Aluminium Fabrication Process: The Most Important Things You Need to Know

28 April 2021

A lot of metal materials are being utilised by manufacturers when it comes to producing different parts and products. But one specific material that is often used today is aluminium.

Aluminium is considered to be the most widespread metal on Earth since it takes up more than 8% of the core mass of the planet. What is great about aluminium is that it can be shaped easily due to its accompanying softness and lightness, which then allows it to be fabricated quickly. It can likewise work well with other metals, generating a set of alloys that can be very useful in specific applications.

With the said properties, aluminium can be fabricated pretty easily. Therefore, the industry of aluminium fabrication continues to grow just to cater for the needs of various industries and businesses.

General Overview of Aluminium Fabrication

The fabrication of aluminium entails cutting, bending, and shaping aluminium into finished parts and products. Through various fabrication techniques, aluminium parts and products can attain characteristics that other metal materials do not have.

Aluminium fabrication processes can be done by human labour and automation. Additionally, they are often done through utilising specific tools and machines. And speaking of machines, aluminium fabrication can work alongside the machining processes, making sure that certain parts are removed so that the intended shapes and form factors can be achieved.

Common Advantages and Disadvantages

Aluminium features numerous advantages that make it more suitable for fabrication processes compared to others. For one, this specific material is lightweight, which makes it easier to process without any difficulties. It likewise has a high strength-to-weight ratio and can resist corrosion, fire, and other damaging elements. The comparative softness of aluminium also makes it easier to work and fabricate. One more advantage of using aluminium is that it can be customised quickly, allowing the material to be fabricated in a wide array of shapes, styles, and finishes.

While its advantages can truly make aluminium perfect for fabrication, it still has some drawbacks that must be considered during the said process. The softness of the aluminium makes it easier to fabricate. However, it can also make the material less sturdy and break quickly. And given the thermal conductivity of aluminium, it might be likewise difficult to weld as it can melt during the fabrication process.

Primary Aluminium Fabrication Techniques

There are a lot of techniques that can be used in fabricating aluminium. One of these techniques is extrusion. This particular technique forces a piece of aluminium into or around a die, pushing it to conform to the shape and size of the die. Another fabrication technique that can be used for aluminium is forming. This specific technique employs bending, stamping, and rolling processes to shape it according to the desired form of the end product. Other primary aluminium fabrication techniques that can be utilised by fabricators are adhesive bonding, drawing, forging, waterjet cutting, and welding.

For more information about aluminium fabrication, you can reach us at Canfred Engineering. We are a Melbourne-based family company specialising in all aspects of aluminium fabrication for more than 40 years, making us the right company to ask for questions that are related to the said process.

 

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