The aluminum sectors in the Philippines are the construction, automotive, manufacturing, and electronics industries. To meet the application requirements, Aluminum Supplier Philippines uses different cutting and shearing methods to put out aluminum products that are precise and high-quality. These methods cut aluminum sheets, plates, and extrusions that best suit the required size and shape without compromising structural integrity or wasting material.
By understanding the different cutting and shearing methods aluminum suppliers in the Philippines employ, businesses can make informed decisions about choosing the best one for their needs. This article discusses the most commonly used cutting and shearing options in the aluminum supply industry, their advantages, and their application areas.
Precision Cutting and Shearing in the Aluminum Industry
Aluminum is generally appreciated for its lightweight properties, anti-corrosive properties, and great strength-to-weight ratio. But for purposes in nearly every industry, it has to be cut and shaped accurately, exactly to specification. Cutting and shearing are two processes that are key in positioning aluminum materials as being within desired specifications for manufacturing counterparts, from large structures down to very small electronic components.
Correct cutting and shearing also helps aluminum suppliers with greater efficiency, less wastage, and product quality. Customization allows for the accurate ordering of aluminum sheets, plates, or extrusions accurately to size and thus reduces further processing.
Common Cutting and Shearing Techniques Used by Aluminum Suppliers
Mechanical Shearing
Mechanical shearing is one of the most commonly used procedures by aluminum suppliers in the Philippines to cut aluminum sheets and plates. The process involves applying a sharp metalworking blade and extreme force to break the sheet cleanly along the line into two.
It is a valuable technique for straight cuts and a neat finish on even and uniform cuts in aluminum sheets. It must also be fed into applications where high production speeds and low waste material are significant factors. However, this is not favorable for cutting complex shapes or thick aluminum plates.
CNC Laser Cutting
CNC laser cutting is an accurate and highly innovative cutting technique applicable to aluminum. Laser beams are highly focused and powerful, enabling cutting along a programmed path from melting away or vaporizing the aluminum along that path to create very fine and intricate cuts.
Laser cutting finds its way into applications that need precision, such as aerospace components, automobile parts, and decorative aluminum panels. The method achieves very good edges and permits complex designs without additional finishing processes. On the other hand, it is a more expensive method in comparison to traditional shearing techniques.
CNC Plasma Cutting
In the Philippines, aluminum suppliers also commonly use CNC plasma cutting. The process consists of high-temperature plasma cutting through aluminum sheets and plates. Plasma cutting can effectively cut through thicker aluminum materials. Thus, the technology finds uses in relevant industrial applications such as shipbuilding and heavy machinery production.
Plasma cutting is the fastest and most economical process compared to laser cutting when dealing with thick aluminum sheets. However, the edges produced with this process may be rough and might require additional finishing treatment to achieve a smooth surface.
Water Jet Cutting
Water jet cutting is a non-thermal cutting technique that works by using a high-velocity stream of water mixed with abrasive materials for cutting aluminum. The method’s precision is complemented by the absence of heat build-up, which is essential for preventing the warping or distortion of the material.
Water jet cutting is most suitable for applications where complex shapes and high precision are required. These include components for aerospace or medical applications or custom aluminum applications. It is also environmentally friendly since it does not produce hazardous fumes or excessive heat. However, it is relatively slower than laser and plasma cutting methods.
Circular Saw Cutting
Circular saw cutting is a traditional method practiced by aluminum suppliers to cut aluminum bars, rods, or extrusions. The strips are cut with the aid of the rotating circular blade, which has carbide or diamond-tipped teeth, thus providing even and neat cuts.
Circular saw cutting enables the machining of straight cuts in aluminum profiles and extrusions. It is generally used in the construction and manufacturing sector for these operations. Such as cutting aluminum window frames, door frames, and other structural components. Thus, it does not make provision for other more complex profiles or detailed cutting.
Bandsaw Cutting
Another common method for cutting aluminum blocks, plates, and rods, is bandsaw cutting. A bandsaw consists of a continuous blade that moves in a loop. Thus, allowing the cutting operation on thick materials of aluminum with great efficiency and accuracy.
In addition, this method does straight and curved cutting, making it adaptable and applicable in almost all ways to many jobs. But, when it comes to very complex designs, it is not as precise as formats like a laser or through a water jet.
Key Takeaway
These are the cutting and shearing techniques in the aluminum supply industry in the Philippines. It ranges from mechanical shearing on simple straight cuts to high-precision applications using advanced CNC laser and water jet cutting. Each method has its advantages and applications. The right choice of form of processing ensures superior quality of aluminum products fit for the industry’s needs while optimizing operation efficiency and saving costs.
Aluminum suppliers in the Philippines keep on modernizing and upgrading their equipment in cutting and shearing for the provision of better-served customized solutions. That is, from construction to automotive, manufacturing to industrial applications, the correct cutting technique is important to deliver aluminum materials with precision, quality, and efficiency.