Month: April 2017

When you need aluminum, you will be faced with a number of different options. On the surface, you might believe that it does not matter which company you go with, since they all have experience working with aluminum. The truth of the matter, is that service centers who focus entirely on aluminum do provide some benefits that are not found at multi-line distributors. The level of knowledge you will encounter when dealing with a service center strictly focused on Aluminum will make all the difference. Their people are Aluminum professionals and they deal with Aluminum and the markets it is used in all day long. For these reasons, a dedicated aluminum supply company might be your best option when you are in need of some aluminum parts.

Unparalleled Service

As a customer, the service you receive goes a long way towards defining your overall experience. Dedicated aluminum suppliers can provide you with better service because their staff has a greater knowledge of the products. When you work with one material all of the time, you get to know the nuances of dealing with it, and can pass this knowledge on to the customer. Often they may share another way of looking at a project that can save you money, or even minimize your aggravation.

Top Products

Specialty aluminum extrusion suppliers will carry products from some of the top aluminum producers in the world. This is because these producers want to be associated with an aluminum distributor that will add value to their product and market their Aluminum product properly. You, the customer will benefit two-fold in this situation, not only will you have the opportunity to purchase aluminum from high-end producers, but you will also receive some of the best service and processing that the industry has to offer.

Precise Cuts

Of course, when you order aluminum, you will want the cut to be as precise as possible. Aluminum specialty shops will have the equipment and expertise to precision saw cut to tight tolerances, eliminating the need for further machining in most instances. When you need aluminum with a tight tolerance, your best option is choosing an aluminum focused service center in your local area.

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.

Aluminum extrusion is a process by which aluminum is turned into a variety of different shapes with the purpose of the aluminum becoming part of a cross-section profile. In its creation, the aluminum is pushed through a die, which allows the producer to create complex cross-sections while strengthening the metal. There are numerous benefits involved with purchasing extruded aluminum shapes from reduced manufacturing costs, to reduced purchased part weight. If you are working a reputable metal supply company, they will have the experience to guide you through the process, and educate you on the benefits of a custom extrusion option.

Easily Accessible
One of the main benefits of aluminum extrusions is how accessible the material is. Aluminum is one of the most commonly mined materials on Earth and there is no shortage upcoming, making it easy to find aluminum suppliers. In your search, you will find a number of different aluminum extrusion suppliers, so it is vital that you do your research to find the vendors that best meets your needs. These vendors should provide you with great customer service, have a deep rooted knowledge of the extrusion process, and have the ability to process and inventory your custom aluminum extrusions as needed.

Different Shapes
Another thing to consider is the extensive number of extruded aluminum shapes that can be created by your vendor. The complexity of possible shapes that can be extruded is amazing. Sometimes the shapes have very light gauge walls and irregular surfaces, making these shapes difficult to cut. Be sure that you are working with an aluminum supplier that is experienced in cutting custom extrusions, one with the proper precision sawing equipment to make cuts to very precise tolerances. The highest quality metal service centers will be able to cut hundreds or thousands of parts consistently to a +/- .005 tolerance. Lastly, if you are comparing an aluminum casting to an aluminum extrusion, the casting might weigh less, but you will be sacrificing strength. In addition aluminum extrusions do not have the long lead times and high tooling costs that you will find in castings.

Long Life
Perhaps the most important benefit provided by aluminum extrusion is that the finished product will stand the test of time. When many people think of aluminum, they envision a soda can that is crushed without any effort whatsoever. The truth is that aluminum is actually a very durable, although sometimes soft, aluminum takes a very long time to break down. Once you have your extrusions in place, they will serve their purpose for a long period of time without the need for replacement.

There are many raw materials that get used for industrial purposes, such as steel, copper, zinc, lead, nickel and plastics, but aluminum is one of the most popular. The Dustin Hoffman film “The Graduate” from 1967 had the famous quote about there being a great future in plastics which probably should have been said about Aluminum since it is second only to steel in its overall industrial consumption. Aluminum possesses several unique properties that make it very versatile and sought after for everything from building aircraft to making soda cans. The fact that this metal is recyclable means that it will probably become even more popular in all uses as time goes on and other resources become more limited.

Weight

Aluminum is an extremely light metal, but still very strong. It is roughly one third of the weight of steel and less than one fourth of the weight of lead. This makes it extremely useful for many applications, especially in the transportation industry. Aluminum plate suppliers are constantly filling orders for those who build airplanes, boats, cars and trucks, since the lighter relative weight (or density) of aluminum compared to steel allows these vehicles to go faster, be more fuel efficient, carry more payload, float and fly.

Ease of Manufacturing

Aluminum is a very versatile metal, which allows it to be manufactured into many different forms, such as aluminum plate, bars, sheets or extrude shapes, Aluminum is created in a variety of different alloys and each specific alloy offers different benefits to manufacturing. For instance, 6061 aluminum plate or 7075 aluminum plate, are good for machined parts, while alloys like 5052 and 3003 are more pliable and work best when rolled or bent. In the hands of a skilled craftsman with the proper precision equipment, aluminum can be cut or formed to just about any shape or size. Aluminum also has the ability to be rolled very thin, which allows it to be used for things like foil and soda cans.

Conductivity

Aluminum conducts electricity very well. This property makes the metal very useful in the construction of electronics and circuits. It also has fairly good thermal conductivity, allowing it to transfer most of the heat or cold it receives evenly across its surface. This makes aluminum a very popular choice for cookware as well as heating and air conditioning equipment.

Home Features and Household Items

The use of aluminum just in a standard home is extensive. You can find this material present in window frames, cooking supplies, toasters, framework, door knobs, exercise equipment, golf clubs, and more.

Construction

Aluminum is used extensively in the construction industry due to its great versatility. The material can be cut, welded, and molded to produce a vast array of components and products. Construction applications also benefit due to its lightweight characteristic. This makes it a less expensive option than other metals. Aluminum in manufactured for various construction elements, such as doors, railings, skylights, wiring, and shutters, among others.

Portable Displays and Framing

Extruded aluminum can be used in office furniture framing of cubicles and to create frameworks that are often used for displays at tradeshows or in retail shops.

Military and Defense

The defense industry also makes use of aluminum extrusions. The material is ideal for these applications due to its low weight and high strength. The applications including landing mats, military ships, all-terrain vehicles, and tent structures. Pretty much anything that will lighten the load for our troops to carry or transport is designed out of Aluminum.

Energy

Copper has about one-half times the electrical conductivity of aluminum, making it better in many applications, but copper has its limitations in strength. This makes aluminum a great option for use in power system applications. Applications that involve the mounting of solar panels also make use of aluminum due to its low maintenance requirement and lightweight property. Some power structures benefit from the use of aluminum due to its ability to support snow loads and high wind loads.

Transportation

The transportation industry also benefits from the manufacturing of aluminum. A primary benefit to this industry is its high strength-to-weight ratio, a great asset in the building of aircraft, cars, trains, and boats. Aluminum alloys can achieve sufficient strength for certain applications in the transportation sector that make it a highly advantageous option. Its strength helps it withstand loading and its low weight can increase the energy efficiency of operations in which it is used.

Packaging

The packaging industry also makes use of aluminum extensively. Aluminum is impermeable and it helps keep food clean and protected from harmful environmental elements. Aluminum oxide is not a destructive element and aluminum itself is highly resistant to corrosion.

Aluminum does not contain or emit toxic elements and as a result does not alter the smell or taste of beverages or food it contains. This is an important benefit for food preparation and storage companies. Aluminum packaging is manufactured constantly in forms that include trays, cans, containers, bottle caps, foil, and more.

The manufacturing industry takes advantage of the various unique benefits afforded by aluminum to produce highly efficient and cost-effective products. Aluminum alloys continue to be created for specific applications. The benefits aluminum offers include its strength and lightweight characteristics, low cost, corrosion-resistance, electrical and thermal conductivity, along with its most important characteristic of recyclability, making it ideal for various industries and manufacturers.