Aluminium

Aluminium is a soft, durable, lightweight, ductile and malleable metal with appearance ranging from silvery to dull gray, depending on the surface roughness. Aluminium is nonmagnetic and nonsparking. Aluminium has about one-third the density and stiffness of steel. It is easily machined, cast, drawn and extruded

The strength and durability of aluminium alloys vary widely, not only as a result of the components of the specific alloy, but also as a result of heat treatments and manufacturing processes. Another important property of aluminium alloys is their sensitivity to heat. Workshop procedures involving heating are complicated by the fact that aluminium, unlike steel, melts without first glowing red.

Some of our aluminium projects

Aluminium alloys, like all structural alloys, also are subject to internal stresses following heating operations such as welding and casting. The problem with aluminium alloys in this regard is their low melting point, which make them more susceptible to distortions from thermally induced stress relief. Controlled stress relief can be done during manufacturing by annealing, i.e. heat-treatment followed by gradual cooling.

Aluminium looks stunning in its natural form, with its distinctive gentle grain. This can be enhanced by anodising, into a wide variety of colours with a metallic cast.

Powder coating is also a popular, economic option, combining the corrosion resistance of aluminium with the durability and extra proection of powder coating. Colour options are vast - from standard RAL colours, to a range of metallic, textured, and even glittered powders.

Please refer to our finishes page for full details.