Do you ever wonder where things come from? If you don’t, you should! From the light post that illuminates your street to the semiconductors that keep your electronics working, there’s a good chance that much of what you come into contact with in your day to day life could be the result of aluminum fabrication.

For years, aluminum has been recognized as a reliable and versatile material when it comes to the aluminum fabrication of everything from simple architectural products to complex parts, components, and machinery. Every day, industries such as the architectural, marine, and hydro-electric industries rely on aluminum fabricated products such as precision formed aluminum sheeting, propeller blades, and more.

The Benefits of Aluminum

Aluminum fabrication takes advantage of aluminum in a number of ways, making the material a go-to resource for a virtually unlimited number of applications. Some of these benefits include include:

• All aluminum fabrications are naturally resistant to corrosion

• Aluminum fabricating is less labor intensive than other metals, allowing for greater cost efficiency

• Aluminum fabrication benefits from easy component joining

• Aluminum fabrications are 100% recyclable

• Aluminum fabrications are highly reflective and can be polished to a bright finish

• Aluminum fabrications are non-magnetic

• Aluminum fabrications are virtually seamless

• Aluminum fabrications have a wide range of finishing options

• Aluminum fabrications increase in strength as temperature decreases

• Aluminum features high electrical and thermal conductivity

• Aluminum is resilient

• Aluminum fabrications benefit from the ability to add strength and hardness by adding other elements to the fabrications

• Aluminum is one third the weight of steel

• Aluminum has a low tooling costs

• With aluminum fabricating, complex shapes and patterns are not a problem

• And much more…

But What is Aluminum Fabrication?

In its simplest terms, fabrication is the construction of something from raw materials. However, that "something" could be a simple metal sign or a precision cut turbine blade. When it comes down to it, aluminum fabrication is not only a precise and scientific process – it’s also an art, used for much more than "products" but for complex architectural components and art installments alike. Aluminum fabrication can involve:

• Fine Plasma Cutting: For aluminum fabrication, fine plasma cutting offers high precision, low lead times, and sharper edges.

• Laser Cutting: Laser cut aluminum fabrications enable the fabrication of complex parts that require ultra precise cutting, while still ensuring fast lead times and cost efficiency.

• CNC Machining: CNC machining is technology used to produce close tolerances and better fabrications with accurate computerized machining.

• Forming: Metal forming includes bending, rolling, and turning, to reliably shape aluminum fabricated components into all shapes and sizes.

• Welding: Whether it means a certified welder joining parts or a modern robotic welding machine working with a high volume of fabrications in a short amount of time – welding for aluminum fabrications combines tried and true welding technology with the latest modern innovations.

• And more…

As you can see, aluminum fabrication can involve quite a bit. But it’s good to know how the many things you interact with every day are made. Look around, wherever you go. What can you see right now that could be the result of aluminum fabrication? The railings outside? The metal installations at your local museum? The building you’re working in?