Aluminum has been an essential metal due to its widespread industrial application in the fields of construction, product manufacturing, engineering, and many others. For instance, you can see this robust metal in the energy sector, cables for the oil, homemade utensils, and other uses. However, like other metals, aluminum should be handled expediently and safely. Improper handling of this metal can cause stain and damage to its surface components and safety risks to the person in charge.
Below are the five tips for handling aluminum in your projects. Read on!
- Use Proper Packaging When Transporting Aluminum
One of the best ways to handle aluminum has something to do with its transportation. Generally, aluminum can be exposed to damage during transport. When moving the material, there’s a possibility that it’s scraped against hard or sharp surfaces, resulting in scratches.
To prevent this damage, it’s essential to use proper packaging when transporting aluminum for your projects. Ensure the metal is packed in bubble foil or any strong packaging material to avoid the surfaces from bumping against each other. That way, you can ensure proper handling of this material for the benefit of your project.
- Wear Proper Protective Equipment During The Projects
Using proper protective equipment is essential when handling aluminum for a particular project. For example, suppose you’re tasked to weld the said metal for specific uses or do other methods. You need to keep your safety in mind by using safety glasses, goggles, gloves, welding helmets, and leathers to safeguard yourself against splatters and metal sparks. It’s also essential to use appropriate fume ventilation to protect your breathing against the welding fumes and wear proper shoes for your feet.
- Prepare The Aluminum When Used For Fabrications
Due to being lightweight, non-corrosive, and attractive to the eyes, aluminum has been one of the popular metals used for fabrication. This makes it an ideal material for different welds. However, handling aluminum during the welding process can be a bit tricky.
Fortunately, some ways can help you properly prepare for the welding process, and one of them is the use of the right welder. Using this equipment can help make the welding job much easier, faster, and safer. Thus, if you’re looking for the perfect welding machine, check out some reliable online reviews to help you with your decision.
Aside from a welder, you can also handle aluminum in your welding projects by preparing it for the job: Some common preparations can include:
- Using a solvent or a mild alkaline solution to get rid of some elements, such as grease, oil, and water vapor from the metal’s surface
- Assembling the cover and joint if you’re not welding it right away to avoid dirt or grit contamination
- Using a wire brush with a strong alkaline, rinsing and drying the metal to eliminate surface oxides
- Using two people when stacking and unstacking sheets to prevent them from being dragged over one another
- Using soft slings when carrying heavy components and avoiding dragging aluminum components
- Avoiding walking over the sheets while moving them from one place to another.
Apart from the preparation involved, you must familiarize yourself with some things to avoid when welding. For example, if you want to handle aluminum properly in your welding project, it’s crucial to pay attention to every detail to prevent damage and other problems. Also, it’s best if you remain patient when welding. The job can be challenging, but you can handle this metal more quickly if you keep practicing and stick with it.
- Store Aluminum Properly
Moisture, water, and other elements can cause changes to the aluminum surfaces. Hence, it’s crucial to take storage seriously when handling this metal in your projects. When storing aluminum for your projects, you may consider the following practices:
- Making sure the place’s temperature is set to ten degrees Celsius, and is clean, dry, and free from contaminants
- Preventing it from being in contact with other metals to get rid of corrosion and marks
- Ensuring the metal is kept in a vertical position to allow proper air circulation on all surfaces
- Clean Aluminum Before The Installation
Handling aluminum in your projects can also include the installation process. However, like other metals, you need to clean the metal before the installation begins to prevent damage or accidental staining. The following are some cleaning practices to observe before the installation:
- Covering the surfaces with light oil
- Removing the wet product that tainted it before drying and washing with water
- Using a plastic or wooden scraper to take off dry mortar or paint from the aluminum
Bottom Line
There are many reasons why aluminum has several industrial uses. This metal has been a popular material for industrial, engineering, construction, and other relevant projects due to its flexibility, electrical and thermal conductivity, reflectivity, recyclability, and other features.
However, if you want to take advantage of this material, you need to handle it properly. To do this, you need to keep these tips in mind to ensure proper and safe handling from start to finish.