Are you looking for aluminum plate for sale? You could need 2024 aluminum for use in designing and manufacturing aircraft. You could need 6061 aluminum for use in the automotive industry. You could require any number of other aluminum types, but there are a few things that you will need to consider prior to purchasing any metal.
Alloy Type
One of the most important considerations when finding aluminum plate for sale is the selection of alloy options available. Each alloy offers different benefits and advantages, as well as different drawbacks. For instance, while 2024 aluminum is very strong and has good fatigue resistance, it has very specific requirements when it comes to weld temperature and type. Other alloy types have similar considerations, so it pays to know what type of alloy you need. You should have access to 2024, 6061, 7075 and 7050 aluminum to meet your needs.
Plate Gauge Availability
In addition to the type of alloy on offer, you’ll need to consider the gauge or thickness of the aluminum plate for sale. This will be determined largely by your application. For instance, if you need aluminum for machining automotive engine parts, you’ll need much thicker plate stock than if you were designing aircraft wing skins. Make sure the supplier you choose is capable of offering the plate gauge you need.
Extrusion Producers
Extrusion producers are the manufacturers who create aluminum plate and bar metal in the first place. They’re not all the same, and the wrong choice here can be highly detrimental. Make sure that you have access to producers known for offering high-quality extrusions.
Aluminum Characteristics and Other Considerations
There are quite a few specific considerations that you’ll need to make when it comes to the characteristics, qualities and usability of aluminum plate for sale. For instance, do you need heat formability? If so, then 2024 aluminum is likely not the answer, and you’ll need a different alloy.
Do you need to weld the aluminum during production? Will you need to machine the metal prior to use? Will heat treatment be required for corrosion resistance? Is the metal’s strength to weight ratio an important consideration? Will the metal be exposed to the elements? Will it be used in a highly corrosive environment?
Answering these questions will help ensure that you’re able to find the right aluminum plate for sale for your specific needs.
