Aluminium Use Within The Transport Sector

Did you know that more than a quarter of aluminium is used to create products within the transport sector? The likes of aeroplanes, cars, buses, coaches, lorries and bicycles are all composed mostly of aluminium meaning the metal shapes much of the world around us.

Here at ABS, our aluminium work spans facades, shopfronts, windows, commercial bodybuilding, office furniture and screens, architectural metalwork and general engineering. To shed light on this most amazing of material, here is an overview of its use within the transport sector.

Aluminium is used throughout the transport industry for a number of reasons. Offering a wide range of benefits, aluminium can be found in aircraft, automotive, road and railway works. Here are just a few advantages of aluminium for the transport sector.

Imagine the outcome if an aeroplane’s construction meant it was too heavy to take flight, or if a car was so weighed down the engine struggled to power it. These are in fact plausible scenarios if the initial material cannot be supported by the mechanics of the vehicle. Even if the mechanics could lift the weight, the fuel consumption would be far more excessive than is necessary. 

Due to the fact aluminium is lightweight, especially compared with steel, it means it can be used within the transport sector without providing a weight issue, which may put a strain on other parts of the vehicle or the engine instead. Instead, aluminium is one of the lightest metals available especially for widespread commercial use.

The nature of transport is that it needs to be tough and reliable to provide not only safety for passengers or users but also value for money. Aluminium offers the unique aspect of being super strong while also being lightweight, meaning as mentioned above, its low weight makes it versatile but its strength means it doesn’t lose integrity. 

If the material wasn’t strong, then it would be prone to bending, cracking and breaking. In a transport environment, this would be a disaster, seen as we rely on transport to provide a safe option. There’s no such concern with aluminium, which comes in various different grades so that the user requirements can always be met.

Vehicles require components of various shapes and sizes in order to function properly. Therefore, the material used to make each piece must be malleable in line with the manufacturer’s requirements. From circular alloy wheels to the body of an aircraft, aluminium can keep up with ease. 

In addition, aluminium forming and bending allow for custom pieces to be made that are all one piece, rather than individual components fixed together. This allows for the strength of the piece to be maintained, regardless of the type of transport option being built. 

Aluminium is extremely easy to recycle when it comes to the end of its lifespan in whatever format it takes. Given the transport industry is the biggest consumer of aluminium, its sustainability is a huge plus. Otherwise, the waste generated would be a real issue for manufacturers and the wider planet alike.

Combined with the fact that electric vehicles will soon become mainstream, aluminium looks even more attractive where eco-friendliness is concerned. If the wider materials of the vehicle can be made as sustainable as possible, using the least amount of energy possible to do so, then this will be a huge step forward in tackling the climate crisis. 

Aluminium Bending Specialists is UK’s premier aluminium extrusion and non-ferrous sectioning bending company. 

If you would like any further help or guidance on aluminium bending for your project then we’re here to help. We are based in Nottinghamshire but work with clients from across the UK and Ireland. 

Please get in touch either by dropping us an email or giving us a call on 01623 721 172.