It’s fairly safe to say that aluminium moulding has become a part of our lives. Aluminium was first refined in 1825 and was considered an exotic and luxurious metal because of its light weight, malleability, corrosion resistance, and sheen. It wasn’t until the 1880s, when the smelting process was invented and perfected, that the metal became affordable.
As its use grew, the benefits of its characteristics soon became apparent, and demand for the metal increased to be seen as the ‘miracle metal’ of the time.
When the hot extrusion process for aluminium was perfected by Alexander Dick back in 1894, it opened up a world of possible uses for this lightweight, corrosion-resistant metal that didn’t need painting. WWI was on the horizon, and the metal’s lack of weight was perfect for aircraft manufacturing, among other applications, and it’s still used extensively in the aircraft industry today.
Ideal Material
At the turn of the century, the world was entering the industrial age and aluminium was seen as a vital material in countless applications. Using aluminium in engineering helped make large, complicated machines lighter and more portable. The characteristics also made working with the metal faster and easier. As its use spread, lightweight, corrosion-resistant aluminium was seen as the ideal material to replace the use of heavy iron and steel. It sped up the production process and provided work for millions of people.
After WWII, millions of homes were built all around the world as prosperity returned to the previously war-torn countries. Aluminium moulding was a major component of everything from electrical conduit to window frames and sashes.
Expanding Uses
As the world entered the computer age, the uses for aluminium continued to expand. CAD drawings soon provided a more precise way to design uniform, lightweight parts for many industries. And the invention of C&C machines was an efficient way to create these highly sophisticated and exacting parts. The uses for aluminium expanded into:
- Automotive parts
- Robotics components
- Laboratory equipment
- Modern furniture
- Electronics and computers
- Solar cells
The extrusion process continues to play a major role in creating aluminium moulded parts for the building construction, electronics, automotive and solar cell industries.
These days, many aluminium products are created by machines, which are themselves often made of aluminium. With the expansion of the robotics industry into all other manufacturing sectors, aluminium has proven to be one of the leading metals in manufacturing. Its light weight means that machines don’t have to be able to handle heavy materials and can speed up their processes. The malleability of aluminium means that pieces can be manufactured with minimal force, and its corrosion resistance means that it’s the perfect material for both interior and exterior applications.
Moulded Aluminium Products in Thailand
Gold Star Metal is a leading manufacturer of extruded aluminium products in Thailand. They use a wide variety of extrusion presses and processes to serve many industries with their exacting, high-quality components. With nearly three decades of experience, partnering with Gold Star Metal will assure your company of receiving only the most exacting parts and components in Thailand.