Aluminium

Aluminium is a soft, durable, lightweight, ductile and malleable metal, with an appearance ranging from silvery to dull grey depending on the surface finish. It's nonmagnetic and nonsparking, with about a third of the density and stiffness of steel - and it's easily machined, cast, drawn and extruded.

The strength and durability of aluminium alloys vary widely, both as a result of the specific alloy and of the heat treatments and manufacturing processes used. Aluminium is also notably sensitive to heat - unlike steel, it melts without first glowing red, which makes workshop procedures involving heating more delicate.

Aluminium alloys, like all structural alloys, are also subject to internal stresses following heating operations such as welding and casting - a particular challenge given aluminium's low melting point, which makes it more susceptible to distortion from thermally induced stress. Controlled stress relief can be achieved during manufacturing by annealing: heat-treatment followed by gradual cooling.

Aluminium looks stunning in its natural form, with a distinctive gentle grain that can be enhanced by anodising into a wide variety of colours with a metallic cast. Powder coating is also a popular, economic option, combining aluminium's natural corrosion resistance with the durability of a powder coat finish - colour options run from standard RAL shades to metallic, textured and even glittered powders.

At our Newhaven workshop we fabricate aluminium for both architectural and bespoke pieces — anodised, powder coated or left in its natural finish, to suit the setting.