Aluminium is one of the most popular materials used in sheet metal fabrication. It is loved for its flexibility, which allows it to be shaped into various objects and its durability. Aluminium is also a very light material, making it easy to transport and work with.
What is aluminium?
Aluminium is a silvery-white, soft, non-magnetic metal. It is the most abundant metal in the earth’s crust, and is used in many industries. Aluminium sheet metal is used in a variety of applications, from food packaging to aerospace engineering.
Aluminium sheet metal is popular because it is lightweight and easy to work with. It can be cut, bent and formed into a variety of shapes. It is also resistant to corrosion and can be finished in a variety of ways.
There are a few things to consider when choosing aluminium sheet metal for your project. The first is the thickness of the metal. Aluminium sheet metal is available in a range of thicknesses, from thin foil to thick plate. The thickness you choose will depend on the intended use of the metal.
Cutting, bending and welding aluminium
If you’re planning to use aluminium sheet metal fabrication, you need to know how to they arecut, bend and weld by the fabricators. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started.
Cutting aluminium is best done with a power saw, such as a jigsaw or circular saw. Blades that’s designed for cutting metal is used specifically for cutting
Bending the aluminium is best done with a sheet metal bender by an experienced professional at their factory
Welding aluminium is best done with an MIG welder. This type of welder uses a wire that’s made from aluminium, which makes it easy to weld without damaging the metal.
The benefits of aluminium sheet metal fabrication
There are many benefits to aluminium sheet metal fabrication, which is why it is such a popular choice for a wide range of applications. Some of the main advantages include:
1. Aluminium is extremely strong yet lightweight, making it ideal for fabricating parts that need to be durable yet easy to transport.
2. Aluminium is highly resistant to corrosion, meaning that fabricated parts will have a long lifespan even in harsh environments.
3. Aluminium can be easily recycled, so any waste from the fabrication process can be reused instead of ending up in landfill sites.
4. Fabricating parts from aluminium sheet metal is relatively quick and easy, so it is a cost-effective option for small-scale production runs.
5. The smooth surface of aluminium sheet metal makes it ideal for creating parts with a high-quality finish, such as panels and enclosures.
The different types of aluminium sheet metal
Aluminium sheet metal can be broadly classified into two types: cast aluminium sheet and wrought aluminium sheet.
Cast aluminium sheet is produced by pouring molten aluminium into a mould, where it cools and solidifies. This type of sheet metal is often used for making complex shapes, as it can be easily moulded into any desired shape.
There are a few different types of aluminium sheet metal that are commonly used in fabrication. The most common are 5052, 3003 and 6061.
5052 is the most common type of aluminium sheet metal. It is highly corrosion resistant and very strong. It is often used in marine applications because of its resistance to salt water.
3003 is another common type of aluminium sheet metal. It is not as strong as 5052 but it is much more malleable. This makes it easier to work with and ideal for projects that require intricate shapes.
6061 is the strongest type of aluminium sheet metal. It is often used in aerospace and military applications because of its strength and durability.
Wrought aluminium sheet, on the other hand, is made by rolling aluminium ingots until they attain the desired thickness. This type of sheet metal is stronger and more durable than cast aluminium sheet, making it ideal for applications that require high levels of strength and durability.
Finding the right fabricator helps you in finalizing the project easily, Interglass Co LLC is a Aluminium fabrication company with decades of experiece in the domain Contact their sales team for further assistance
