Aluminum
Aluminum is a chemical element that makes up about 8% of the earth’s crust by volume; it is the second-most widely used metal in the world, after iron. This relatively soft, nonmagnetic, and ductile metal is known for its outstanding strength to weight ratio, and is used to produce everything from soda cans to architectural components to parts for aerospace vehicles.
Parts machined from aluminum are, in general, strong, lightweight, and cost-effective. Because it is easier to machine than other metals, such as steel, parts can be produced faster. And, at roughly one-third the weight of steel, using aluminum parts in place of steel can dramatically reduce the weight of the end product.
Advantages of Aluminum
- Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
- Naturally corrosion resistant
- Easy to machine
- Good heat and thermal conductivity
Properties of Aluminum
Though its density is just one-third that of steel, aluminum offers tensile strength up to 700 MPa. Aluminum does not become brittle at low temperatures like most steels do; instead, its strength actually increases.
Aluminum naturally reacts with atmospheric oxygen to form an extremely thin layer of corrosion-resistant aluminum oxide. This oxide layer is microscopically thin, but dense enough to provide effective corrosion protection. If scratched or otherwise damaged, aluminum’s oxide layer will automatically repair itself. Aluminum parts can be anodized to increase the thickness of the oxide layer for even greater corrosion resistance.
Aluminum exhibits excellent heat and thermal conductivity, providing 59% the conductivity of copper (on both counts) with less than a third of the density. This makes aluminum an ideal material for heat sinks and similar devices.
Contact Delmar Company for Precision Machined Aluminum Parts
Delmar Company are the precision machining experts. With our CNC milling, CNC routing, and CNC turning capabilities, we can produce custom machined aluminum parts and components that match your exact specifications.
Request a quote today or contact us to discuss your project.
