There is a wide range of different uses and applications for aluminum in any form and square bar is no different. Depending on the alloy the square bar is made of it can be found in the aerospace industry as well as in use in military and defense industries.
Different alloys of aluminum square bar are used in many different types of fabrication. It is often found in frames on trailers and vehicles. It is also used for the fabrication of shafts and braces and can be found in residential and commercial construction applications as well as in fitness and sports equipment.
When shopping around for aluminum square bar, there are several things that need to be considered in advance. Knowing just what you need from the component or structural element will be essential to determine the alloy type required as well as the size of the bar that is best suited to the project.
Characteristics
Aluminum alloys will have their own unique characteristics. Some have a higher than typical strength to weight ratio, which makes them ideal for structural use when low weight is a critical factor.
Other types of alloys are highly corrosion resistant, even in very harsh environments such as salt water, chemical plants or when used in extreme temperatures.
Knowing the characteristics of the specific environment the square bar will be used in as well as the types of stress, pressure and temperature the bar may be exposed to will be critical in making the right choice of an alloy.
Machining, Welding and Working
Not all aluminum is weldable. Generally, the 2024 and 7075 alloys are not weldable by standard arc welding as they are at high risk for stress corrosion cracking through the weld. There are other techniques that can be used that do not produce the stress corrosion cracking concern, but they do require experienced professional welders to get the job done correctly.
Other types of aluminum are easy to weld and can be used with specific fillers to create a strong, durable weld. This can typically be completed with Gas-Metal-Arc Welding (GMAW) process.
Most alloys and tempers of aluminum square bar can be readily machined, although this will vary. Talking to a specialty aluminum supplier is often the first step to determine the right alloy based on the requirements for the bar as well as the fabrication process and joining needs.
