When it comes to designing parts, products, and components for commercial, industrial, and consumer manufacturing, the type of material that is chosen matters. There are significant differences in the performance of aluminum alloys versus other commonly used metals, such as steel, iron, and copper. Depending on the industry served and the intended use of the finished product, one material will likely stand out above the rest. The aluminum extrusion industry has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, as more and more manufacturers understand the real benefits of aluminum products. Silver City Aluminum is a one stop shop fabrication, extrusion, and finishing facility located in Southeastern Massachusetts. We extrude aluminum alloys for clients who serve a wide range of industries, including transportation, electronics, consumer goods, construction, marine, and LED light manufacturing.
Attributes of Aluminum Alloys
One of the most cost-effective metals used in manufacturing today, aluminum is also considered to be very sustainable and eco-friendly because it can be recycled over and over again without losing any of its inherent qualities. Extremely durable, non-toxic, and non-magnetic, aluminum has an extremely high strength-to-weight ratio. Aluminum is approximately one-third the weight of steel while offering the same strength and durability. During the extrusion process, the material is heated to a specific temperature to make it more malleable and easier to extrude. Our team of highly trained and experienced engineers and technicians extrude aluminum alloys into standard “stock” shapes as well as custom designs according to the specifications and requirements of each customer.
Other attributes of aluminum that can be beneficial to manufacturing include being a good heat and electrical conductor, as well as a natural resistance to corrosion. Once aluminum is exposed to the air, a natural oxide layer forms that protects the metal underneath from rust, corrosion, and other types of damage. If it becomes scratched or comes in contact with an abrasive, the protective layer will heal itself to continue providing a shield to the metal. Additional protection can be added through the use of custom finishing solutions, including painting, anodizing, and powder-coating. Finishing does not just protect, but it can also improve aesthetic appeal and function by adding color, texture, and other unique benefits. Aluminum is reflective, increases strength at low temperatures, non-sparking, and offers excellent sound and shock absorption.
Benefits of Aluminum Extrusion
In addition to the use of aluminum as the primary material in manufacturing, the method of extrusion itself adds extra value to the finished product. Extrusion is used widely in the formation of parts, components, and products across many different industries, and it offers unlimited possibilities for design. Custom designs can be used to help streamline production, improving lead times significantly, and offering other advantages. Preventing corrosion through design can be achieved by engineers and designers who work primarily with this medium and have experience working to extrude aluminum alloys to achieve desired results.
Certain industries, including the marine industry and construction equipment in extreme temperatures and conditions, require additional protection from the environment where the finished product will be used. Some of the benefits of aluminum products include resistance to corrosion, including salt air and water, as well as increased strength in low temperatures. Steel, another commonly used metal, can become brittle in cold weather conditions and may not be the best choice in far northern or mountainous regions. Commercial and residential construction relies on the aluminum extrusion industry for structural aluminum profiles. The natural anti-corrosive nature of the material, combined with the high strength-to-weight ratio, makes it perfect for many different construction and design applications.
One Stop Shop Fabrication and Extrusion
Silver City Aluminum provides our clients with a wide range of services all under one roof at our Southeastern Massachusetts facility. By keeping all of the work in-house, including design and engineering, extrusion, fabrication, secondary operations, finishing, and shipping, we are able to reduce our lead times significantly and ensure quality control throughout every phase of production. The aluminum extrusion industry is used by many different industries to create quality, dependable, and long-lasting products for commercial, industrial, and consumer-based goods. If you would like to learn more about our one stop shop fabrication and extrusion facility or any of the professional services we provide, contact our team directly at 508-824-8631. We can answer any questions you might have about how we extrude aluminum alloys for our clients or help you develop a custom design that will meet or exceed expectations.