Precision Aluminum Sheet Metal Fabrication
Aluminum fabrication is a widely used process in various industries due to aluminum's unique properties and its numerous benefits. Along with steel and stainless steel, aluminum is one of the most popular metals we use at Aldine Metal Products. Although not as strong as either steel or stainless steel, aluminum is very malleable. Its high elasticity makes it ideal for various applications such as electronic enclosures, medical devices, and more. It is corrosion and chemical-resistant and reflects heat and light, making it one of our most popular materials for custom metal enclosures.
We commonly fabricate aluminum products from:
- 5052 H32
- 6061-T6 & T4
- 2024-T3
- 3003
Aluminum Fabrication Applications & Versatility
Our Complete Aluminum Fabrication Services
Our extensive capabilities at Aldine make aluminum sheet metal fabrication one of our specialties. From our precision laser cutting to our CNC turret punching to our MIG, TIG, and spot welding, we can do it all at Aldine. Our customers know that when they partner with Aldine, they are getting a full-service aluminum sheet metal fabrication shop that will always provide them with the solution they need.
Benefits of Aluminum Fabrication
- Lightweight: Aluminum is one of the lightest metals, making it ideal for applications where weight reduction is crucial, such as aircraft construction, automotive parts, and medical equipment.
- High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Despite being lightweight, aluminum offers excellent strength and can withstand significant loads. This makes it suitable for structural components requiring strength and weight efficiency.
- Corrosion Resistant: Aluminum naturally develops a thin oxide layer, protecting it from corrosion. This reduces the need for additional coatings and helps products withstand harsh environments.
- Excellent Formability: Aluminum is highly malleable and ductile, allowing it to be easily shaped into complex geometries. This allows for the creation of intricate designs and components without sacrificing performance.
- Good Machinability: Aluminum is relatively easy to machine using various techniques like cutting, drilling, and milling. This makes it a cost-effective material for mass production of parts.
- Recyclable: Aluminum is one of the most recyclable metals, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Recycled aluminum requires significantly less energy to produce than virgin aluminum, contributing to sustainability efforts.
- Non-Magnetic: Aluminum is not attracted to magnets, making it valuable for applications where magnetic interference is undesirable, such as electronics and medical instruments.
Aluminum Fabrication Processes
- Sheet Metal Fabrication: This process involves shaping flat aluminum sheets into various forms using techniques like shearing, bending, stamping, and rolling. It's commonly used to create panels, enclosures, and brackets.
- Extrusion: Aluminum is heated and forced through a die to create continuous profiles with specific cross-sectional shapes. This process is ideal for producing long, slender components like beams, tubes, and channels.
- Forging: Aluminum is heated and compressed to form specific shapes using forging hammers or presses. This process results in high-strength components with excellent grain structure.
- Casting: Molten aluminum is poured into a mold to create complex shapes that might be difficult to achieve with other methods. This process is suitable for producing intricate parts with high dimensional accuracy.
- Welding: Different welding techniques like MIG, TIG, and laser welding can be used to join aluminum pieces together. This process requires careful control and expertise to achieve strong and durable welds.
- Machining: Aluminum can be machined using various tools and techniques like CNC machining, turning, and milling. This allows for the creation of precise and intricate components with tight tolerances.
Additional Benefits of Aluminum Fabrication Products
- Electrical Conductivity: Aluminum is a good conductor of electricity, making it valuable for electrical components and wiring.
- Thermal Conductivity: Aluminum conducts heat efficiently, making it suitable for applications like heat sinks and radiators.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Aluminum can be polished or anodized to achieve a variety of finishes, adding aesthetic value to products.
Overall, aluminum fabrication offers numerous benefits and diverse processing options, making it a versatile and valuable solution for various industries and applications.