Aluminum is in fact the most widely used non-ferrous metal in the world. According to mining data, in a single year (2005) 31.9 million tons of aluminum is produced. The only metal output to exceed aluminum was iron.
To improve the material’s mechanical properties, aluminum is almost always alloyed. We provide alloyed aluminum here at Metal Associates, and this just means that the metal is mostly aluminum with a slight bit of some other metal added to the compound. For instance, our 1100 aluminum is considered “commercially pure” because it is made of a minimum of 99% aluminum. The remaining one percent or less could have traces of copper, iron, zinc, manganese and silicon. Other less pure forms would have a lower percentage of aluminum and a higher percentage of other metals. This balance makes each particular type of alloy well-suited to different applications. Some alloys are more conductive of electricity, with other are heavier/lighter, etc.
Aluminum for Structural, Electrical, and Industrial Applications
Aluminum’s combination of low weight, corrosion resistance, and stable performance at low temperatures makes it suitable for a wide range of applications. Metal Associates provides aluminum in multiple shapes and tempers to support structural framing, enclosures, electrical components, machine parts, and fabricated assemblies. Controlled tolerances and consistent surface conditions support downstream machining, forming, and finishing operations.
Material Selection for Application Specific Requirements
Different aluminum alloys offer different combinations of strength, formability, conductivity, and weldability. Metal Associates evaluates each project’s mechanical and environmental requirements to match the appropriate alloy. Options include 1100 for high ductility, 3003 for general fabrication, 5052 for improved corrosion resistance, 6061 for structural applications, 6063 for extrusion grade work, and 7075 for high strength aerospace components.
Processing and Fabrication Support
Aluminum products often require additional processing before entering production. Metal Associates supports cutting, shearing, machining, forming, and preparation for welding or assembly. This allows customers to receive aluminum components that integrate directly into their manufacturing workflow, reducing handling time and improving throughput.
Supply Chain Support for Regional Manufacturers
Manufacturers in New Jersey rely on predictable lead times and stable material availability. Metal Associates supports scheduled releases, blanket orders, and recurring shipments for customers in construction, transportation, electrical equipment, and consumer product manufacturing. Our broad alloy selection and flexible order quantities support both prototype development and high volume production.
FAQ
Which Aluminum Alloys Are Best for Structural Applications?
Alloys such as 6061 and 6063 are commonly selected for structural components due to their strength, machinability, and stable performance after heat treatment.
Can Aluminum Be Supplied in Custom Lengths or Shapes?
Yes. Metal Associates provides aluminum in custom cut lengths, specialty forms, and non standard configurations to match project requirements.
Do You Support Both Prototype and Production Scale Orders?
Yes. We supply small batch quantities for development work as well as high volume orders for ongoing manufacturing.
Superior Service
At Metal Associates, it’s our goal to provide all of our customers with a superior service experience from start to finish. We believe in building and maintain strong relationships with all of our clients so that we can expand our reach and continue to cultivate our industry-leading business.
We do whatever we can to respond to the need of our customers in a timely fashion. We’re happy to answer questions and be consulted whenever you need a metal solution for your business. We hope that your industry or business will make Metal Associates its trusted metal supplier.
Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you, or to request a quote.
Alloys Available: