Custom Laser Cutting for Aluminum Panels
At BSG, one of the most common materials we work with is aluminum. We’ve helped many of our clients execute custom aluminum laser cutting projects with speed and precision. In this blog, we’ll be uncovering one of the most popular uses for aluminum in laser cutting — to create custom laser cut aluminum panels. Let’s dive into why custom laser cut aluminum panels are in such high demand, and some of the ways these panels can be utilized in residential and commercial spaces.
Material Advantages of Aluminum
Pure aluminum and aluminum alloys have unique properties that make it an appealing choice in many manufacturing projects.
Pure Aluminum
Pure aluminum is best known for its softness, stability, high reflectivity, high thermal conductivity, and resistance to oxidation. The softness makes it incredibly workable and able to take on intricate shapes with ease. Ultra-pure aluminum (99.9%+) is frequently used for semiconductor manufacturing, and manufacturing CDs, DVDs, and other electronic components - thanks to its unique stabilized conductivity and reflectivity.
Moreover, pure aluminum is lightweight but still incredibly durable. It is used to design aircrafts, requiring precise aerodynamics and following stringent safety regulations. This makes aluminum incredibly dependable and versatile, compatible for manufacturing advanced and complex technologies. Aluminum is utilized for many other applications, but these are some of its most complex, proving its high value as a manufacturing material.
Aluminum Alloys
Alloying is a common practice of mixing two different elements together, usually to combine each element’s inherent strengths while minimizing their weaknesses.
Popular alloys include aluminum alloy 3003, which introduces manganese. 3003 aluminum exhibits superior strength and cost-effectiveness compared to pure aluminum while maintaining excellent workability. It’s used for a wide range of applications, from utensils, to decoration, to piping.
Additionally, there is 7075 aluminum, which introduces metals like zinc, copper, and magnesium. This alloying process increases tensile strength significantly from other aluminum alloys and even pure aluminum. Thanks to this renewed strength, it is a structural grade of aluminum often used in the aerospace and construction industries.
Choosing a Material for Sheet Metal
Now that we know the main material qualities of aluminum, how does this affect what grade of aluminum one chooses for laser cut aluminum panels?
Custom metal panels are made with sheet metal, a thin and flat piece of metal designed to easily be bent, shaped, and cut with a tool or laser. Since aluminum is highly workable, aluminum sheet metal is bent, shaped, and cut with incredible ease and precision. Complex designs are no issue with just about any grade of aluminum and its alloys. This makes aluminum a perfect material choice for custom paneling.
Additionally, most grades of aluminum have qualities like corrosion resistance (which makes it durable in harsh weather conditions) and a naturally appealing surface finish (which ensures the metal looks aesthetically pleasing without requiring finishing). Both of these traits are crucial indicators that a metal is fit for custom paneling. As such, many choose aluminum for manufacturing laser cut panels.
The grade of aluminum one chooses will ultimately depend on the use of the panels and budget considerations. For example, many commission custom laser cut aluminum panels for decorative purposes, such as an intricately designed window frame. In these cases, practically any grade of aluminum can be used. However, others require structural stability and functionality, in which case, stronger grades of aluminum would be best.
Use Cases for Custom Laser Cut Aluminum Panels
The appropriate use cases for laser cut aluminum panels are endless because of the material’s functional versatility and aesthetic appeal. Here are some popular ways we see clients utilize custom aluminum panels.
Architectural
Facade Panels: Using higher strength aluminum grades, custom laser cut aluminum panels work as facade panels. They add visual appeal to the exterior of your home or business while also enhancing the building’s protection against the elements.
Wall Panels & Dividers: Custom laser cut aluminum panels give your home’s interior a unique and modern look. In commercial applications, these wall panels or dividers can have a design that matches your business branding, contributing to brand recognition and customer experience.
Custom Signage
Residential Signage: Aluminum’s durability makes it an ideal choice for outdoor signage which can display your house number, address, or act as a warning sign. Designs can range from simple to complex and creative. Custom aluminum signage is built to last!
Commercial Signage: Custom aluminum signage is long-lasting, ensuring visibility of your brand and business no matter the weather. Custom laser cut aluminum signage can be engraved with a logo and/or business name, as well as intricate designs.
Other Aluminum Panel Uses:
Fencing and gates
Trade show displays
Light covers
Ventilation covers
Protective covers
We Deliver Custom Laser Cut Aluminum Panels Straight to You
Since 1987, Ball Service Group has been a manufacturing leader in Southwestern Ontario, taking on custom laser cutting projects for both residential and commercial clients. Our skilled team of manufacturers connect with our client’s vision to design and manufacture high-quality and accurate metal components.
No matter your manufacturing knowledge, we can provide end-to-end customer service, allowing you to utilize our expertise for choosing the right materials and creating innovative but functional designs.
Once the project is completed and the final product is approved by the client, we offer the option to have it shipped directly to you. We thrive in demanding environments with tight deadlines, and we utilize both in-house and external delivery sources to ensure your project is safely delivered on time.