Metal fabrication refers to the process of manipulating metals by shaping, welding, and cutting the material, and any number of metals may be involved. One type of metal found in metal fabrication projects is aluminum.

While all types of metal bring their own list of advantages to fabrication, aluminum offers unique qualities that are especially valuable for certain applications. If you intend to work with a metal fabricator to have a piece created for any purpose, get to know aluminum on a closer level. Here is a look at some of the advantages of aluminum in metal fabrication.

Aluminum Is Easy to Cut

Aluminum has a noteworthy density in comparison to steel; the density of aluminum is roughly 1/3 the density of steel. While aluminum is not the lightest weight metal, the metal is exceptionally light and quite soft. These two qualities make aluminum easy to cut with a number of different metal-cutting techniques, such as:

• Shearing or sawing
• Chiseling by hand or with a machine
• Torching
• Plasma jetting
• Water jetting

The number of cutting techniques possible with aluminum allows the metal to be precision-shaped and - formed. From the smallest plates to the largest beams, precision cutting ensures that a finished metal product can have absolute dimensions.

Aluminum Is Lightweight but Strong

Working with aluminum in metal fabrication requires certain unique skill sets. The metal is lightweight and flexible, which means that in some respects it must be carefully handled. Nevertheless, aluminum is also more forgiving than something like carbon steel, which would break before it would flex or bend. The flexibility of aluminum means the material has a unique strength that stands up well for a wide range of uses.

Aluminum Is Suitable for a Range of Finishing Options

Not all metals take well to all finishes. Many types of metals are suitable for only a handful of finishing options, which can severely limit your choices when you are having a piece fabricated. Alternately, aluminum's unique composition makes it highly receptive to a long list of finishing options. Aluminum fabricated pieces can be finished with:

• Anodized finishes to create an added oxide layer
• Performance coatings like powder coating
• Mechanical finishes, such as sanding or grinding
• Bright dipped finishes using nitric acids and phosphorous for a mirrored look
• Sublimation finishes using a patterned film

With so many finishing possibilities, aluminum can easily gain new qualities to complement the use or purpose of the piece. The qualities are valuable even if they are purely cosmetic or for decorative purposes.

Aluminum Is Fully Recyclable

Almost any metal fabrication project will involve a bit of waste as the material is cut, formed, and otherwise manipulated. While most metals are recyclable, aluminum is unique in that it is 100 percent recyclable; the metal is actually one of the most recyclable materials on the planet. And, aluminum does not lose its natural structure no matter how many times it is recycled and reused.

In metal fabrication, one main priority is to keep waste low. Therefore, you might find that you prefer to work with aluminum because the remaining pieces can easily be either recycled or used in other projects. The material is so versatile that it can be repurposed repeatedly for use within the fabrication shop.

Metal fabrication poses many possibilities for construction, manufacturing, and other necessary industries. The ready availability of various metals like aluminum can afford you incredible project diversity. At Schorr Metals Inc., we serve the needs of your project, whether you need metal products or have metal products that need adjustment. Reach out to us today to discuss your metal fabrication needs.