The Fundamentals of the Aluminium Fabrication Process
Metal is a valuable resource used by many sectors, such as construction and manufacturing. Before it can be distributed, however, it must first be fabricated. One perfect example of this is aluminium.
Aluminium is the most prevalent metal resource globally, and its metallic properties lend it to being pliable, easy to work with, and most importantly, lightweight. Some of the most popular aluminium products include beverage cans, foil, and automotive parts. These are made possible because the metal is easily moulded into various forms. However, not many people realise the value of fabrication that goes with it, so we’ll discuss it in this article. Read on below to get started.
How Aluminium Fabrication Works
When aluminium is being produced, it first needs to be broken up from its crystalline structure. This is achieved through rolling, which is done to create sheets of metal that can be used for manufacturing. There, it’s also cut, bent, and processed to meet the needs of each manufacturing process it will be used for.
In smaller factories, the aluminium is then moved to a larger flow line, where it’s then further processed before moving to the end of the line. However, in large factories, the aluminium is further processed immediately after being produced.
The Different Aluminium Fabrication Techniques
There are different methods for aluminium fabrication, but two are the most prevalent: extrusion and forming.
Extrusion is where the aluminium gets its shape by being pushed through a die and cut into the desired length. This is one of the most popular methods of fabricating aluminium because it allows for many different shapes to be created. This process is commonly used to manufacture chairs, handrails, and other aluminium products because of its high versatility.
On the other hand, forming is where the aluminium gets its shape by being clamped, welded, and cut. It produces a smooth, more structured shape that you typically see on aeroplanes and automobiles. The process is less popular than extrusion, but it’s still used to create things because of its ability to make complex shapes.
There are also different designs for both of these processes. For example, there’s the continuous extrusion process in extrusion, where an aluminium product is made by feeding aluminium into an extruder. This method allows many different aluminium products to be created from a single run.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Aluminium Fabrication
Like any other manufacturing process, there are advantages and disadvantages to this. The benefits are pretty obvious, as aluminium fabrication is a great way to create many different types of aluminium products. The technique is also cheaper than other manufacturing methods. That said, there are also disadvantages to this. The main one is that it’s a very time-consuming process. It takes a lot of time to load and unload the aluminium and prepare it for each step. This is why it’s used for small but not large batches.
In many ways, aluminium fabrication is similar to the process of textiles production. Although both are widely used, they can be hard to manufacture when working on a large scale. If you’re looking for a metal fabrication company to help you with this, metal fabrication companies in Melbourne can help you out. Just contact them for more information and get your metal fabricated to your specification—at a fair price.
The Cost of Aluminium Fabrication
The cost of aluminium fabrication is all about the cost of raw materials, the volume of the batch, and the design’s complexity. Typically, it’s cheaper to manufacture smaller aluminium batches than large sets. The volume of aluminium that you’re working with will also affect the cost. The more aluminium you’re using, the more expensive it’ll be.
The complexity of the design is also another factor. If you’re looking for something more complex, it’ll be more expensive than something more simplistic. It’s best to consult with an expert to ensure that you’re getting quality materials to get your money’s worth.
Conclusion
Aluminium fabrication is an excellent resource for creating different aluminium products in various shapes and sizes. The process is very time-consuming, but the materials you’ll need can be cheap. Just be sure to shop around to ensure that you’ll get quality products.
CSM Fabrication Welding provides quality services for aluminium fabrication in Perth. We use high-end and cutting-edge equipment to ensure that your materials will come out excellent, all for affordable prices. Reach out today to learn more!