Strainhardening

Waterjets mainly cut sheet material into 2D parts using a high-pressure stream of water and abrasive. Waterjet cutting is suitable for most materials and yields clean edges.

Work hardeningvs strainhardening

CNC Plasma Cutters use a high-velocity stream of ionized gas to cut parts out of sheet metal. Excellent for producing 2D parts when working with thick metal sheets.

How doeswork hardening work

Pure aluminum is soft and has limited strength. Small amounts of elements such as copper, magnesium, and zinc are often added to increase strength.

Good fatigue strength and average machinability, but is not weldable and has limited resistance to corrosion. Cost is higher compared to other aluminum alloys. Typically used in aircraft wings, fuselages, bicycle parts, and rock climbing equipment.

Work hardeningsteel grades

One of the most popular aluminum alloys used in sheet metal fabrication, it is easily bent, punched, and sheared. Highly corrosion resistant, especially in ocean water. Typically used in marine and aircraft equipment, street lights, fuel lines, and railings.

Good fatigue resistance and average machinability, but is not weldable and has poor corrosion resistance. Used in applications requiring a high strength-to-weight ratio such as aircraft wings, fuselages, and structures under tension.

Finishing processes are used to enhance appearance, surface durability, and corrosion resistance. Options include powder coating, anodizing, plating, polishing and more.

Work hardeningrate

Good mechanical properties and weldability, making it one of the most common alloys for general use. Typically used in the manufacturing of aircraft, watercraft, automotive parts, and bicycle frames.

What causeswork hardening

This topic investigates the methods used to modify the engineering properties of metals. Key concepts include the heat treatment processes and the effects on properties caused by cold working.

Aluminum is a comparatively new industrial metal that has been produced in commercial quantities for just over 100 years.

Good mechanical properties and highly weldable, though strength near welds can be significantly reduced if not heat treated. Used in extruded shapes for architecture, window frames, roofs, tubing, and furniture.

After manufacturing, parts may require additional processing. Secondary services include CNC bending, grinding, tapping, knurling and more.

Laser cutting is often used to produce 2D parts from sheet metal. A laser beam vaporizes a cut path to achieve the desired shape. Great for prototypes and short runs.

Work hardeningexamples

Die-Sink and Wire EDM machines create parts by using recurring sparks to remove material. Recommended for intricate designs requiring sharp inside corners and high dimensional accuracy.

eMachineShop has machined aluminum parts for over 15 years. You can design and order your parts with our free CAD software or upload your own CAD file for a fast quote.