one thing, it can never compete with the tensile strength of steel. There are also issues with welding thanks to the fact that aluminium is highly conductible. It also can’t be used for projects that require the material to bear a considerable amount of weight directly.
While these are some of the downsides or aluminium, any material will have pro’s and con’s, so it’s important to think about this in context of what you’re trying to achieve (you can always talk to us at Custom Aluminium by calling us or dropping into our showroom and factory in Osborne Park).
Conclusion
Aluminium’s place in the industry as an essential resource is well known. For a long time, Custom made aluminium products have been finding themselves in high demand.
Although the metal already has a lot of general uses, it can also be applied to more specialised needs. Its versatile nature, pliability, and durability simply make aluminium one of the most useful resources on the planet.
For all your structural, fixtures, and furniture needs that require aluminium, especially if you need a project fully customised, Custom Aluminium is here to provide you with the best quality products and services. Contact us today.
