What Is a Manifold Bar and Its Primary Purpose?

If you’re looking for minimal setup time, enhanced machinability, and consistency, manifold bar is your premier option. Manufactured with precision and available in sizes ranging from .875″ square to larger sized 6.0″ x 8.0″ rectangles, these bars make up the beefier portion of our inventory at Howard Precision Metals. What sets a bar apart as a manifold quality extruded bar is the careful compliance to straightness, twist, and flatness tolerances that exceed the standards established by the Aluminum Association.

Manufactured through extrusion, the manifold quality aluminum bar possesses distinctive features and heightened dimensional tolerances. These exceptional attributes make it the top choice for a variety of applications, and in particular those involving hydraulic cylinders.

Exceeding Tolerances for Superior Quality

For a bar to obtain the valued designation of “manifold quality,” it must surpass Aluminum Association tolerances in flatness, straightness, and twist. Although you can find the aluminum bars of manifold quality that have plus or minus dimensional tolerances, at Howard Precision Metals, we generally offer them exclusively as extruded to the plus side.

Manifold Quality Aluminum Bars: Sourcing Excellence

Dual Domestic Mill Sources: At Howard Precision Metals, we primarily stock two domestic mill sources for manifold quality aluminum bars. Firstly, we carry Hydro’s ACC-U-BAR™ products, a trademarked name equivalent with manifold quality bar. In addition, we stock Kaiser’s non-trademarked manifold quality bar. Both manifold bars and ACC-U-BAR™, with their stringent tolerances, may be used for a variety of industrial applications.

ACC-U-BAR™

In the world of machining, ACC-U-BAR™ is a precisely manufactured, extruded aluminum product designed specifically for use in high-speed machining applications. Setting the premier standard in the industry, ACC-U-BAR™ excels above its counterparts with its extraordinarily tight tolerances, enhanced minimum mechanical properties, and improved straightness. Referred to as “manifold quality” bar by some, Kaiser specifies its equivalent as Manifold Bar, highlighting the exceptional advantage it affords.

Originally developed to serve various requirements in the fluid power industry, Hydro (formerly Sapa) was faced with the challenge to create a product having guaranteed plus-side dimensional tolerances, more consistent machinability, and enhanced mechanical properties. The result they produced was ACC-U-BAR™, an industry benchmark product that has become a go-to option for manifold block applications. Hydro’s dedication to ongoing product refinement ensures that ACC-U-BAR™ remains at the helm of precision extruded aluminum products.

At Howard Precision Metals, we offer ACC-U-BAR™ in array of rectangular and standard square sizes. This versatile product not only fulfills the rigorous requirements of high-speed machining but does so affordably, making it the premier option for customers seeking quality and precision in their aluminum products.

Kaiser Select Manifold Bar

Introducing KaiserSelect Manifold Bar – a state-of-the-art solution designed to enhance your automatic machining process to new heights. This specialized manifold bar is not your ordinary bar. It is a product that enhances quality, strengthens productivity, and reduces manufacturing costs. It is highly useful for machining complex parts with its tight tolerances, exceptional machining performance, and stringent twist and straightness tolerances.

With its high metal removing rates, the KaiserSelect manifold bar allows for complex machining processes and ensures repeatable and enhanced performance from piece to piece and lot to lot, exceeding the attributes and capabilities of other extruded bar products. This manifold quality extruded bar utilizes an enhanced 6061 alloy that increases both material hardness and mechanical strength. The manufacturing process of this manifold bar involves careful control of critical factors that guarantee its twist-free precision.

Manifold bar is engineered in such a way to ensure a controlled and impeccably straight product. Drilling and boring operations generate compact chips that not only improve machining throughput but also reduce costs and minimize downtime. Manifold bar provides an exceptional combination of quality, cost-effectiveness, and performance that outdoes other extruded aluminum bar products.

Versatility in Applications: The tolerance improvements in manifold bar expand its usefulness in various applications. These precisely-engineered bars are routinely found in pneumatic and hydraulic devices, fixturing devices, machinery, and various other applications where machinability and consistency are of prime importance.

Navigating the Selection: What Type of Aluminum Bar Do You Need?

It is crucial to select the right aluminum bar for your applications. With a manifold quality extruded bar, you have the necessary precision needed for various applications that require exceptionally tight tolerances. Whether you are operating in the engineering, construction, or manufacturing sector, it is important to understand the nuances of manifold bars in order to make informed decisions that help you fulfill the requirements of your project.

Manifold Quality Aluminum Bar: Its Main Purpose

The primary purpose of manifold quality aluminum bar rests in its ability to provide exceptional precision. From its low setup times and reliable consistency, to enhanced machinability, this bar is a key factor in applications where maintaining tight tolerances is vital. The enhanced straightness, flatness, resistance to twist, and straightness of manifold quality bar make it exceptionally valuable in applications where precision is a must.

Trust Howard Precision Metals for Your Precision Needs

At Howard Precision Metals, we are dedicated to providing exceptional quality manifold bar products. The manifold quality extruded bars we offer exemplify reliability and precision, establishing the standard for industries that require nothing less than perfection.

Ensure Precision with Manifold Bar from Howard Precision Metals

Are you ready to benefit from the precision of manifold bars for your applications? Give us a call today at 866.602.3788 or request a quote through our website. We are here as your trusted partner for manifold quality extruded bar designed to meet or exceed your expectations.

What Is 7050 Aluminum and What Are Its Primary Characteristics?

In the arena of high-performance metals, 7050 aluminum stands out as a material of exceptional versatility and strength. Whether for aerospace applications or other precision machining requirements, this alloy has become an indispensable feature in various industrial applications. Below, we look into the intricacies of 7050 aluminum alloy, identifying its primary characteristics and examining its various applications.

Composition of 7050 Aluminum

7050 aluminum belongs to the 7xxx series of aluminum alloys and is well-known for its advantageous strength-to-weight ratio. The composition of 7050 aluminum includes zinc as its main alloying element in addition to other elements of smaller percentages. The development of 7050 aluminum was instigated by the need for a high-strength material having excellent resistance to corrosion, making it a key component in various critical applications.

Notable as a vital alloy for aerospace applications, 7050 aluminum alloy stands out as a heat-treatable product. Known for its outstanding stress corrosion cracking resistance, high mechanical strength, and toughness even at temperatures below zero, this alloy is proven to be essential in the aerospace industry. It is specifically tailored for heavy plate applications, including bulkheads, fuselage frames, wing skins, and various structures that comprise aircraft.

Often available in two tempers, T7451 and T7651, 7050 aluminum alloy possesses and electrical conductivity at 40% of copper, reinforcing its adaptability or applications in which conductivity is a key factor. When working with Aluminum 7050, it is important to approach the welding of this metal with appropriate caution, as the welding process may potentially reduce the inherent strength of the alloy.

For an alloy to qualify as 7050 aluminum, it must possess a particular chemical composition as follows: Aluminum at 89%, Zinc at 6.2%, Copper at 2.3%, Magnesium at 2.3%, and Zirconium at 0.12%. These precise proportions ensure that Aluminum 7050 provides the exceptional combination of durability, resistance, and strength required for aerospace industry applications.

Alloy 7050: The Preferred Choice Over 7075 in Aerospace Applications

When it comes to aerospace applications, Alloy 7050 aluminum plates are often the preferred choice, particularly in the 3 to 6 inch thickness range, outdoing the usage of 7075. This preference is attributable to the excellent strength retention offered by 7050 in thicker sections. At Howard Precision Metals, we stock 7050 T7451 aluminum plate (AMS 4050), which provides superior resistance to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and exceptional exfoliation corrosion resistance, although at somewhat lower levels compared to 7050 T7651 (AMS 4342).

Notably, 7050 T7451 exceeds alloy 7075 in terms of stress corrosion cracking resistance, corrosion resistance, and toughness. A lower sensitivity to quenching, a characteristic not common in many aerospace alloys, gives 7050 the ability to maintain its strength properties exceptionally well in thicker sections. This alloy also exhibits reliable machinability throughout the thickness of heavier gauges, making it distinct from other high-strength aluminum metal counterparts. At Howard Precision Metals, we are your premier and trusted source for 7050 T7451 aluminum plate, providing aerospace solutions that focus on machining consistency, resilience, and strength.

Primary Characteristics of 7050 Aluminum

1. High Strength: The notable characteristic of 7050 aluminum alloy is its exceptional strength. In its T7451 temper, this alloy possesses tensile strength values that exceed many other aluminum alloys. The enhanced strength of this alloy is a result of its unique composition, making it the desirable option for applications that require loadbearing capacity and structural integrity.

2. Superior Corrosion Resistance: In addition to its considerable strength, 7050 aluminum also possesses outstanding corrosion resistance. This characteristic makes it ideally suitable for applications that involve challenging environments, including atmospheric conditions to which aerospace components are commonly exposed. The resilience of this alloy against corrosion ensures its reliability and longevity in demanding operational settings.

3. Machinability and Formability: Despite its high strength, 7050 aluminum alloy maintains reliable machinability. This feature is vital for aerospace and automotive industry applications that require precision machining. The formability of this alloy enhances its versatility, enabling its manufacturers to produce intricate components with ease.

Applications Beyond Aerospace: Exploring the Versatility of 7050 Aluminum

1. Defense Industry: Beyond the aerospace industry, 7050 aluminum also finds application in the defense sector. The high strength properties of this alloy make it ideal for the manufacturing of armored structures, military vehicles, and related equipment, where reliability and durability are extremely important.

2. Sports Equipment: The recreation and sports industry also benefit from the special properties of 7050 aluminum. This alloy is used in the manufacture and fabrication of high-performance sporting equipment such as bicycle frames, where the combination of its lightweight and strength characteristics is required to enable optimal performance.

Choosing Howard Precision Metals for Your 7050 Aluminum Needs

At Howard Precision Metals, we are your premier source for premium 7050 aluminum products. We offer an extensive inventory of aluminum alloy products that includes 7050 T7451 aluminum plate, ensuring you have access to the materials you need for your projects. With a dedication to precision and quality, we work hard to serve as your trusted partner in utilizing the full potential of 7050 aluminum.

Strengthen Your Projects with 7050 Aluminum Alloy

If you are ready to benefit from the versatility and strength of 7050 aluminum for your next project, call our team today at 866.602.3788 or request a quote on our website.

What Benefits Does 6061-T651 Aluminum Offer in Architectural and Construction Projects?

In the world of architecture and construction, material selection plays a key role in determining the longevity and overall success of a project. One such versatile material extensively used in the industry is 6061-T651 aluminum. Well-known for its exceptional properties and wide array of applications, this aluminum alloy has become a preferred choice for construction professionals and architects alike. At Howard Precision Metals, Inc., we are your source for 6061-T651 aluminum alloy designed to meet a wide array of commercial and industrial applications.

Understanding 6061-T651 Aluminum: A Closer Look

Before looking into its applications, let’s examine the characteristics that make 6061-T651 aluminum a premier choice. This alloy is a heat-treated variant of 6061 aluminum, known for its excellent corrosion resistance, strength-to-weight ratio, and machinability. The ‘T651’ temper designation indicates that the material has undergone heat treatment and artificial aging, infused with enhanced durability and strength.

6061-T651 in Detail: Properties and Uses

To understand the significance of 6061-T651 aluminum in construction and architectural applications, it’s vital to grasp its properties. 6061-T651 features a high tensile strength, making it ideal for applications that require reliable structural integrity. Its corrosion resistant characteristic helps ensures its longevity, even in adverse conditions, such as those in industrial or coastal areas.

This adaptable alloy is applicable for structural and other engineering projects, marine vessels, staircase construction, furniture manufacturing, and other uses. The widespread adoption of 6061 aluminum alloys can be attributed to its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, superior corrosion resistance, and remarkable toughness.

The popularity of our 6061 aluminum plate products, commonly called 6061-T651, is seen in its use for varied purposes, such as the fabrication of structural components, base plates, ramps, aluminum flooring, and stairs. In addition to its durability, 6061 aluminum offers superb machinability, making it ideal for an array of machining applications, and it is also highly suitable for welding applications.

Architectural Marvels with 6061-T651 Aluminum

Architects turn to 6061-T651 aluminum for its unique combination of malleability and strength, allowing them to design durable and visually stunning structures. From complex interior elements to sleek façades, this aluminum alloy provides exceptional design flexibility. Its lightweight characteristic minimizes the load imposed on another structural elements, adding to ease of construction and cost efficiency.

Strength in Design: A key benefit of 6061-T651 aluminum as it relates to architecture is its ability to contribute toward innovative designs. The strength of this alloy enables architects to utilize more complex shapes and design configurations, pushing the envelope of standard or traditional design boundaries.

Durability Beyond Aesthetics: Architectural designs require materials that are not only visually appealing, but will also hold up under the elements over time. The corrosion resistance of 6061-T651 aluminum ensures that buildings reserve their aesthetic appeal for years, keeping the architect’s vision intact and minimizing maintenance costs.

6061-T651 in Construction

In the construction industry, material reliability is exceptionally important. 6061-T651 aluminum, with its durable properties, is commonly used in various construction applications, providing uncompromising strength for dependable performance.

Structural Components: Construction projects often require materials that are able to support heavy loads without losing their structural integrity. 6061 aluminum plate is used extensively to support structural loading conditions. The high strength of 6061-T651, whether in the form of columns, beams, trusses, or panels, helps ensure the stability of various structures.

Machinability and Fabrication Ease: Timelines in the field of construction are crucial, and the ease with which 6061-T651 aluminum can be machined and fabricated adds to project efficiency. The machinability of this alloy allows for rescission cuts and configurations, reducing the effort and time required in the assembly and construction process.

A Material of Choice

For both construction and architectural applications, 6061-T651 aluminum is often one of the main materials of choice, providing the perfect combination of design flexibility, strength, and durability. Whether the need involves the construction of an industrial facility or the sleek silhouette of a modern skyscraper, this alloy plays a significant part in modern day construction projects.

Your Source for 6061-T651 Aluminum

With the unique demands of construction and architectural projects in mind, we acknowledge that our assorted array of clients requires customized solutions for their 6061 T6 aluminum sheet and related requirements. Our extensive experience that spans decades enables us to deliver aluminum products that are ideally suited for the various complexities of architectural and construction applications.

Our dedication to excellence is proven through the significant investments we have made in our custom-built, high-speed aluminum plate saws and a variety of other specialized tools that are essential for achieving consistent, superior results. With our focus exclusively on aluminum, we have fashioned our business operations to fulfill the distinct needs of customers in the architectural and construction industries.

Emphasizing customization and the thorough maintenance of our cutting-edge saws, we reinforce our dedication to excellence through our extensive qualification processes that only involve premier quality mill sources. As a dedicated 100% aluminum distributor equipped with custom equipment, we have the tools and expertise necessary to meet the needs of the most challenging architectural and construction project applications. Whether faced with a complex design specification or requiring advice for your next 6061 aluminum plate project, we are your trusted source for helping you fulfill your architectural or construction vision.

Get 6061-T651 Aluminum for Your Project

Are you ready to ensure the success of your architectural or construction project with the outstanding qualities afforded by 6061-T651 aluminum? Call us today at 866.602.3788 or request a quote through our website to get the process started.