Metal is a material used often in manufacturing and product fabrication. Aluminum is one of the most popular metals for fabricators to work with. If you are thinking of investing in aluminum fabrication, you must ensure that you work with an experienced technician.

Working with aluminum can be tricky, and only an experienced fabricator will have the knowledge, experience, and tools required to successfully fill your aluminum fabrication order.

Aluminum Is Lightweight 

Aluminum is one of the lightest metals available for fabrication. The lightweight nature of aluminum makes it the perfect choice for many industrial and manufacturing applications, but it can also pose unique challenges when it comes to fabrication. Because aluminum is so lightweight, caution must be used when engaging in basic fabrication processes.

A technician will need to use a gentle touch to ensure that the aluminum doesn't get overworked and become vulnerable to breakage. This is especially true when aluminum is undergoing any type of bending and shaping during fabrication.

Aluminum Has a Low Melting Point

Welding is one of the most basic fabrication techniques used by modern technicians. Aluminum can be difficult to weld because it has a lower melting point than most metals. This means that in order to heat aluminum to the point where welding can occur, specialized torches must be used. Without the right equipment, it is impossible to create durable, reliable, and smooth welds when working with aluminum.

Welding aluminum can also be difficult due to its high thermal conductivity. Any heat that is applied to aluminum is readily dispersed throughout the component, which makes it hard to create the right temperature at the weld site.

Aluminum Has a Protective Layer

Many people like aluminum because it is capable of withstanding exposure to the elements without developing any significant rust. This is thanks to the protective layer that coats the surface of the aluminum.

The protective layer, known as aluminum oxide, has a much higher melting point than the base aluminum. This difference in melting points can wreak havoc on the quality of any aluminum weld. An experienced technician will know how to strip off the aluminum oxide layer in order to prepare the base aluminum for fabrication.

The quality of your aluminum components will depend on the experience and expertise of your aluminum fabricator. Partner with a fabrication company that specializes in aluminum to ensure you get the results you are looking for.

Contact a welding service, such as Barndt's Welding, to learn more. 

Share