Aluminium is a highly versatile, lightweight and strong material and can be worked using a variety of metalworking techniques.
An increasing number of architectural projects involve the specification of worked aluminium. To assist with this process and to ensure the product realisation meets your expectation we would like to share with you some important design considerations.
Bespoke working involves making items to specifier requirement on a one-off type basis. Job specific – quantities, sizes, shapes, radii, fixing details etc., are all incorporated into the finished item.
With each unique specification there is a first time for everything. It is always possible that unexpected developments can arise.
Practical consideration in terms of material performance and / or machine capabilities can therefore cause some variation to the originally specified requirements. Tolerances with specially made items are generally looser than those for manufactured parts.
Component size can have a critical bearing on overall job cost effectiveness. Closely compare preferred size requirements to standard stock configurations. Small dimensional adjustments are often possible and can achieve significant financial savings.
Corner radii on bent / formed items are determined by a combination of material thickness and alloy grade. A radius on the outside corner, of up to twice the metal thickness, is possible.
Countersunk holes cannot be provided on material thinner than 1.2mm.
Crazing of anodic coatings will occur due to mechanical influences such as forming or bending. Anodic crazing by cold deformations of all kinds can be avoided by ensuring that these precede the anodising process.
Dimensional tolerances apply to all bespoke products.
Grain structure on brushed surfaces is best designed to run vertically, this minimises dirt entrapment and eases cleaning. Mill and anodised surface finishes can clearly show the metal grain and it is therefore preferable to avoid adjacent component surfaces with conflicting grain direction.
Insulate at connections with other metals, for maximum durability.