When it comes to materials to make structures and machines out of, it’s hard to beat aluminum. This versatile metal has a number of unique, beneficial properties that make it useful for many different situations. It can also be purchased in a variety of pre-cut forms and shapes that are perfect for many projects, big and small.
Properties of Aluminum
When people think of aluminum, two things jump to mind—light and recyclable. These are both very important properties. The light weight of aluminum makes it perfect for aircraft and things that need to be lifted high off the ground or carried long distances. It is also perfect for vehicles, since less weight requires less fuel to be moved. Since aluminum is recyclable, it will theoretically never run out and always be comparatively inexpensive. It also resists corrosion and conducts both heat and electricity, making it useful in electronics. Some other useful properties are its reflectivity, its durability and its ability to be cut and formed.
Useful Aluminum Forms
Aluminum comes in many forms, from thin sheets and wires to larger blocks and bars. When talking about building structures or machines, the aluminum forms that get the most use are forms like aluminum flat bar, aluminum rectangular bar and other aluminum flat stock. While aluminum is ductile and fairly easy to work with, cutting it into the exact size and form you want does require skill and precise equipment, especially if your requirements are very specific. For this reason, many an aluminum distributor will offer to cut pieces to order for you, using their equipment and skilled craftsmen to make sure the size and shape are perfect. In choosing an aluminum distributor to provide precisely-cut aluminum for your projects, you will probably have more success with a distributor who deals only in aluminum rather than one who deals in multiple metals. The tools and skills are slightly different for each metal—why not go with a specialist?
Aluminum Brands
As with most products, brands do make a difference in terms of quality. When searching for aluminum for a project, it’s best to stick with the better-known brands. Large companies who have established brands for their products are continually investing in product development and continuous improvement. Companies like Alcoa, Kaiser Aluminum, Alpase Aluminum, PCP Aluminum and Sapa Extrusions, are known in the industry for products like Mic 6, Kaiser Select, M1, Alca 5, and Acc-u-bar. You will find these names called out on blueprints for a reason. They have stood the test of time.
