Aluminum is one of the most durable, maintenance-free materials available for structural building projects. Compared to steel and iron, it provides significant advantages that are only available through the use of aluminum extrusion solutions. A variety of custom design elements, specialty options, and secondary operations can further increase extrusion benefits. Studies show that in traditional construction where steel is frequently used, aluminum is often the better alternative. Some of the biggest advantages to custom extrusion design include simplified installation, maintenance, and operation, as well as reduced manufacturing and disposition costs. The high strength-to-weight ratio of quality aluminum products coupled with advancements made to custom aluminum coating solutions can create strong, durable, and long-lasting parts and components that are perfect for building various structures.
Faster Construction
Even when creating custom extrusion design and specialized features, such as telescoping profiles or heli-coiling in New England, it is much faster the manufacture extruded profiles than it is to make metal parts, products, and components using any other method. At Silver City Aluminum, we use the hot extrusion method for our aluminum extrusion solutions. We pre-heat the materials to a specific temperature, loading them into a long oven before reaching the extrusion press. A proprietary temperature is used to ensure malleability and quality results. The metal is then pushed through the die or profile at 10,000,000 pounds of pressure to achieve the desired shape. We have a 160-foot cooling table that we use to stretch the extruded metal into the perfect dimensions while still warm through the use of opposing stretchers. We then cut the metal according to the client’s desired length before heat-treating it to further harden the aluminum to its maximum capacity.
Our use of top of the line equipment and components, which are fully integrated and automated, helps us to carefully monitor and communicate with our machines via the internet through PLC control technology. We can monitor the rate of speed, extrusion recipe, and other essential variables to ensure consistent and dependable quality control. We are enormously proud of our lead times, which are significantly better than the industry standard. Most facilities that offer standard and custom extrusion design along with custom aluminum coating solutions will take between 30-45 days from the date the order is placed until it is delivered to the client. At Silver City Aluminum, we can do it in a fraction of the time, with our standard lead time running between three to four weeks maximum. We even have the ability to do special orders for our clients in emergency situations, providing completed orders and delivery within three to seven days.
Simplified Installation
When it comes to creating structures, including buildings and bridges, custom extrusion design allows engineers to create parts and components that fit together perfectly for faster installation and minimal maintenance. Aluminum extrusion solutions can be just as strong as steel but at about one-third of the weight. This makes aluminum structural products highly attractive to many different types of construction. Not only is a bridge made from aluminum extrusion easier to assemble, but the lighter weight also means that fewer workers are required to get the job done. The cost of transporting aluminum parts is also considerably more cost-effective than other similar parts made from other metals. Better fuel economy, easier loading, unloading, and less concerns about weight restrictions on highways and local roads make aluminum structures an excellent choice for many different locations.
While aluminum has a natural resistance to corrosion and abrasion, which is frequently an issue with metals used in structural project development, it can also be further enhanced with custom aluminum coating solutions. Our clients can choose from an unlimited array of colors and textures at Silver City Aluminum, including clear, black, and white, to protect their aluminum extrusion solutions over time. Salty sea air, moisture, severe weather conditions, exposure to chemicals, and other considerations can all be discussed with our engineering team during the developmental phase. We can suggest custom extrusion design tips that can help to increase corrosion protection and offer input on assembly options that can improve strength, durability, and longevity. Telescoping profiles, custom connectors, and heli-coiling in New England are just some of the ways that you can increase the value of your custom design profiles.
Contact Silver City Aluminum to get more information about our opportunities for designing custom aluminum extrusion solutions for your industry needs. You can reach our team by calling 508-824-8631 or by using the contact form on our website. Located in Taunton, Massachusetts, Silver City Aluminum has earned a solid reputation for providing quality results and top-notch customer service to clients throughout the New England region, across the country, and around the world.