Aluminum is a lightweight metal. Recently, there has been a widespread need to use light metals in many industries. A good example is the transport industry.
Forged aluminum alloy can replace steel in several applications. Forged designs provide the best-desired weight and strength characteristics at low costs.
Shortly, forged aluminum will become the preferred fabrication means because of the following features:
Strength
During forging and heat treatments, common and lightweight aluminum alloys show properties similar to steel. The strength-to-weight ratio is significantly high.
Forging allows the use of heat treatment methods, which improves mechanical characteristics.
Surface Finish
Forging produces a wide range of surface finishes. You can get smooth surfaces or sharp serrations. It is your choice to proceed with surface finishing or leave the rough edges as part of the design.
Forged aluminum alloys like 6061exhibit excellent anti-corrosion features without needing surface treatment.
Cost
Cost is a major determinant of whether or not a fabrication option is viable. Tools for forging are cheaper than other forms of tooling for casting.
The production rate is also higher.
Flexibility in Design
Unfortunately, you cannot forge all shapes. The size of the equipment you use and the proposed designs matter in the production of forged aluminum products.
The best thing about tech today is that 2D and 3D modeling designs allow electronic transfer of designs before forging.
Therefore, clients can make suggestions on the positioning of the parting line (to provide strength and die life).
Forged aluminum has several good qualities that appeal to many industries. Apart from steel, aluminum is a great alternative and the ideal solution for many applications. The properties of forged aluminum make it stand out from other metals.
Applications that require strength and lightweight at low costs go for aluminum alloy forgings.
