Aluminum is the Earth’s most abundant metal and an incredibly versatile material. The combination of aluminum’s ductility, low density, high corrosion resistance along with its cost effectiveness, makes it a high-quality metal material that can easily be manipulated for a multitude of uses.
Among its many functions, aluminum is a durable material choice for the production of gauges and fixtures. Gauges and fixtures require a strong holding material that will not be susceptible to rust, malfunction, or cracking under high-volume or high-pressure settings. Gauges are used to check many different products and have the potential to detect potential problems before a company is faced with a costly repair. Because both gauges and fixtures are used for such a variety of purposes, strength, and long-term durability are an absolute necessity.
Aluminum has beneficial characteristics that have made it a popular material choice for the production of gauges and fixtures. Aluminum is one of the most widely used metals in the country for a number of different products, and its use in gauges and fixtures is undeniably advantageous.
Cost of Aluminum In Comparison To Other Metals
Although the price of manufacturing aluminum and aluminum products is relatively low, it remains a high-quality material. Currently, metal prices are rapidly increasing, however, the cost of aluminum has maintained. As of April 2016, aluminum is priced at approximately $0.67 USD per pound. This low cost creates a more affordable option for the production of gauges, fixtures, and other items requiring material durability. Manufacturers are able to purchase bulk amounts of aluminum at an affordable rate, allowing them the ability to produce high-quality products at a reasonable cost to both them as the producer and to the consumer.
In the future; however, metal prices are expected to rise significantly over the next several years. Aluminum’s stable pricing bolsters its position as one of the leading materials within the metal industry and reinforces the need for it from companies, manufacturers, and households alike.
Using Aluminum for Gauges and Fixtures
Extensively trained machinists in specialized gauge shops manufacture aluminum gauges and fixtures. These machinists all have years of training and are highly skilled. Using state-of-the-art equipment that is large enough to follow strict specifications for cutting and shaping, machinists are able to ensure the durability and safety of each product. Each shape is machined from a solid piece of aluminum from CAD data to ensure that each individual part will meet customer needs and expectations. Gauges and fixtures are used for many different products making it extremely important that each part is made properly and sturdy enough for whichever application is required of them. These parts are also checked to confirm that they will assemble properly with other items and be assembled properly as a whole.
Using aluminum as the building material for gauges and fixtures provides clients with a product that is reliable and cost efficient. It ensures that each part will be durable enough to maintain its integrity despite constant use. Aluminum can be alloyed to reach great levels of strength allowing the gauge and fixture to accommodate structural requirements, along with weight and volume needs. Aluminum also has a high corrosion resistance that is beneficial when environmental conditions are a factor.
Making Sheet Metal Into Items Through Stamping
Sheet metal is purchased at varying sizes and thickness, making it more affordable than purchasing large blocks of aluminum. Many businesses throughout the country prefer sheet metal over other forms of metal because it provides them with the option of stamping components rather than breaking down a large block of metal.
Stamping sheet metal allows for a more convenient production of many products from one sheet while also ensuring uniformity. Within a warehouse, large machines are each set up with one set stamp that is specifically designed for different parts. This facilitates and creates efficiency in the production of gauges and fixtures that require exact specifications in order to fit individual products for varying companies.
Choosing From Specifications of Aluminum for Gauges and Fixtures
There are many variables that must be considered when deciding on the appropriate and optimal form of sheet metal required in the production of gauges and fixtures. Selecting the correct sheet metal is essential for producing high-quality gauges and fixtures.
The greatest factor to consider is the thickness of the sheet metal. When working with aluminum for gauges and fixtures, a thicker option is ideal. A thicker aluminum sheet metal will provide increased strength, corrosion resistance, and better formability. Sheet metal gauges are available to help determine both the thickness of the sheet and if it will best fit the application required of it.
Another variable to keep in mind is if bending of the sheet metal will be required. Generally, bending is not needed if stamping is taking place. However, if the sheet metal being used is thinner, it can easily be bent or manipulated into something functional. For best results, a specialist should perform bending of aluminum with a sheet metal bending brake.
An additional consideration for choosing the correct form of aluminum is cutting. Cutting aluminum must be performed with a specialized tool that is selected in conjunction with the gauge of the sheet metal. It is essential to select the correct tool for the level of thickness in order to guarantee that the tool will be able to cut through the metal. Tools commonly used for cutting aluminum sheet metal include snips, hacksaw, nibbler, jigsaw, band saw, or table saw. Following safety standards and guidelines is critical when cutting aluminum, or any other type of sheet metal, not only for personal protection but also to ensure a quality cut.
Summary
Aluminum is a high-quality metal with qualities that make an ideal choice for the production of gauges and fixtures. Aluminum is not only widely available and cost efficient, but it also boasts strong elements that can create durable and long-lasting gauges and fixtures. Aluminum can easily be used for a wide range of applications that will withstand conditions and continual use. Companies throughout the country use aluminum gauges and fixtures to manufacture strong products that are distributed both nationally and internationally. Using aluminum in gauges and fixtures guarantees a quality product that will remain efficient for years to come.
