Using Perforated Aluminum for its Valuable Metallurgic Characteristics



Posted: Monday, May 11, 2009

by
Hendrick Manufacturing

Many products of both an industrial nature and those for commercial, everyday use require perforated products either for external and decorative applications, or for internal parts and components. Aluminum is an abundant element with many desirable characteristics making it a prime candidate for perforation and fabrication. The atomic number of aluminum is 13 and it is symbolized with Al. Aluminum is extremely light weight and it can bond easily with other elements to create a variety of alloys. Since aluminum is very soft in its purest form, it is usually blended with other elements to create more commercially usable alloys. It is also a good conductor of electricity and heat. Aluminum is also very corrosion resistant. These traits make aluminum ideal for many products therefore it is especially popular in the perforating industry.

In regards to aluminum as a raw material, it is specified by a four digit alloy signifier as well as a notation on its temper such as 2024-T3 and 6262-T9. These alloys are created using a variety of other elements including Manganese, Copper, Zinc, Silicon, Magnesium, and some others. The combinations of alloy composition, finish, and temper are numerous and obviously selected based on the application. As for material thickness, the sky is the limit. Aluminum sheets and coil stock can be ordered in a wide variety of sizes widths and lengths as well.

Perforating aluminum is ideal for many reasons. Its light weight can be decreased even more depending on the open area via the hole size. The structural integrity of a perforated aluminum sheet is respectfully maintained and the overall strength to weight ratio of this useful alloy is one of the main reasons for its popularity. Its ability to resist corrosion in an outdoor environment is just one more argument in favor of perforated aluminum sheets or plate.

Perforated aluminum products can be seen in many places including a wide assortment of custom architectural products on building exteriors. Perforated aluminum reacts extremely well to low outdoor temperatures including subzero temperatures. Its strength actually increases as the ambient temperature decreases while retaining its ductile properties. On the other extreme, temperatures over 400 degrees Fahrenheit can cause aluminum sheets to lose some of their inherent strength, hopefully we won't be seeing any outdoor temps reaching that number anytime soon. Although temperatures at this level may affect the strength of the material, it is still used in a variety of culinary items such as aluminum pie plates, pizza plates, hand-held skimmers, draining bowls, perforated baking sheets, and boiler baskets. Thanks to its light weight you can also find perforated aluminum parts in many small appliances, computers, and home electronics. The aerospace industry has also embraced aluminum as a key material just as the medical industry has done for years. It seems this bountiful metal continues to become even more useful as we utilize it in combination with the perforating process.



About the Author:

Chet is a 16+ year employee of Hendrick Manufacturing Company, a leader in producing perforated aluminum screens and perforated aluminum plate for industry and architecture. Hendrick Mfg. has produced perforated stainless steel and various other perforated products continuously in Carbondale, PA since 1876.



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