Aluminium has been around since the nineteenth century. When the metal was first discovered, it was very difficult to fabricate and cost almost as much as gold. It was also used to make jewellery originally, but as research went on and people discovered cheaper ways of fabricating it, aluminium became a popular material for use in different fields. Presently, it is used in manufacture of motor vehicle and plane parts, building and construction materials and even the regular household appliances and utensils. Aluminium is also fabricated into sheet metal which has various uses in engineering and construction.

Aluminium and corrosion

One of the reasons why aluminium is a favourite for sheet metal fabrication is the fact that it is highly resistant to corrosion. Naturally, the metal generates an oxide coating when it comes into contact with air and moisture. This coating makes it extremely resistant. When processes such as lacquering and anodising are performed on the sheet metal, it becomes a very corrosion-resistant construction material.

Low melting point and sheet fabrication

Aluminium has a very low melting point. This means that it does not take a lot of heating to get it into the temperature at which you can easily crook and bend it to create the sheets of your desired size and shape. The fact that it is very ductile means that when you are doing the fabrication, you can get as close as possible to the intended final product. The low melting point also means that the metal is highly recyclable and that very little energy is needed to get old sheets reformed into new items.

Low density of the sheets

Aluminium's density is about a third of that or iron. When using aluminium sheets for constructions such as roofing and other related structures, you are assured that your supporting structures will not have too much weight to handle. The minimised pressure on the structures supporting the roof translates to durability. It is also important to note that the material has a commendable tensile strength and that it can withstand ice in the winter.

Before starting a project with aluminium sheets, it is important to understand its various characteristics. These are the characteristics which will determine how easy the material is to work with and if it will serve you for a good length of time. Aluminium is recommended for most sheet metal fabrication purposes and its positive qualities make it one of the best options in the market.