The Benefits of Ordering Custom Length Extruded Aluminum Bar Stock

Posted on August 28, 2019January 28, 2021 by admin

Extruded aluminum stock shapes, or extrusions, are inventoried by many aluminum extrusion distributors in 144” long master lengths. But did you know that you can quickly and easily order 6061-T6511 aluminum extrusions in custom lengths as short as 72” right off the press? It’s true! With as little as a 1,000# minimum and as quickly as a couple of weeks, custom length extruded aluminum bar stock can be available to ship from Howard Precision Metals to you. Because we are a 100% aluminum distributor, we know how to maximize our customers’ profits and minimizing scrap equals profits for you. With over 90 years of experience in the metals industry, we are considered by many to be the Premier Aluminum Distributor.

Order Custom Length Aluminum Extrusions from Howard Precision Metals and $ave Big — Seen here, extruded 6061-T6511 aluminum square bar is inventoried at 144″. In as little as 2 weeks, we can have custom lengths from 72″ up through 300″ produced at our mill.

Why Should I Consider Purchasing Custom Lengths of 6061 Aluminum Bar?

There are many factors to consider when purchasing 6061-T6511 extruded aluminum bar stock. However, the most important variable is likely the end length of your parts. As stated before, custom length extruded aluminum bar stock can be purchased in lengths beginning at 72”. Maximum available lengths vary with each shape but can be as long at 300” or more! Let’s run through an example of how a custom length can save you big. Imagine you have an order for 108 pieces of 2” x 4” x 12.5” 6061 bar. With stock 144” aluminum rectangular bar lengths, you would yield only 11 pieces per bar. Not to mention, you would be left with an end drop of somewhere around 4” when you factor in the necessary saw kerf. Thus, you would require 10 bars to complete this job or roughly 1,255 pounds. If you purchased a custom length of 152.5” of this same aluminum rectangular bar, you would yield 12 pieces per bar. With the mill’s minimum purchase of only 1,000# on this aluminum rectangular bar stock, you would satisfy the minimum with an order of only 9 bars. The custom 152.5” lengths would cleanly yield the required 108 pieces for your job. Not only that, but you would only need to order 1,087 pounds of aluminum. That’s 168 lbs. less raw material than with 144” standard bars. Also, there would be no waste because there would be no end drop remaining with the custom length. This same thought process could be applied to a bar application with a final length of 78”. If you ordered 144” stock aluminum bars, you would end up with an awful lot of scrap. But, with a 2-3 week lead time and the minimum order quantity satisfied, you can order your aluminum bars produced to the 78” length. Think of how competitive your price to your customer would be if you eliminated ordering excess material and lessened your machine time.

How Ordering 6061 Extruded Aluminum Stock from Howard Precision Metals Saves You Time and Money

As previously stated, Howard Precision Metals is a 100% aluminum distributor. Because aluminum is all we do, we have picked up a few tricks along the way. Not only can our customers save by ordering custom length extrusions from us, but Howard Precision Metals has aluminum extrusion saws in house ready to cut your parts right to size. Because we are such a large volume aluminum extrusions distributor, we can get the fastest lead times on custom lengths from our mill sources. In fact, we consider the use of custom length aluminum extrusions with every production sawing order that we quote. Ordering the custom master lengths will minimize scrap and maximize yields, which will save you money in material. Anytime the volume and lead time allows, we offer this cost saving process to our customers. In addition to saving money on machine time, you also save on material. This type of double dipping discount is one of the many ways we offer the most competitive prices to our aluminum customers. We know that our customers must bid aggressively on every job and margins are tight. That’s why the aluminum experts at Howard Precision Metals offer creative solutions, such as custom lengths, to all our customers.

Ordering Custom Lengths Is a Lean Manufacturing Option

Just like our customers, we at Howard Precision Metals must consider ways to be more efficient in order to win orders. Because custom length aluminum extrusions minimize scrap, increase throughput, and lower overall costs, they are a truly lean manufacturing option. Just like our customers, we focus on ways to stay competitive. By trimming away excess and only ordering the aluminum that we need, we keep our prices attractive. Furthermore, we train all our sales professionals to look for creative, cost-saving solutions on every quote processed. Considering custom lengths of aluminum extrusions is likely the most commonly used solution that we offer our customers. Now, we are not going to give away all our secrets. But rest assured. With every quote processed, we offer the best process to save everyone time and money.

Order Your Custom Length Aluminum Extrusions Today

Though the blog is ending, your company’s custom length extrusion journey may be just beginning. Remember that minimums for custom lengths start at 1,000#, lengths are available at 72” and greater, lead times are as short as two weeks, and Howard Precision Metals processes cut to length extrusion orders with ease. Whether your next aluminum extrusion requirement is for one piece or a truckload, let us quote it for you. Contact us at 800-444-0311 or request a quote today.

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How Can Aluminum Be Machined

Posted on August 23, 2019 by admin

Aluminum is a complex metal that is versatile in its uses. Its light weight and ability to be extruded into a variety of shapes makes it one of the most used metals across a wealth of industries. Whether it’s panels on a spacecraft, the hood of an automobile or a window fame, aluminum is used in almost every aspect of our daily lives. So how is it machined? With its unique characteristics it can’t be machined in the same way you would brass, copper or stainless steel. Let’s first start with identifying what machining is.

Aluminum Machined Parts

Machining Defined

Machining is a manufacturing process that uses computer or manually operated tools to shape parts and products by removing unwanted pieces from a larger material. There’s a variety of methods to achieve the desired shape by using the machining process and some of the most common are:

Welding
Shearing
Tumbling
Grinding
Deburring
Boring
Turning
Water Jetting
Plasma Cutting
Tapping
Drilling
Sawing

Modern methods dictate that machining aluminum is done either using complex tools or, more commonly, crafted by CNC milling machines. CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control and allows for humans to input specifications into a computerized machine that will then go through the various processes to eliminate pieces of the material to perform one or multiple pieces that are formed to the tightest tolerances.

CNC milling, as this is often called, allows for consistent cutting of these parts in relatively short time frames. To create complex components, CNC milling uses the act of cutting along different axes to get the dimensions exactly right. This often completed using 3, 4 or 5 axis machining.

When it comes to producing thousands of parts and where accuracy is paramount, CNC turning is the preferred choice of machining. This accuracy is produced through the use of CAD/CAM software. Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing, known in the industry as CAD/CAM, allows an operator to design the product and control the manufacturing processes all from one place. Also available is CNC drilling. This method uses drill bits of various sizes to cut holes into various metals, including aluminum. Often, the drills rotate at over a thousand revolutions per minute. It is for aluminum’s unique characteristics that make machining and fabricating this metal much different than other metals.

Machining Aluminum Specifically

As one of the most popular choices of metals for a wide variety of industries, aluminum is the go-to material on many projects because of its unmatched light weight. Despite its light weight, it’s also extremely malleable and strong for the level of machinability it possesses. This is why it is among the most popular for the automotive, aerospace, construction, and technology industries.

As a comparison, let’s look at aluminum versus stainless steel. Aluminum is a third the weight of stainless steel. Though not as strong as stainless steel, aluminum is much easier to machine. When it comes to corrosion, aluminum is naturally much better suited to resist corrosion. This is because aluminum naturally forms what is known as an oxide layer. This layer spontaneously forms on the element and naturally protects it from further corrosion. However, stainless steel, with the addition of chromium, is also a strong fighter of corrosion. Aluminum is a better conductor of heat than stainless steel. Because it is more conductive, aluminum is a common element of AC units and car radiators. Workability goes to aluminum as well. Since it is considered a soft metal, aluminum is easily shaped and formed. Whereas, stainless steel is a much harder metal and difficult to shape. However, steel is a stronger metal. Therefore when it comes to welding, stainless steel is easier maneuver. Welding aluminum can often result in what is called burn through. Burn through occurs when aluminum begins to soften to the point of unworkability, which is around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally, electrical conductivity is superior in aluminum over stainless steel. For this reason, aluminum is commonly used in wires and cables.

When fabricating aluminum the most important consideration when working the metal is speed. As easy as it is to form, it is difficult to weld. To avoid burn through, experienced welders know that aluminum is welded using high voltage and amperage setting to speed up weld-travel. Without this modification to the weld-travel, excessive burn through and destruction of the aluminum is a common outcome. One of the best alloys for aluminum welds is that of the 6xxx grade. This includes 6061 aluminum plateand extruded bar, which is commonly seen in architectural and agricultural applications, in pneumatic and hydraulic cylinder components and a wealth of other applications.

About Howard Precision

We’ve been in business for over 90 years. As one of the premier aluminum suppliers, who ONLY do aluminum, we offer premium aluminum products and use cutting-edge sawing technology to deliver the best the aluminum industry has to offer. Our in-house inventory is vast and comprised of top-notch products that have been milled from reliable sources. Because of our stringent quality standards, we don’t settle for any aluminum. We choose to purchase only the highest quality products from elite mills, which include a variety of aluminum plate, extruded rectangular, round, and square bars, cast tool and jig plate, custom aluminum extruded shapes and more. We are committed to providing our customers with the best aluminum products available.

For more information from one of our friendly customer service representatives or find out more about our stock list, contact us today.

Not All Aluminum Distributors Are Created Equally

Posted on August 9, 2019 by admin

Why does it matter where I buy my Aluminum plate or bar? Because not all aluminum distributors are created equally. What is the difference between Howard Precision Metals and another aluminum plate and bar distributor? To start, Howard Precision Metals’ is a 100% aluminum distributor. Our knowledge and credibility is top notch. Because we put an emphasis on training and teaching, we can guarantee an exceptional product. Simply put, Howard Precision Metals has one focus and one focus only, Aluminum. We live, breathe and bleed Aluminum.

Shown here are tube micrometers used to inspect custom extruded aluminum shapes. These devices are just some of the equipment used daily in Howard Precision Metals’ Quality Lab.

Knowledge and Credibility

From a Quality prospective, being a 100% Aluminum distributor allows us to be exceptionally knowledgeable. We know the properties, tolerances, and limits of the aluminum alloys that we stock as well as the aluminum alloys we do not stock. We consult with our Suppliers to ensure our customers are getting the right alloy for the right project. From a small home project, to a high-tech electronic job – Howard Precision Metals has your aluminum! Being in business for over 90 years, experience and insight are our middle names. These qualities undoubtedly make Howard Precision Metals your one stop for all technical aluminum questions. We study our Mill’s specifications as well as the Aluminum Association Standards. This ensures in-depth inspections of any potential non-conforming material are completed accurately by our Quality Technicians. With any out of tolerance or non-conforming material, a complete inspection is performed, recorded and reported. As the Premier Aluminum Distributor, we only source our aluminum from high quality mills who have a reputation for standing behind their product and its quality. With any non-conforming material, our Mill sources are more than willing to work with us until a resolution is found for us and our customers.

Training and Teaching

In our Quality Lab, we perform standard inspection processes, hardness testing, surface testing, dimensional and squareness testing. We use certified measuring devices that are regularly calibrated and cleaned which include our Granite Surface Table, height gauge, a variety of different sized vernier calipers that range from 8” to 80”, micrometers that range from 1” to 16”, taper gauges, feeler gauges and straight edges, just to name a few. All of our certified measuring devices are calibrated to NIST (National Institute of Standards & Technology) standards. We also provide extensive training to our Saw operators in the proper use these devices, therefore, allowing non-conforming material to be caught and reported before reaching our customer. In Howard Precision Metal’s Quality department, we have the responsibly in making sure that all of our customers receive quality material that meet their standards and requirements. We take that responsibility to heart. We are not only Quality inspectors but we are also Quality teachers. We want to teach you how to measure potential out of tolerance material before it hits your production floor. We are dedicated to making sure our product is the right fit for your project. How many other distributors can say that? Not many.

Full Traceability

Our Aluminum is fully traceable back to the parent plate, sheet, or bar. We are able supply material certs for all sold and in house material. In addition, we have the ability to provide Chain of Custody. We can also provide Safety Data sheets for inquiries regarding specific alloys. The Safety Data sheets provide information that will be helpful in knowing the Composition or Mechanical Properties before a purchase is made.

Quality’s Guarantee

Bob Howard knew exactly what would make Howard Precision Metals the leading Aluminum distributor… Saws. Through much trial and error, we were able to find the right saws with the right formula which resulted in being able to guarantee our tight tolerances and squareness. Effectively, giving Howard Precision Metals an upper hand in the Aluminum industry. He also knew that he had to have a sharp team of know-it-all’s who can ensure that our Mills are providing us with high quality material that can meet our customer’s standard and requirements. Those requirements may be that any extrusion or plate, whether it be as simple as 1” x 1” or as complex as many custom extrusion can be, that all tolerances; angularity, thickness, width, length, twist, flatness, straightness, are all acceptable to our customers and their customers and so on.

Should You Receive Questionable Material

We constantly strive for excellence but do understand that claims may arise. Should a claim occur we have created a Quality Claim Procedure. This process forces us to explore all possible causes of the issue. The end goal is isolating the root cause, so that we learn from the situation, and determining the resolution. Because not all claims are created equally, the more complex claims may take a little more time to find a resolution. Our end goal is 100% customer satisfaction with a side of knowledge. When found, non-conforming material is immediately segregated and multiple inspections are performed. It has been, and forever will be, Quality’s commitment to ensure we deliver on Howard Precision Metals guarantee. Howard Precision Metals undoubtedly has a high customer loyalty rate, which we pride ourselves. We are who we are with the reputation we have of being the best in the business because of our customers. You can trust the Quality experts at Howard Precision Metals. To learn more, please give us a call today at 800.444.0311 or request for quote.

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M1 & M5 Aluminum Mold Plate: A Comparison

Posted on August 7, 2019April 8, 2020 by admin

Both M-1 and M5 aluminum mold plates are widely used in mold and plastics manufacture. Because aluminum shares mechanical, chemical and physical characteristics with many other metals, it is a popular choice for machinists and engineers. Aluminum is readily available in a wide range of alloys and it can be difficult to know which alloy is the best choice for each application. Aluminum alloy choices are made even more difficult when they are as similar as M1 mold plate and M5 mold plate.

Person welding M1 aluminum mold plate-Howard Precision Metals — Seen here, M1 aluminum mold plate performs exceptionally well even under high temperatures. Unlike wrought alloys such as 6061 or 7075, does not lose any mechanical properties when welded. Neither the directly welded M-1 nor the adjacent metals changes appearance after being welded.

Photo by Pete Wright on Unsplash

What Is Aluminum Mold Plate?

Aluminum mold plate can be defined as high-strength, dimensionally stable, extremely dense aluminum plate. Mold plates, such as M1 and M5, perform excellently in high temperature applications because of elevated heat transfer capabilities. These features of aluminum mold plate allow for increased cycle times throughout the manufacturing process, increases throughput, and drives increased profits by decreasing machining time. When compared to steel, the lighter weight and machinability of aluminum mold plate are why so many manufacturers are choosing these aluminum products for their applications.

What Is M-1 Aluminum Mold Plate?

Produced by Alpase, M-1 aluminum mold plate is a mold plate that was developed for plastics and moldings industries. Just like any other aluminum mold plate product, M-1 possesses such attributes as stability during the machining process, excellent performance under high temperatures, a uniform grain structure and highly consistent Brinell hardness. Because M-1 mold plate is cast, cooled, and then homogenized, the grain structure found throughout the plate is metallurgically uniform. M-1’s machining rates are three times greater than that of steel. So, it is no wonder why M-1 is rated very high for machinability. Even with increased machining rates, M-1 yields itself to nice surface finishes. These finishes conform well in certain hard-coat anodizing applications and includes Nickle coating. Unlike wrought alloys, this non-heat treated mold plate alloy maintains its mechanical properties in and adjacent to welded areas. In basic terms, M1’s grain structure does not change when welded. Unlike welding heat treated alloys, such as 6061 or 7075, welding M-1 does not result in a heat affected zone. Welding M-1 results in no changes in appearance or performance of m1. Decreased production times and increased productivity are direct results of M1’s high thermal conductivity. M1 aluminum mold plate results in cost effectiveness and drive profits in manufacturing. For all of these reasons, M1 is a top choice for the mold and plastics industries.

Common Uses for M1 Aluminum Mold Plate

When all of M-1’s product features and benefits are considered, this alloy is proving to remain a top choice for many manufacturing applications previously held by wrought aluminum alloys or even steel. Both injection molding and tire molding are very common industries that utilizes M1. When compared to steel, m1 mold plate has a thermal conductivity 3-5 times greater. Thus, cycle times are reduced and throughput increased. Secondly, composite molds are a popular place for this alloy. Wrought alloys can exhibit permanent loss of mechanical properties when exposed to elevated temperatures. But, this is not the case for M1. With higher thermal fatigue properties, not only is M1 found in composite molds, but it is also widely utilized in R.T.M and rotational molds. Thermal conductivity, dense grain structure and elevated Brinell hardness also make M-1 a top choice in rubber molds and blow molding. Simply put, if you need tough aluminum that can take the heat, choose M-1 aluminum mold plate.

What Is M5 Aluminum Mold Plate?

Like M-1, alloy M5 is also produced by Alpase in Chino, California. M5 aluminum mold plate offers all of the performance of M1. Not only that, but this alloy also has a few added benefits. First, M5 boasts a 5% reduction in weight when compared to M-1. Also, M5 polishes and offers an improved anodize response. Regardless of thickness or size, m5 mold plate has consistent mechanical properties and uniform hardness. these characteristics allow for ease of machining. Both the tops and bottoms M5 plates are machined. This can reduce steps in the manufacturing process. Similar to M1, M5’s characteristics also include dimensional stability and exceptional weldability. Finally, the added benefit of phenomenal corrosion resistant lends itself to a minor difference between these two Alpase aluminum mold plate products. If you need some help in choosing what alloy is right, contact us. We can help you with this predicament as well as all your aluminum questions.

Applications for M5 Aluminum Mold Plate

The industrial applications of the two mold plates are very similar. Both alloys are a top choice in injection molds, blow molds, structural foam molds, and rubber molds. Therefore, you might think there isn’t much difference. However, M-5 is Ultrasonically Inspected for porosity. This tight, uniform grain structure makes it an optimal choice not only for the industries previously listed, but also for compression molds and vacuum forming tools. The micro-structure of the plates are rated as vacuum tight. Thus, there is no performance concern in applications where a good seal is needed. M% is available in a size range of up to 30” thick, 96” wide, and 195” long. Worry not: M5 can fit the build no matter the size.

If you are in search of aluminum mold plate or any other aluminum product, let us show you the ropes. Our team has the knowledge to help you find the right product for your application because we are a 100% aluminum distributor with over 90 years of experience.. After all, we know aluminum because aluminum is all we do. Contact us today by requesting a quote or calling 800.344.0311 today. Have you seen what we saw?

How Valuable Is Your Aluminum Distributor?

Posted on August 7, 2019 by admin

In the competitive manufacturing market, there are many obstacles that machine shops must overcome in order to win jobs. Choosing an aluminum distributor can be tough. The most difficult challenge faced by many manufacturers is maintaining competitive prices while balancing increasing costs, such as employee’s wages and benefits, tools and tool maintenance, machining equipment and upkeep, and raw material. These pressures are just some that manufacturing customers are facing today. Howard Precision Metals, a 100% aluminum distributor, can help you win more orders.

Does your aluminum distributor bring you value? Howard Precision Metals — Is it the lowest price of the best value of your aluminum distributor that keeps you loyal? Howard Precision Metals is more than an aluminum distributor, we are aluminum experts. Let us show you the value of our services.

How Do You Win More Orders?

Some people might argue that winning orders hinges upon one thing: Offering the lowest price. And, for some customers, that may be true. For most customers, the key to winning orders is not to offer the lowest price but to offer the best overall value to the customer. Even when customers ask for the best price, it is actually the best value that they are seeking. If you offer more to your customers, they will likely purchase from you. For example, imagine yourself at an event on a hot and humid day. You’re very hot and thirsty and desperately need some water. There are two vendors selling water. Vendor A is selling bottles of water that have been sitting out in direct sunlight for $1.00 per bottle. Meanwhile Vendor B is selling ice cold water from a cooler for $1.50 per bottle. Some people will opt for Vendor A’s possibly hot water. Likely, many people will opt to pay the higher price in exchange for the value of the cool water. Conversely, there will still be people who opt to purchase the $1.00 bottle of possibly hot water. No matter the business, aluminum or water, value and price will always be factors in winning orders. In order to win more orders and be successful, you have to offer both value and a fair price.

What is the Difference Between Value & Price?

Although price and value are relative, they are definitely not the same. Price is defined as the amount of money expected or given in payment for a good or service. Value, or the usefulness of a product or service, is based upon a belief of what a product or service is worth. Because value is based on perspective, it cannot be simply expressed as a dollar amount and is a little trickier to establish than price. Think about our previous water bottle example. The price of Vendor B’s ice cold water is $1.50. But-How valuable is that water to an overheated and thirsty person? Likely, a dollar amount for the water’s temperature is hard to quantify. Its value will also vary from person to person. This scenario transcends into the manufacturing and aluminum industries as well. Identical products and services do hold different values for every customer. Price and value are constantly being evaluated and considered when quoting and bidding for manufacturing jobs.

Does Your Aluminum Distributor Bring You Value?

Because Manufacturers are only as good as their aluminum suppliers, the right aluminum distributor can make or break any job. Factors like on-time delivery, saw finish, available on-hand inventory, lead times, and quality of material are variables that should be analysed when choosing an aluminum distributor. These variables have the potential to greatly alter a job’s end cost. That’s why it is crucial to purchase aluminum from quality distributors, who offer great value added services in addition to competitive prices and on-time performance. Aluminum distributors can have an enormous impact on their customers’ bottom line. Think about how crucial on-time deliveries are to shop efficiencies. If aluminum plate does not deliver on-time, machines can sit idle. This results in workers having down time, The end result is that production costs are increased. Conversely, if an aluminum plate order is delivered on-time, in-full, and cut to size, teams can effectively plan machining. There will be only one set-up. Profit will increase. Finally, you may be able to eliminate some machining steps in the process. All of these things bring value to machine shops. They all increase profits and can ultimately help manufacturers win more orders. Does your current aluminum plate supplier bring you value?

The Value of Howard Precision Metals

We pride ourselves on providing high value, competitively priced aluminum plate to all of our customers. Every day. In short, we strive for 100% customer satisfaction. We are a 100% aluminum distributor. That means that we have the knowledge and experience necessary to deliver quality aluminum plate and precision aluminum sawing services on-time. Every time. Howard’s custom-built precision aluminum sawing equipment and skillful operators, enable us to produce aluminum parts with tight tolerances and pristine saw finishes with ease. HPM’s signature Precision Plus aluminum plate sawing produces saw tolerances as tight as ±.005”. Not only that, but it also includes a squareness guarantee of ±.005” (12″ from any HPM saw-cut corner) and an RMS as nice as 32. In addition, our premium aluminum plate sawing services can help to reduce or even eliminate machining steps. HPM has more saw under one roof than anyone in the Midwest. This means we have the capacity to deliver precision saw cut aluminum parts in just a few days. No matter the piece count. If aluminum plate is not what you need, we also stock an extensive inventory of aluminum extrusions. Our Precision Plus sawing services are also available on these products. Finally, an expansive aluminum plate and extrusion inventory and alliances with only premier aluminum mill sources ensures that Howard Precision Metals can deliver aluminum orders of any quantity within a short lead time.

Next time you need aluminum plate or extrusions, let us show you value of ordering with Howard Precision Metals and prove that we are the best aluminum distributor. Period. Contact us today by calling 888.944.9400 or request a quote. Have you seen what we saw?

Month: August 2019