Find the Best Aluminium Fabrication Services Near You

Just like how metal fabrication shapes metal, aluminium fabrication is for shaping aluminium into a finished product - for instance, solar panels or outdoor enclosures. Many processes can be used to fabricate aluminium, including welding, bending, stamping, shearing, extruding and more. It is used in many industrial and commercial applications such as:

• Aerospace. Here, they make good use of the weight-to-strength ratio and corrosion resistance of aluminium for applications such as wings, fuselage and other parts.
• Packaging. These are the cans and foils that rely on aluminium's softness, durability and easy workability.
• Automotive. It is here that they make good use of aluminium to absorb crash forces. They also use it for making car bodies and components lighter, therefore making the car fuel-efficient.
• Construction. There are many applications of aluminium in the construction industry ranging from decorations to structural materials. This is due to the aluminium's good efficiency and sustainability.
• Electronics and Electrical. From the electrical wiring for power grids to refrigerators and laptops, aluminium is highly abundant in this industry because of its thermal abilities, structural strength and light weightiness.

When processing aluminium, there are two general methods that aluminium fabrication companies follow:

• Refining Process. This method mixes sedimentary rock, Bauxite, and caustic soda then crushing and processing them together to create a slurry that contains ore particles. The slurry is moved through heavy pressure and extreme heat to help dissolve the aluminium compound. This will then form a liquid that will be filtered in a tank so impurities can settle at the bottom while pumping the primary solution through the filters.
• Smelting Process. Smelting is a more complex process than refining. This process exposes the aluminium solution to electric currents to allow oxygen and aluminium particles to quickly separate. It also involves a carbon rod which attracts small oxygen molecules that will eventually form carbon dioxide. Still, the aluminium particles that are fresh and refined are settled at the bottom of the pot.

After processing the aluminium, the next step is to use specialist machinery and software to help mould, shape and cut the aluminium to any form and size depending on the product requirements and specifics.

There are plenty of aluminium metals in the earth's crust – it is found as the aluminium oxide found in the bauxite ore. In the aluminium making process, the main raw materials are alumina and Bauxite. Aluminium is then obtained via electrolysis of the alumina that extracts pure aluminium.

1. Precision Tubing. This application is for motor vehicles, refrigerators, solar panels, air conditioning and more. Aluminium is very useful here for strong heat transfer applications.
2. Power Lines. Aluminium is often used in the electrical industry because aluminium is lightweight and durable, which makes it ideal for transporting energy across long distances. It can also withstand corrosion and doesn't generally need any support structure.
3. Rolled Aluminium Projects. Informally known as tin foil, aluminium can go through a process of rolling to create every day rolled aluminium products. These can be used to not only cook food but to also keep it fresh.
4. Heat Sinks. Aluminium does not only have anti-corrosion abilities, but it also has heavy thermal, biofouling resistance, and thermal conductivity. These are critical features for making commercial heat sinks for cooling CPUs and graphics processors.
5. Construction. From big projects such as bridges to smaller ones like manufacturing doors, aluminium is found everywhere in the construction industry. This is because aluminium is low maintenance, and it is very easy to paint, mould and join with other materials.

iseekplant has a nationwide network of quality aluminium fabrication suppliers operating in all Australian capital cities from Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne to Darwin, Perth and Adelaide. We also offer aluminium fabrication in all major towns and cities from Cairns down to Townsville, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Newcastle and then across the country to Mandurah.

Find a local aluminium fabricator today by doing a quick search on iseekplant. If you're too busy to search, let us do the hard work for you! Just use our Get a Quote tool and tell us what you're after. We'll then submit your request to your nearest suppliers, and they'll contact you directly with their best rates! Reach out to us today by giving us a call on 1300 691 912 or email projects@iseekplant.com.au to discuss your aluminium fabrication project.

Aluminium is highly favoured for fabrication projects due to its unique combination of properties. This lightweight metal boasts an impressive strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for a wide range of applications where weight is a concern but strength cannot be compromised. Furthermore, aluminium is inherently resistant to corrosion, which enhances its durability and longevity, especially in outdoor or harsh environmental conditions.

Its malleability allows for easy shaping and forming, enabling fabricators to create complex designs and structures. Lastly, aluminium's excellent conductivity of heat and electricity expands its usability into electrical and thermal applications, adding to its versatility in various industrial sectors.

Aluminium is one of the more fabrication-friendly metals available. Its softness and malleability make it easy to cut, shape and form without the need for extremely high-powered or specialised equipment. This ease of fabrication extends to welding, where aluminium can be joined using various techniques, albeit with some considerations for its thermal conductivity and oxide layer.

Additionally, aluminium can be treated with an array of finishes, enhancing its appearance and surface protection, which is a significant advantage for projects requiring aesthetic appeal as well as functionality. These properties collectively make aluminium a popular choice among fabricators for both simple and complex projects.

Aluminium does not rust the same way steel does because it does not contain iron, which is necessary for the formation of rust. Instead, when exposed to oxygen, aluminium forms a protective oxide layer on its surface, helping prevent further corrosion. This layer is extremely thin, transparent and bonds strongly to the metal, protecting it against many forms of corrosion.

However, aluminium can corrode under certain conditions, such as in the presence of certain chemicals or in coastal areas with high salinity. Despite these scenarios, the corrosion resistance of aluminium is still one of its most valued properties, making it suitable for use in a wide range of environments.

In Australia, professional aluminium fabrication services can be found across the country, catering to a diverse range of industries from construction and architecture to automotive and marine applications. iseekplant offers a convenient and efficient platform to connect with numerous experienced aluminium fabricators nationwide.

With iseekplant, you can easily search for and compare different service providers, ensuring you find one that matches your specific project requirements and budget. Additionally, iseekplant allows for direct inquiries and quotes, simplifying the process of engaging with professional fabricators. Whether your project is large or small, iseekplant is your source for skilled aluminium fabrication specialists in Australia.

The cost of custom aluminium fabrication varies depending on the project’s complexity, materials, and required processes. Labour rates typically range from $50 to $150+ per hour, while complete projects can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000+ for basic to moderately complex work.

Cost factors

• Complexity: Intricate designs require more machine time and skilled labour.
• Material: The type and amount of aluminium influence overall cost.
• Processes: Cutting, welding, machining, extrusion, assembly, and finishing all add to the total.
• Finishing: Basic finishes start around $1–$3 per square foot; specialised options like powder coating can range from $5–$10 per square foot.

Overall, the final price depends on the combination of labour, materials, and finishing requirements.

Lead times for aluminium fabrication depend on the complexity, size, and finishing requirements of the project. Standard sheet metal projects usually take 1–4 weeks, while more intricate work can take longer.

Typical lead times

• Welded assemblies with finishing: 7–15 working days
• Complex CNC machining: 10–20 working days
• Standard sheet metal projects: 1–4 weeks

Factors such as design complexity, order size, specialised processes, and finishing or quality control requirements can extend the timeline. Confirming schedules with your fabricator helps ensure projects are delivered on time.

Aluminium can be fabricated in a wide range of thicknesses, from very thin sheets (<0.4 mm) to very thick plates (>175 mm). Most fabrication projects, however, use aluminium between 0.4 mm and 6 mm, depending on the application.

Common thickness ranges and applications

• Thin sheets (<2 mm)

  • Applications: Signage, light-duty cladding, intricate designs, DIY projects, and composite panels.
  • Fabrication: Can be formed by hand or with small tools.
  • Welding: Typically TIG welFabrication:** Balances strength and flexibility; suitable for both MIG and TIG welding.

• Thick sheets (>6 mm)

  • Applications: Structural elements, heavy-duty enclosures, industrial equipment.
  • Fabrication: Requires industrial machinery such as CNC press brakes, pneumatic presses, or waterjet cutting (up to 175 mm).
  • Welding: Typically MIG welded.

Factors that influence thickness choice

• Strength vs. flexibility: Thicker sheets are stronger; thinner sheets are easier to bend and shape.
• Equipment capabilities: Heavier gauge aluminium requires more powerful machinery.
• Welding method: TIG welding is preferred for thinner sheets (<3 mm), MIG welding for thicker sheets (≥3 mm).
• Project requirements: The final application’s durability, appearance, and load-bearing needs determine the ideal thickness.

Fabricators can advise on the most suitable thickness for your project based on strength, flexibility, and intended use.