Aluminum Casting

Aluminum is used for a wide array of applications. It is used in the vehicle and electrical industry. The reason for its popular usage is the traits that allow it be highly conductive and corrosive resistant. Many other metals can be subject to rusting and oxidization. However aluminum is capable of resisting any oxidization reactions with the atmosphere making it ideal for outdoor and harsh weather. Aluminum casting is the process by which aluminum is coated with a more resistive metal such as stainless steel, nickel or chrome. When coated with these materials aluminum becomes more resistant and stronger. To plate aluminum with a metal there are several precautions that must be taken. It must be noted that the process is a wet process and drying can lead to failure. Therefore quick and precise action is needed to succeed.

When aluminum casting is done the first step is to remove any form of organic or oxidize coating from the surface of the aluminum. There are a variety of different alloys that can be coated onto the surface of aluminum. Nickel is a popular alloy as it enhances the strength and resistance of aluminum. It also adds a fine polished surface finish which makes aluminum visually appealing. Chrome is also an appealing alternative to nickel as it has similar properties and is easier to plate onto aluminum. Electrolysis is another process by which aluminum can be cast. By passing a high voltage current through a metal the molecules can be forced to move from the native metal to the aluminum surface. A positive and negative charge must be passed through the metals. The process can only work with metals. Aluminum can be casted with zinc via this process. Electrolysis is a difficult process and only experienced casting services use it.

Aluminum casting is used for vehicles such as Audi. The reason it is a popular car body material is the resistant nature of cast aluminum. Extruded aluminum can also be coated or cast. However it is mandatory that the aluminum be cast before it is extruded as it may alter the results of the extrusion process. Some applications of cast aluminum are the trailer manufacturing industry. Trailer floors require hardened aluminum sheets. Therefore to compensate for the malleability of aluminum it is coated with chrome or steel. Aluminum casting has expanded the aluminum market further making it a favorite for the construction industry as well.

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