Consideration Factors When Choosing Ideal Aluminium Alloy

25 May 2016
 Categories: Construction & Contractors, Blog

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Aluminium metal is fast making its way into several tooling and production industries due to the lower costs associated with its production and use. As an industry intending to use aluminium molds for various production purposes, careful consideration has to be made when selecting the aluminium alloy that will best suit your product. Not all aluminium alloys are produced the same. The differences in production techniques result in alloys with different properties and capabilities. Before getting aluminium supply from your trusted suppliers, bear the following in mind so as to choose the most ideal alloy.

Heat treatment factor

The first question to ask yourself is whether your aluminium will require heat treatment during the production process. Some alloys are very responsive to heat treatment while others do not respond to such treatments at all. Confirm with your aluminium supply partner on the best alloys for heat treatment before settling on an alloy for use.

Strength factor

Strength is also another important factor to consider when choosing aluminium alloys. Do you intend to use the aluminium for high strength or pressure applications? Does your product simply require aluminium of medium strength? Under strength, the intended product and its ultimate use are the guiding factors. Think of all the possible applications of the product and see whether the alloy you choose will be strong enough to support that function.

Machining factor

Is it of great importance that the aluminium be easily machinable? Some aluminium alloys offer very good machinability while others are simply fair. The ones of simply fair machinability may pose difficulties during production processes and greatly hamper the overall result of your production.

Weldability factor

When using aluminium, you should also consider the weldability of the metal alloy you choose. This is especially important for industries that intend to get aluminium supply for assembly purposes that will require several welds. Once again, some alloys offer very excellent welding conditions while others do not. If you intend to use the aluminium alloy for a whole product that will not require welds, those of poor weldability would be your go-to choice. On the other hand, if your intended use will require several welds, you should carefully choose those alloys with good weldability.

Industry factor

Finally, different aluminium alloys have been found to be suitable for various conditions, hence, different industrial applications. There are alloys that are very good for general fabrications, but poor for aerospace applications. Similarly, there are those that work best in the construction industry but would not cut it in the general machining industry. With these factors in consideration, ask your aluminium supply partner for a full scope of the alloys' characteristics before choosing your ideal aluminium alloy.