Why Choose Aluminum Extrusions for Saltwater Exposure
Designing and engineering structures that will be used at sea or exposed to saltwater is a challenge. Because of its salinity, sea water is especially vulnerable to corrosion which means that materials tend to break down or degrade at a faster rate than in other applications. To protect the longevity of your investment, choosing durable materials like custom aluminum extrusions for the marine industry is vital. Due to the prominence of marine related business and materials, aluminum extrusions in Florida are a popular choice for boats, fishing supplies, docs, marinas, and other items essential to ocean-centric business.
Read on to learn why custom aluminum extrusions in Florida are the leading choice for exposure to saltwater.
Superior Corrosion Resistance
Unlike ferrous metals like steel and iron, aluminum doesn’t rust. Instead of corrosion when exposed to moisture and oxygen, custom aluminum extrusions form a layer of aluminum oxide which acts as an additional protective coating against corrosion, increasing longevity, even in saltwater environments. The aluminum oxide creates a secondary layer over the aluminum extrusions, preventing the saltwater from permeating the surface and reaching hte underluing metal.
Lightweight and High Strength
In many cases, aluminum extrusions in Florida will be used to support large scale infrastructure and heavy weight loads. Used in boats, shipping containers, and more applications on the water, aluminum’s lightweight nature facilitates transportation and maneuverability. Despite being lightweight, aluminum boasts an excellent strength-to-weight ratio that offers impressive durability, longevity, and structural integrity, making it a practical choice for large projects on the sea where they can be exposed to harsh conditions.
Design Flexibility
Aluminum extrusions offer unparalleled design flexibility, allowing for the creation of complex shapes and profiles. This versatility enables engineers and designers to develop custom solutions tailored to specific saltwater applications. Whether it's building structural components for marine vessels, offshore platforms, or coastal infrastructure, aluminum extrusions can be easily fabricated and integrated into diverse designs, ensuring optimal performance and functionality.
Low Maintenance and Longevity
Saltwater environments demand materials that can withstand the harsh conditions and require minimal maintenance. Aluminum extrusions excel in this aspect, as they are highly resistant to corrosion, do not rust, and are virtually maintenance-free. Unlike steel or other metals, aluminum extrusions do not need regular painting or coatings to protect against saltwater exposure. Their inherent durability ensures a long service life, reducing maintenance costs and downtime associated with repairs or replacements.
Environmentally Friendly
Aluminum is a highly sustainable and environmentally friendly material. It is 100% recyclable without any loss of quality, allowing for a closed-loop recycling process. Choosing aluminum extrusions for saltwater exposure contributes to reducing the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and construction. Moreover, aluminum's long lifespan means less material waste over time, making it an eco-conscious choice for projects that prioritize sustainability.
Order Your Custom Aluminum Extrusions in Florida
When confronted with saltwater exposure, choosing the right materials is critical to ensure long-term durability and performance. Aluminum extrusions offer a range of advantages that make them an excellent choice for such environmentsBy selecting aluminum extrusions, with OD Metals, you can have confidence in the reliability, longevity, and efficiency of your saltwater-exposed structures or products, allowing them to withstand the challenging conditions and deliver optimal results for years to come.