If you need to fabricate a particular component or product, then you may be thinking about what type of material to use. You have a number of different solutions to look at but may not have considered aluminium sheet metal as an option. What benefits does this approach have compared to all the rest?

Compared to Plastic

While you have not yet made up your mind, you may have been focusing on the benefits of plastic fabrication up until this point, especially as it is very flexible and quite affordable in the scale of your entire budget. Certainly, the bottom line is all-important, but you need to consider the end use carefully before you decide to go down the plastic road.

For example, if the environment is likely to be rather harsh, experience high temperatures or expose the finished product to chemicals or other corrosive elements, your plastic part may fail quite quickly. Plastic is also prone to failure if it is subject to excessive or repeated friction. Aluminium, on the other hand, is very resistant to heat and adverse conditions and may be much stronger than plastic in a wide variety of different situations.

Compared to Steel

Okay, then why not consider steel fabrication instead? Again, consider the end use and whether your product will be exposed to the elements. Aluminium is fully resistant to corrosion, unlike steel, and you may have to deal with the consequences of rust if you're not careful.

Aluminium is just as flexible as steel and can be used in a variety of different applications. You can weld the product or subject it to laser cutting if necessary, and it can be machined, formed or melted as well. Remember, aluminium is a lot lighter than steel, and this may be important for your customer.

Making a Proper Comparison

Make a list of all the features and benefits associated with each type of material and compare all of these to your master checklist. You need to determine whether the material chosen would be suited from many different points of view, including its durability, strength, flexibility, weight, resistance and, ultimately, cost.

Making Your Choice

The best way to find out if aluminium sheet metal is the best choice in your case is to talk with experts in the field. They'll be able to call on previous experience to help you make your selection in an often-confusing environment. Contact local aluminium fabricators for more information.