Companies that manufacture parts and products that will be used by the marine industry need to take special care in the materials that they choose. Corrosion resistance, strength and durability are real issues that can be solved through the use of custom aluminum extrusions. Whether you use standard rod and bar aluminum or you design your own unique products and parts, the advantages of using aluminum for the New England marine industry or in marine applications anywhere around the globe are many.
Protection from the Sea
Additional protection from corrosion can also be used to combat common issues that come from being in a high moisture or humid environment, as well as to combat contact with salt spray, fuel, petroleum products, as well as other chemicals and lubricants. One popular choice for the New England marine industry is the use of anodized coatings, as they will not chip or peel and provide resistance to UV rays to prevent colors from fading in direct sunlight.
Anodized aluminum is used for marine products that include:
- railings made from rod and bar aluminum
- sail pulleys and winches
- decorative trim
- frames for portholes
- stairway trim
- hatch trim
Some of the most popular anodized finishings include hard coating, clear coating, custom color anodizing, multi-color anodizing and other custom solutions. One of the advantages of using aluminum is that it has a natural oxide layer that helps to prevent oxidation and corrosion. However, custom aluminum extrusions that include anodizing can help to further resist corrosion and prevent rust or oxidation, increasing strength and durability.
What is Better: Anodized Aluminum or Stainless Steel?
When you look at most of the vessels and products used in the New England marine industry, you will notice that most are made from either stainless steel or anodized aluminum. In some cases, anodized aluminum can replace stainless steel, depending on the needs of the finished product. There are many clear advantages of using aluminum instead of stainless steel, which is why custom aluminum extrusions and standard extrusions that make rod and bar aluminum, are so popular in the marine industries.
Some of the benefits to choosing aluminum can include:
- lighter in weight than stainless steel
- more cost-effective and cheaper to ship
- faster production, reduced lead times
- tight tolerances can be anodized without changing the dimensions
- more durable and longer lasting
- requires less energy to produce, more earth-friendly
- reduces fuel consumption in marine vessels due to low weight
Compared to any other material or method of manufacturing, custom aluminum extrusions are the most cost-effective and flexible by far. Whether you require standard rod and bar aluminum or if you want to create something more unique and original, it is possible to do more and go further with aluminum in the New England marine industry than with any other metal.
Custom Solutions at Silver City Aluminum
Some of the products that we design include boat rail and even custom boat rails for power boats and sail boats. We also create standard and custom aluminum extrusions for structural materials, aluminum decking and docks. We can create just about anything that you might need for the marine industry through our custom product design capabilities. Whether you need standard rod and bar aluminum or intricate designs, we have the equipment and the know-how to help you achieve your goals.
If you are looking for unique or custom solutions for your marine industry products, parts and projects, contact the team of engineers and technicians at Silver City Aluminum. Located in Taunton, Massachusetts, we provide top quality custom aluminum solutions and standard aluminum extrusions to clients all around the globe. There are many advantages of using aluminum, especially in marine industry applications.
If you would like to hear more about any of our services, from the creation of rod and bar aluminum with custom coat finishing to our custom extrusion dies and secondary operations, give us a call at 508-824-8631. Our team can help you with everything from the initial design all the way through finishing and shipping to create truly custom New England marine industry solutions that will suit your needs and your budget.