Month: March 2017

When you need aluminum parts, you will have a number of different options from which to choose. There are probably many metal service centers in your area, so you should do your homework before making a final decision. You should know, however, that it is always best to go with a service center that focuses 100 percent on handling aluminum because of the additional knowledge and care they will provide. In the end, this extra service ensures that you get the exact parts you need and that they are extremely high in quality.

Having what you need
Perhaps the main benefit of choosing an all-aluminum service center is the fact that they have a knowledge and expertise about aluminum, not found at every metal distributor. You can also depend on them having a depth and breadth of inventory in both common and hard to find Aluminum items. Things like Arconic’s  Mic-6 cast aluminum tooling plate is not carried by everyone. In addition, one that knows the history behind a product like Mic-6. Although the name has remained the same, the company who owns and produces Mic-6 has changed several times and may confuse people. Alumax, Alcoa and Arconic are just part of this product’s history. Your best bet is to align yourself with an aluminum supplier that carries a variety of options and has people that know enough to explain the differences.

The Shipping Process
Choosing a reliable aluminum service center gives you the benefit of receiving your products in a safe manner that protects them from damage during transport. As a soft metal, aluminum is subject to damage if mishandled during shipping. Aluminum service centers that deal in aluminum exclusively know how to handle this material and prevent your products from getting knocked around or otherwise damages during loading, delivery, and unloading.

Aluminum can scrape against harder surfaces and sustain damage as result as well. An experienced aluminum service center will know how to protect aluminum by applying specialized packaging to ensure metal is protected during transport. Aluminum suppliers with experience will also understand where and how to place aluminum on a truck to prevent its damage and any unnecessary delays in your shipment.

Customer Service and Order Handling
Identifying and purchasing the materials needed for certain applications can be a complicated process at times. Although many aluminum distributors offer similar products and services to the market, not all of them are equal in capabilities. An experienced aluminum service center can provide you with outstanding customer service when it comes to handling orders and correcting any issues that may arise with orders or shipments.

Transparent Product Ordering System
An aluminum service center that is trustworthy and experienced will have a wealth of information tools and a well-stocked inventory of aluminum products to help you in your purchasing decision. This type of aluminum distributor can handle, confirm, and complete orders efficiently, accurately, and quickly. As the customer of a dependable aluminum service center, you should receive clear feedback about your order and exactly what you are getting from the supplier.

Damage Claim Handling
If product damage happens to occur during shipping, a reliable aluminum service center will be there with easy communication to handle your claim properly and get the issue resolved with a re-shipment.

Sawing with Precision
Another thing to consider is the precision with which aluminum suppliers can cut your order. These companies have some of the most precise saws in the industry, which ensures that your product meets even the tightest of tolerances. In the end, it is best to trust an organization that has handled these tight tolerances thousands of times in the past, rather than a metal service company that only deals with aluminum occasionally, because failing to meet these tolerances could lead to disaster.

Aluminum Product Expertise
An aluminum service center can offer you the benefit of its extensive knowledge in the metal aluminum, including its mechanical, chemical, and physical properties. In addition the supplier can handle all of the necessary precautions required for proper storage and safe shipping.

Expert aluminum service centers understand that aluminum is subject to damage from moisture in addition to the possible damage posed during shipping. This is why a seasoned supplier will keep aluminum in an environment that is dry, clean, and free from dust and other contaminants. Along with that, aluminum service centers understand that aluminum cannot be shipped with dissimilar metals, such as carbon steel without taking the necessary precautions to protect it from carbon dust.

Aluminum service centers are essential players in the supply chain for aluminum components and extrusions. The responsibility of an experienced aluminum distributor is to supply aluminum services and products to a range of industries that require specific aluminum products. If you operate in a business or industry that needs aluminum products, it is important to choose an aluminum service center you can trust to deliver exactly what you need for your applications.

A service center that focuses on aluminum products and extrusions can help ensure you get the finished aluminum products you need on a consistent basis.

Aluminum extrusions are created by squeezing the metal under high-pressure until it forms a certain shape. The finished products can then be used in manufacturing, depending on the needs of the customer. This metal is very easy to work with and holds up quite well over the years, which is perhaps why it is so popular. In addition, aluminum extrusions are easily customizable, so you can have them created into the exact shapes that you need to finish your projects with little hassle whatsoever.

Long Life

Generally speaking, custom aluminum extrusions last longer than products made from plastic, steel, or other metals. This is largely because aluminum is extremely strong, especially for its weight, and is resistant to corrosion. You will also find that aluminum extrusions can adapt to both hot and cold temperatures, which makes them usable in nearly any environment. Those who trust aluminum extrusions are rarely disappointed with the final outcome, as it is a metal that gives you your money’s worth, no matter what.

Economically and Environmentally Friendly

Those who do not want to overspend on building materials might want to speak with aluminum extrusion suppliers, as aluminum is very affordable, especially when you consider its attributes. Perhaps one reason for its attractive price is that it is the most abundant metal on earth. In addition the cost of tooling up a custom die can often pay for itself with the weight and fabrication savings from one production run. Aluminum is also easily recyclable, which makes it more environmentally friendly than many other metals. If you ever need to eliminate aluminum extrusions from a jobsite, you are sure to find someone who will take it for recycling.

Complex and Adaptable

The aluminum extrusion process involves a tool steel die that determines the size and shape of the finished shape. The purpose of the die is the form the heated aluminum into a desired shape. The options are extensive when it comes to the shape and size of the mold extrusion to get the results you want. You can utilize hollow or solid die sets casts in the extrusion process. A solid die produces an extrusion without any hollow areas. It is a one-part, simple die akin to a template. A hollow die has one or more hallows in its shape. It is more complex than a solid, having two or more openings in the die that come together to form the inner and outer shape, essentially flowing together into a weld as it exits the die.

Extruded aluminum product development allows for the use of various design features to fulfill the requirements of an application. Complex shapes such as groves can be formed, in windows for example, to improve the design. Aluminum extrusion provides flexibility to the designer to achieve almost any desired design.

The fact that you can create any number of extruded aluminum shapes means that this product is highly adaptable and can be used in a variety of different situations. Before you begin a project, you should note that you can not only purchase aluminum extrusions in a number of geometric shapes, but also in the form of tubes, and rods. No matter what type of project you are working on, it is likely that you can create custom aluminum extrusions in the shapes you need to get the job done.

Useful in a Range of Industries

Due to the diversity available in designs with aluminum extrusions, aluminum distributors that supply this service can ensure their customers can obtain the products they need. The various industries that benefit from aluminum extrusion products is extensive, including electronics, agricultural, transportation, construction, military and defense, exercise and sporting equipment, medical, robotics and general machinery.

Aluminum extrusions are used extensively in the automotive industry as well. Due to the fact that aluminum is both lightweight and strong, it can be used instead of heavier steel or other metals. This results in lighter cars, trucks, SUVs, etc. making them more energy efficient to operate and more affordable.

Accept Multiple Finishes

With the naturally occurring oxide film that is present with aluminum and aluminum extrusions, these extrusions can accept various finishes, including anodizing, painting, and powder coating.

Excellent Conductor of Heat and Cold

When compared to other metals, extruded aluminum products provide many benefits. Not only are aluminum extrusions strong and lightweight, they are also superb conductors of cold and heat. As a result, aluminum extruded components in the shape of heat sinks are a great alternative to the use of copper to disperse heat.

Non-Magnetic and Non-Sparking

In addition to all the benefits mentioned above, custom aluminum extrusions are also non-magnetic. This feature enables their use in high voltage applications. This is why electronics and computer manufacturers utilize these extrusions extensively. In addition, they are spark resistant, which makes them safe for use in applications involving flammable materials.

With so many benefits available with the use of aluminum extruded products, it is important to take advantage of the best options available for your applications.

If the material you use in the manufacturing of your products is mainly aluminum you likely have high expectations for your Aluminum supplier. Manufacturers who frequently uses aluminum in the machining or fabrication of their component parts are knowledgeable about the benefits Aluminum offers and expect the same from their Aluminum supplier. Aluminum suppliers are not created equally, and it’s important to look for qualities such as experience, fair rates, and timeliness. Whether you’re looking to purchase aluminum products for developing a new product or improving on an existing design, your project is important to you and you want nothing less than quality and dependability for your money.

Aluminum Expertise

One of the most important qualities an aluminum distributor should possess is in-depth knowledge of aluminum itself. Many companies store and ship aluminum, but aren’t fully familiar with its properties, which can lead to damage to products and customer dissatisfaction. Aluminum is a soft metal, and can easily become scratched and damaged if it’s stored or shipped next to harder metals, such as steel. A knowledgeable aluminum distributor will know the ins and outs of aluminum, including how to handle it properly. Choosing an experienced company will ensure your order is completed and shipped with the utmost care.

Complies with Your Budget

In addition, fair pricing is a factor you should consider when in the market for reliable aluminum distributors. Reasonable rates are always a plus, especially if you’re looking to buy aluminum in large quantities. Many aluminum suppliers offer a comprehensive selection of products, but if their prices are too steep and they offer few discounts, it can be problematic buying the quantities you need. It’s essential to choose a company whose focus is on providing high quality products at competitive prices. This way, you’ll have the room on your budget to buy a suitable number of the products you require.

Aluminum Market

Now if you put Aluminum expertise together with fair pricing, you should expect your Aluminum supplier to understand and be able to explain the pricing volatility of the Aluminum market. An Aluminum distributor that is transparent and willing to explain the details of how pricing is established on the LME (London Metals Exchange) will earn your trust and save you money.

Price is not the same as cost

As a purchasing professional, I am sure you have heard this many times: A good supplier doesn’t just understand their business, they understand yours as well. When purchasing Aluminum there are many ways to take out cost. Buying material precision saw cut to size can eliminate potential downstream machining processes in your operation. Buying a custom extruded section can take weight out of the raw material part as well as reducing machining operations. Both situations may cost more on the front end, but actually cost less when considering the overall picture. If you are not dealing with a supplier that is talking about these options, you should be.

Speedy & Professional

Good suppliers can be relied upon for prompt service. As a customer, you expect to receive your order within a reasonable time-frame, but more importantly, you expect to get it on the day it was promised. A professional supplier follows through with their commitment. The last thing you need is a supplier that doesn’t understand your business, or what it is costing you to have a piece of equipment sitting idle waiting for material to arrive that never did. Worthwhile distributors have the inventory, information tools, and customer service people to complete even the most complex orders quickly, efficiently and accurately. With the right supplier, you will feel confident that your parts will be ordered and filled to the correct specifications, packaged appropriately, and be delivered on time.

Offers Delivery Service

It can be difficult locating transportation services for your aluminum items. It is important to find an aluminum distributor that can deliver to your location. This can save you from having to find transportation services for your aluminum orders. Be sure to ask about a supplier’s delivery services and any additional costs for those services. If possible, find a vendor that includes delivery in your price eliminating any unknowns.

Registered and Licensed

Suppliers should have proper insurance, registration and licensing. You can have confidence an aluminum distributor is operating within the law when it is licensed and insured. This helps ensure you are receiving quality products. Ask who is the producing mill and request to see documentation if there is a concern. In the Aluminum industry, the producing mills select who will distribute their metal for them and represent their product downstream. In order to earn a franchise to sell Aluminum from a quality producer, you must be reputable and stock their product. Believe me, earning a franchise is not easy. If a metal supplier simply buys the material from another distributor but does not have the franchise with the producing mill, they will have a difficult time resolving any material claims.

Sufficient Experience

The supplier’s experience is another factor to consider. Inquire about the distributor’s length of time in the industry supplying aluminum products. The distributor’s level of experience can determine how the company interacts with and services its customers. It can also determine the distributor’s reliability in supplying the right aluminum items on-time.

Offers a Variety of Aluminum Products

Vendors differ on the selection and types of aluminum products they sell. Along with various sizes and shapes, quality can differ as well. Ask about the types of aluminum the distributor offers. The supplier should have a working knowledge of its products and be able to explain their characteristics and benefits. This is important in order to help you choose the best aluminum alloy, sizes, and shapes for your applications.

When you are looking for the best aluminum distributor, it is important to ensure you review the above factors before using the services of a particular provider. This will help ensure you get the quality aluminum products you need at the right price.