PROPERTIES OF ALUMINUM FABRICATION

Properties of aluminum fabrication described are light weight, strength, resilience, reflective, easily machined, highly conductive, anti-corrosive, non-magnetic, non-toxic, non-sparking, and non-combustible. In addition, it’s characteristically cheaper than stainless steel. Plain and simple, aluminum outperforms other materials because of its strength to weight ratio. Therefore, this reduces shipping and handling costs.

FINISHES ON ALUMINUM

Unfortunately, aluminum may corrode if left unfinished. Oxidization occurs from the environment, giving it that powdery grayish-white coating. Hence, to keep your aluminum product looking fresh, a finish should be applied. Aluminum finishes and coatings include mechanical finishes, chemical finishes, anodic coatings, and organic coatings.

SCOPE OF WORK

Our work in aluminum applications include railings, perforated metal panels, screens, fences, camper frames, tanks, industrial frames, railway equipment, suspended access platforms, miscellaneous metals, and other OEM parts.

ALUMINUM FABRICATION SERVICES

Aluminum fabrication services at Astro includes AWS D1.2, punching or perforating, embossing, bending or forming, laser cutting, forming, saw cutting, shearing, and prototyping. Although aluminum is not naturally as strong as stainless steel, it’s about one third of the weight. Importantly, welding takes a special skill because of the properties with aluminum. However, according our machinists, aluminum machines easily because of the soft material. Our crew says it cuts like butter!

GRADES OF ALUMINUM FABRICATION

Here at Astro, we primarily work with these grades: 3003, 5052, and 6061.

Grade 3003

Grade 3003 is a popular gradefor economic choice because it is low cost, it’s strong, resists corrosion, and has excellent weldability. Further, this grade can be welded, deep drawn, spun, or brazed and is great for general sheet metal work. Grade 3003 has a smooth, semi-shiny finish and is popular for many applications.

3003 Aluminum Applications

• Fuel Tanks
• Commercial Food & Chemical Handling Equipment
• Trailer Siding
• Roofing & Siding
• Pressure Vessels
• Awning Slats
• Garage Doors
• Refrigerator Panels
• Heat Exchangers
• Gasoline Tanks
• Storage Tanks
• Mail Boxes
• Cabinets
• Tanks
• Ductwork
• Accoustical Ceiling Panels

Grade 5052

This grade is one of the most durable aluminums and is particularly good at resisting degradation and corrosion. Plus, alloy 5052 is rather cost effective. This high fatigue strength alloy is much stronger than 3003 and can be easily formed into complex shapes. However, the corners may crack if bent past a 90˚ degree angle. Alloy 5052 has a good resistance to marine atmosphere and saltwater corrosion. Therefore, this makes it a good choice for chemical, oceanic applications and high-strength sheet metal work.

5052  Aluminum Applications

• Architecture & Miscellaneous Metals
• Food Processing Equipment
• Electronic Framework
• Tanks
• Pressure Vessels
• Marine Parts and Hardware
• Boat Hulls
• Aircraft
• RV’s and Truck Trailers
• Medical Equipment
• Heat Exchangers
• Fuel Lines
• Flooring Panels
• Street Lights
• Appliances
• Rivets

Grade 6061

This aluminum grade is the most frequently used structural alloy. It stands up to stress, is heat treatable, easy to weld and machine, but limited on formability. Unfortunately, 6061 isn’t as malleable as others and can crack during forming. Grade 6061 is able to be welded by all methods and can be furnace brazed. Grade 6061 alloy is stronger but more costly than 5052 alloy.

6061 Aluminum Applications:

• Structural Framing
• Base plates
• Aircraft structures
• Motorcycles
• Boats
• Bicycles
• Automotive parts
• Scuba Tanks
• Firearms
• Docks and Gangways
• Sodapop Cans
• Food Bins

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ALUMINUM FABRICATION

• Aluminum was initially considered more precious than silver and gold.
• The Washington Monument was ornamented with aluminum in 1884.
• The Empire State Building was the first building where the interior and exterior was constructed using aluminum.
• Coors Brewing Co. ditched the tin can and was the first company to sell beer in aluminum. Coors also introduced the phenomenon of recycling aluminum cans.
• It’s 100 percent recyclable without loss of its properties.
• The most abundant metal in the earth’s crust (about 8.23%) is aluminum, even before Iron (at 5.23%).
• Due to its passivation layer, it has a high oxidation and corrosion resistance.

About Us

Astro Metal Craft is a metal manufacturer specializing in aluminum and stainless steel fabrication. Every day we fabricate aluminum for customers in different industries around the country because we’re experts. Thus, we have esteemed knowledge in providing complex and precise aluminum fabrication for architectural projects and industrial equipment, too.