Aluminium fabrication is forming the material into specific sizes or shapes by giving it different physical properties using various chemical or physical processes. It is mainly used in the aerospace, healthcare, automotive, telecommunications, and power distribution industries.
The techniques are drastically different, and so are the physical properties of the resulting pieces. Therefore, it is vital to understand the processes and their characteristics to help determine which is the best depending on the aluminum pieces and properties you want to achieve.
Extrusion
This process involves forcing an aluminum piece around or through an open or closed die. That makes the metal attain the die’s shape and size, and you can do it with heated or cold metal.
Forming
This involves stamping, bending, or rolling aluminum into desired shapes using a stamping and bending machine.
Welding
Welding involves melting and joining aluminum pieces to desired shapes and sizes using a welding torch. You can apply stick welding using electrodes, metal inert gas using a spool gun, or tungsten inert gas using non-combustible tungsten electrodes.
Cutting
Cutting aluminum uses cutting tools attached to computer numerical control or lathe machines. You can apply water jet shearing, plasma cutting, or laser cutting.
Casting
This process involves changing the metal’s physical state. You melt it and feed it into a mold of your desired shape and size, after which the melted metal solidifies and acquires the mold’s shape and size. You can use permanent, clay, or sand molds.
Forging
This fabrication technique is mainly used when the resulting aluminum pieces must be strong and durable. It involves heating the target piece and then pounding, squeezing, or pressing it until it acquires the desired shape. You can forge aluminum using a closed or open die.
Rolling
This is used when making aluminum sheets, plates, or foils. You pass your aluminum pieces through different rolling sets until you achieve the desired thickness.
SAMS Fabrications is a forward-thinking and progressive metal fabrication company with 25 years of experience serving different industries. Learn about their aluminum fabrication methods and request their services via http://www.samsfabrications.co.uk/.
