Category: Aluminum Finishing
Learn more about the different types of aluminum surface finishes, how they are applied, and the applications they're most suitable for.
What is the Melting Point of Aluminum, and Why is it Significant?
When evaluating aluminum for a product application, designers are typically most interested in properties like it’s high strength-to-weight ratio, its corrosion resistance, or even its value as a heat sink. This means aluminum’s melting point can easily be overlooked....
Customs Broker vs. Freight Forwarder: What’s the Best Choice for Your Shipment?
In international shipping, the terms “customs broker” and “freight forwarder” are often used interchangeably, or even confused for one another. However, there are subtle and important differences between each of these services. In this article we’ll break down what a...
What is Alodine Finish, and How Does it Compare to Anodizing?
Aluminum is naturally corrosion-resistant, but when that’s not enough, designers will need to choose a protective aluminum surface finish. Alodining is a popular finishing option for preventing corrosion while still allowing electrical conductivity through the...
Air Freight vs. Sea Freight: What is the Best Choice for Your Shipment?
In our modern, globalized economy, it’s common knowledge that overseas manufacturing is often a huge cost saver. Factories in India, China, and other parts of Asia can produce high-quality goods at extremely competitive rates. But when considering your overseas...
What is Mill Finish Aluminum, and How Does it Compare to Other Options?
Material selection is one of the most important considerations for an engineer designing a new product or system. There are many different materials to choose from, and aluminum is an increasingly popular choice for many applications, from building construction and...
FCL vs. LCL: How Do You Choose the Right Container Load?
Over the last few decades, international container shipping has become a critical component of many businesses' supply chains. The global container fleet reached 50 million TEU in 2021, and that is expected to increase to nearly 55 million TEU in 2022. When employing...
9 Types of Aluminum Finishes That Will Enhance Your Product
The excellent properties of aluminum make it a regular choice for extrusion designers in a wide range of industries. It has a fantastic strength-to-weight ratio, good corrosion resistance, good thermal and electrical conductivity, and more. While this may be enough...
What Does ‘Free on Board’ Mean in Shipping? The FOB Incoterm Explained
While international manufacturing is an exciting frontier for companies looking to reduce costs and increase revenue, it also comes with an unfamiliar supply chain challenge: international shipping. Understanding the shipping process is a vital piece of the puzzle...
Aluminum Extrusion Bending: An Overview for Design Engineers
From rails for industrial equipment to automotive applications to bold artistic sculptures and architectural designs, there are plenty of reasons you may want to create curved aluminum extrusions. While the ductility of aluminum makes it well-suited to bending for...
10 Effective Ways of Joining Aluminum Extrusions: A Guide for Product Designers
Extruding aluminum offers the ability to create a wide array of profiles to meet your needs, ranging from simple to complex. While experienced designers can incorporate a variety of features into a single extruded profile, it may not be possible or practical to...