Aluminium sheet metal fabrication refers to the cutting, bending, welding, forming and finishing of aluminium metal sheets to create specific parts or products. The metal has important applications across a range of industries, from aerospace to construction. Its strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance and recyclability are just some of the properties that make aluminium so attractive for such a wide range of projects.
While the metal is already widely sought after, technological innovations and increasing demand for environmentally-friendly solutions is only set to increase its use. In fact, a report by CRU International on behalf of the International Aluminium Institute (IAI) estimates that global aluminium demand will increase by 40% by 2030. It suggests that transportation, construction, packaging and the electrical sectors will primarily drive this demand and account for 75% of the total metal required.
Where is aluminium sheet fabrication commonly used?
Aluminium’s versatility and attractive properties mean it has a broad range of applications across numerous industries, particularly in aerospace, automotive and rail.
As experienced aluminium sheet metal fabricators, CSM regularly works across:
- Architecture and interiors – Beautiful, functional and decorative metalwork, from bespoke bars and countertops to custom railings and staircases.
- Construction – Structural elements for buildings, support brackets and hardware for doors and windows.
- Warehouse and materials handling – Anything and everything you need to safely and efficiently carry out warehouse operations, from racking and storage solutions to trolleys and roll cages.
- Miscellaneous – We specialise in all types of precision components, specialist parts and niche briefs and love turning our hand to a new challenge.
What’s the benefit of aluminium sheet metal fabrication?
- High strength to weight ratio – Aluminium adds structural integrity to a part, product or structure without adding significant mass.
- Corrosion resistant – Its oxide coating helps protect it from the elements, enhancing its resilience.
- Durable – Maintains structural integrity over time.
- Malleable and flexible – Easily shaped into intricate and unique designs.
- Withstands cold, heat and pressure – Ductile and a good conductor of heat.
- Recyclability – Infinitely recyclable without compromising its properties.
Trends shaping the future of aluminium fabrication
Aluminium is a staple material for all types of industries and applications, widely deployed for its strength, light weight, durability and resilience, among other attractive properties. But, against a backdrop of constant technological advancements and changing customer behaviours, what’s next for the aluminium fabrication industry?
Increasingly sophisticated and efficient fabrication methods
Technological innovation continues to shape industrial metal fabrication trends, and aluminium is no exception. Metal forming and welding, and other fabrication methods, are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with robotics and automation taking on more of the process. As these technologies become more affordable and accessible, we’ll likely see an increase in the use of:
- CNC sheet metal cutting – Computer software controls the movement of tools to create precise, intricate and complex parts.
- Laser cutting – Another technology enabling precision sheet metal fabrication, laser cutting provides incredible accuracy.
- Robotic welding – Computer-controlled machinery used by aluminium fabrication companies to carry out various welding techniques, providing safety benefits, greater accuracy and faster delivery.
- 3D printing – An additive manufacturing process that creates intricate parts and components layer by layer. 3D printing is used to create complex designs and reduce waste.
Sustainability and secondary aluminium
Increasingly, organisations are seeking materials that promote the circular economy and reduce the need for raw materials to be mined. Produced with scrap metal, ‘secondary aluminium’ delivers 95% energy savings compared to the production of new aluminium.
Organisations are moving their focus beyond what happens to materials at end-of-life to consider the full product lifecycle, the emissions created at each stage, and how that reflects on their own environmental footprint.
As industries and companies set their own ambitious carbon reduction targets, the demand for secondary aluminium will only increase. In fact, the International Energy Agency predicts the share of secondary aluminium production will reach 42% by 2030.
Demand for ‘green aluminium’
The production of primary aluminium is also coming under scrutiny as industry bodies and organisations are becoming increasingly conscious of Scope 3 emissions.
Aluminium production is notoriously energy-intensive, and as decarbonisation programmes and initiatives become more prevalent, organisations are increasingly seeking ‘green aluminium’ produced using green energy. As customers become more environmentally conscious, green aluminium demand will increase and it’s likely we’ll see more aluminium sheet suppliers in the UK investing in renewable energy sources to reduce the environmental impact of production.
What’s next for aluminium fabrication sheet metal?
The future looks bright for sheet metal manufacturing in the UK and the aluminium fabrication industry, with smart technologies continuing to drive efficiencies and reduce waste. As we become increasingly environmentally-conscious, and decarbonisation target deadlines loom, recycled and green aluminium will become more widely specified for projects.
Like many industries, automation and AI is set to take on a greater role, handling manufacturing processes and essential quality checks. However, for bespoke metal fabrication projects, these technologies must work in tandem with technical skill, knowledge and quality craftsmanship.
CSM has worked as a trusted partner to organisations big and small for more than three decades, combining industry-leading technology and unrivalled expertise to produce bespoke metal fabrications to exacting standards.
