The aluminum extrusion technique is employed with various types of aluminum alloys for the development of particular cross-sectional shapes for certain applications. This process of extrusion utilizes the characteristics of the aluminum metal. Specifically, aluminum has considerable malleability. As a result, it is easily formed, machined, and cast. Aluminum also only has a density one-third that of steel. Products of aluminum extrusion shapes have considerable stability and strength, particularly when they are alloyed with other metals such as magnesium and silicon. As a 100% aluminum distributor, Howard Precision Metals has become well-known not only as a premier aluminum extrusion supplier , but also for providing the best in aluminum plate and sheet products, too.

Aluminum Extrusion Offers Design Advantages

The extrusion process is a cost-effective way to create a wide-range of custom metal shapes. By forcing heated through a die, aluminum extrusions are created. The process of aluminum extrusion is simple. However, the range of shapes that can be produced by extrusion is quite complex. Aluminum extrusions can include such cost-saving features as tongue and groove, self-tapping screw slots, snap, press, and sliding fit. Because new shapes can be ordered, tooled, produced, and delivered in as little as 12 weeks, aluminum extrusions are an attractive way to save time and money in the manufacturing process.

Aluminum Extrusion is Economical

Stock aluminum extrusions are normally cost-effective and competitive in comparison to other forms of metal developed through manufacturing processes. However, custom aluminum extrusions are appropriate when the component produced consists of a complex cross-section or has a non-standard sized dimension. There is a virtually endless potential of design possibilities with the aluminum extrusions. The process allows greater simplification and economy in the production of a large number of end products.

Transportation and Automobile Industries

There are many applications in the transportation industry in which the lighter weight possessed by aluminum is very beneficial. Aluminum extrusions are used for the manufacture of products such as panels, engine blocks, roof rails, transmission housings, chassis of cars, trucks, and boats. In addition, aluminum is used to make other parts, including bodies, of vehicles. Because aluminum has a high strength-to-weight ratio, aluminum extrusions are commonly used, instead of steel, to produce structural elements of lighter weight vehicles. This high strength-to-weight ratio also enables vehicle manufacturers to improve on dent resistance. Because of aluminum’s lighter weight, body panels can be made thicker than with previous steel versions. Thus, more dent resistance is provided along with achieving a lighter overall vehicle weight. The lighter weight of aluminum vehicles also improves performance. Aluminum vehicles accelerate quicker, brake faster, and handle more nimbly. It is no wonder why aluminum has become so popular in vehicle manufacture.

Aluminum offers natural resistance to the environmental impact of moisture, corrosive forces from road salt, and temperature over the long-term. Aluminum extrusions are used to form various components in vehicles such as drive shafts, radiator enclosures, body and frame components, and cylinder liners.

Heat Conduction Applications

Aluminum material is very efficient at conducting heat and as such it is commonly used in computer heating and cooling devices, automobile radiators, electronics and visual/audio systems, condenser tubes, air conditioners, pharmaceutical fine units, and nuclear reactors.

Corrosion Resistant Applications

One of the optimum characteristics of aluminum is its natural corrosion resistance without the need for additional surface treatment. This characteristic is due to the presence of a natural thin protective film of aluminum oxide the metal possesses which adheres to its surface.

Construction Industry Applications

In the construction industry, extruded aluminum products are used extensively for various applications. For instance, shed and trailer construction often use lightweight extruded aluminum guide rails and paneling. In addition, aluminum extrusions are also used for elements in other, denser structures as well.

Architectural Applications

The various architectural applications that utilize aluminum extrusions include balustrades and railings, bleachers, and building façades. Canopies in which the structure must be lightweight but also stiff and handle loads also make use of stock aluminum extrusions. Because aluminum does not rust, extruded aluminum has an attractive uncoated look. Aluminum is also extremely popular for use in interior accents.

Elevator shafts, stairwells, and lighting fixtures all use various applications of extruded aluminum. Even though aluminum is generally not used to build the basic structural skeleton of a building, it can be used to reinforce the structure in a building’s interior. In addition, many areas of a building’s construction, such as plumbing, utilize extruded aluminum designs.

Non-magnetic Applications

Tubing made from extruded aluminum is used to house wires and coaxial cables due to its nonmagnetic characteristic. Extruded aluminum is highly useful for applications that involve magnetic fields, sensitive magnetic devices, or high voltage.

Display Equipment Applications

Many of exhibitions and trade shows utilize stands that are built with a certain amount of extruded aluminum material. Extruded aluminum sections can be designed and manufactured such that they interlock easily, making the process of assembly fast and simple. In addition, the products produced by extruded aluminum may be finished in various ways to achieve an attractive appearance which is important for marketing purposes.

Other examples of aluminum extrusions used for display equipment include display cabinets and point-of-sale displays.

Regardless of the particular application or industry involved, aluminum extrusions produced by aluminum extrusion companies are highly useful for the development of products that enable exceptional function and décor. An experienced aluminum metal supplier serving your area can help you achieve all of the benefits available through the aluminum extrusion process.

Do you have specific requirements that involve aluminum extrusion? If so, give our team at Howard Precision Metals a call today at 800.444.0311 to learn how we can help you with your aluminum product needs. Or, request a quote from our website.

Let’s face it, the world runs on money. No matter your industry, the goal is always to buy low and sell high. The aluminum industry is no different. This post is going to focus on the important industry terms regarding how pricing in the aluminum industry works. We must start with where aluminum market pricing comes from: the London Metal Exchange.

The London Metal Exchange, or LME, is the world’s largest market on futures contracts and options for base and miscellaneous metals. What the New York Stock Exchange is to various companies around the world in terms of name recognition, the London Metal Exchange is the most important market exchange company in the world of metals. Not only does the LME offer contracts with daily expiry rates of up to three months for the trade date, weekly contracts up to six months of the trade date and monthly contracts up to 123 months of the trade date, it also offers worldwide reference pricing, hedging, allows for the option of cash trading and the option of physical delivery to settle contracts.

Recently the London Metal Exchange was purchased by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing for a price of £1.4 billion in 2012. However, the LME has a long running history. Let’s dive in.

How the London Metal Exchange Got Started

Though founded in 1877, the London Metal Exchange has origins going back all the way to 1571 when the Royal Exchange of London was opened. In a less structured environment than the LME sees today, trades were conducted in London coffee shops using drawn up chalk rings on the coffee shop floor.

While aluminum plays a big part on the LME now, that wasn’t always the case. Aluminum was first introduced to the London Metal Exchange for trades in 1978. Initially, copper was the only traded metal on the LME. By 1920, lead and zinc were added under an official trading status designation. After aluminum was added in ‘78, nickel followed in ‘79, tin in ‘89, aluminum alloy in ‘92, steel in 2008 and cobalt and molybdenum in 2010.

How Trading is Done on the LME

The London Metal Exchange uses ring trading through old methods like open-outcry, ring dealing members, and electronic trading. Open outcry is the oldest method of trading. This method involved shouting and the use of hand signals to communicate information regarding the buying and selling of orders. In fact, LME is the last exchange in all of Europe that still uses open-outcry trading as it is seen as archaic. Next, ring trading members are present in LME activity. These members hold the exclusive right to trade in the ring and are entitled to 24-hour inter-office trading. In addition, these members are authorized under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Finally, electronic trading is also used by LME. This method now accounts for the majority of the total daily London Metal Exchange business transactions.

Why You Should Know What Midwest Spot Aluminum Is

In complete contrast to futures contracts, Midwest Spot Aluminum is a spot contract, which is essentially the immediate settlement of funds when buying or selling aluminum. Spot contracts account for most of the aluminum business transactions. While spot prices are immediate, they are largely dictated by the futures trading that happens on the LME.

Therefore, it’s important to understand the futures market even if you are using spot contracts to buy and sell aluminum. There are strategic advantages to buying aluminum at current prices and having delivery delayed. It saves on storage costs and mitigates efficiency killers.

Why is Midwest Spot Aluminum important to know about? Simply because Midwest Spot means specific aluminum prices for the Midwest region of the United States. Through careful monitoring of the LME charts available you can dictate current pricing and future forecast pricing for Midwest Spot Aluminum, which includes delivery of the aluminum to the Midwest region.

Why Howard Precision Should be Your Trusted Aluminum Distributor

Howard Precision Metals in the heart of the Midwest. Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, we are one of the most trusted distributors. Because we are a 100% aluminum distributor, our team has the materials, the knowledge and most importantly, the experience to support whatever aluminum needs you may have.

Because we are a company that believes in forward thinking and entrepreneurship, we stack our aluminum against any competitor nationwide. Why? We have state-of-the-art, custom built precision sawing machines and more capacity that any other distributor here in the Midwest. We cut orders correctly the first time and we never miss a deadline. Because we only handle aluminum and nearly every order is a cut-to-size, we have the knowledge and experience to produce precision sawn parts with consistent repeatability.

Isn’t it time you partnered with a distributor who is dedicated to tailoring their products and services to better fit your business? For more information about our capabilities or to experience our world class customer service, give us a call at (800)-444-0311 or leave us a message on our contact form. We look forward to working with you!

Month: December 2019

What Is an Aluminum Extrusion and What Are Aluminum Extrusions Used For?

Why LME & Midwest Spot Are Important Terms In the Aluminum Industry

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