Aluminum processing and refining have come a long way over the years. Today, this material serves as a key component in the manufacturing and production of countless items. The properties and characteristics of aluminum allow it to be shaped into any form, and manufacturers can combine it with other metals for increased performance. What industries make use of aluminum today?
The Aerospace Industry
The aerospace industry increased its use of aluminum parts following World War II. In fact, this material accounts for 80 percent of an aircraft’s structure. The aluminum casting methods ensure the parts have the needed properties and characteristics for this type of vehicle, and manufacturers save significant amounts of money with the use of this material.
The Automotive Industry
Automotive manufacturers continue to strive for better gas mileage in the vehicles they produce. High-strength aluminum castings help them achieve this goal, and producers of these castings are working to improve their techniques and methods. These producers make many parts for vehicles today, including oil pumps, transmission components, and housings for water pumps. The goal is to streamline production while boosting output and doing so at an affordable cost.
Lighting Fixtures
People want lightweight and non-toxic lighting fixtures for their homes. They often turn to aluminum fixtures for their outdoor living area because aluminum resists corrosion. Manufacturers often turn to permanent mold and gravity casting when making these products because they allow for the use of lighter aluminum forms. Manufacturers find using cast aluminum for the fixtures allows them to save time and money.
The Agricultural Industry
The auto industry and agricultural industry have many things in common, and the need for aluminum cast parts in the agricultural industry continues to grow. Agricultural machinery, however, must be extremely strong and durable to withstand the regular use and extreme conditions. Furthermore, these parts must remain affordable, as those in the agricultural industry already have limited profit margins. Aluminum allows the industry to have crankcase, gearbox, and motor housings at affordable prices.
Heatsink Production
Heatsinks remove heat from items used in electronic applications. With an aluminum cast heatsink, less machining is needed. This keeps production costs low while increasing output. Production efficiency increases because the manufacturer can incorporate extra features when producing the heatsink. Companies can ground these heatsinks thanks to their electrical conductivity.
Bracket Production
Heavy-duty equipment requires durable parts, and aluminum casting is ideal for creating brackets that can withstand hard use. Welding and assembly aren’t necessary thanks to the production process used, and the solid construction of the bracket increases its strength. If the bracket requires holes, the manufacturer builds them into the casting mold. This reduces the need for finishing.
The Golfing Industry
Producers want to help golfers improve their game without spending a fortune to do so. With the help of aluminum casting, manufacturers can produce different shapes, and the resulting products are durable and stable. Items made using this process include ball warmers, clubs, handles, and brackets.
These serve as only a few of many industries that benefit from aluminum casting today. The design capabilities and versatility of aluminum ensure it benefits many manufacturers today. Furthermore, the use of aluminum reduces costs while speeding up production times. Learn whether the aluminum casting process will be beneficial to the organization. Many will find it is what they need to take their business to the next level.
