METALWORK. ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
Metal carpentry is an ancient profession that has become more important today. We all know traditional carpentry, which consists of the manufacture of furniture, architectural and structural elements using the different types of wood that exist in nature. However, thinking about carpentry without wood can become confusing, although with a good explanation it ceases to be so. In fact, we see metalwork everywhere. For example, below you have 3 categories of products that we offer and that are considered metalwork:
ALUMINUM DOORS AND WINDOWS
MODULAR RAILINGS
ALUMINUM LOUVERS
In this post, we are going to learn what metalwork is, where it comes from, what advantages it offers, what types exist and much more. So without further ado, let’s start with its definition:
WHAT IS METALWORK?
Metal carpentry is a profession in which metals are used for the manufacture of decorative, construction, structural elements and almost any type of product. Viewed in a general way, it could be called metal work, but the carpentry label was ingrained in the name due to its origin.
When humanity discovered the potential of metals and alloys at an architectural, structural and even ornamental level, products made of wood began to be made with metals. The doors and windows were the first to receive this change in material, so many people who previously worked in door and window carpentry began to manufacture them mainly in aluminum and adopted the name of metal carpenters.
WHAT ADVANTAGES DOES METALWORK OFFER?
The advantages of working with metals are many and more if we make the comparison with wood. Thanks to this, people adopted these new materials that at the moment are still in force and on the rise. Among the most important advantages are:
– Greater durability and resistance are achieved in the manufactured products. The properties of metals and alloys are high compared to wood. Among the properties to highlight are resistance to impact, wear, mechanical, physical and chemical properties, among others. These factors make the products last longer and do not require replacement in the short and medium term.
– There is lower production cost of the raw material. As contradictory as it may seem, obtaining abundant metals entails a lower economic cost than that generated by wood. Although it is true that metals such as aluminum are expensive to obtain, its recyclability allows it to keep total production costs low.
– Reduction of pollution as metals and alloys are mostly recyclable materials. Once the wood has been felled and used, it begins its process of wear and tear and decomposition. Let’s remember that the treatments applied to wood can delay or slow down wear, but in the end we are talking about organic materials. The advantage of recycling a metal lies mainly in not having to extract raw material again. To this we add (for cases such as aluminum) the low energy expenditure required for recycling, which contributes greatly to caring for the environment.
– Allows the manufacture of varied products with high quality designs. The generation of optimized profiles allows doors and windows to be lighter and stronger every day, without sacrificing attractiveness. The same goes for railings, bars, structures and any element made of metals or alloys.
TYPES OF METALWORKS
1- Metallic carpentry with aluminum
Aluminum is currently one of the most versatile and attractive materials. It is used in the construction and manufacture of profiles and products of all kinds. This popularity is largely due to its characteristics, among which the following stand out:
Its abundance in nature, as it is found in almost the entire earth’s crust. An almost perfect recycling capacity where the secondary or reused aluminum does not lose properties. It does not require complicated processes for its extraction, although it is expensive, but at the same time it requires minimal energy expenditure for its recycling. The ability to alloy with other elements is high and allows the generation of alloys with highly desired mechanical, physical and chemical properties at a commercial and industrial level.
For all these reasons, aluminum carpentry is used in the manufacture of all kinds of products. The following stand out: ceilings, doors, windows, awnings, frames, curtain wall, green house, louvers, among others.
2- Metal carpentry with iron
Iron carpentry currently has a varied field of application that depends on the conditions in which the product is going to be used. Iron may require extra surface treatments and coatings that a stainless steel or aluminum alloy does not by default. But this does not represent a problem, since at a decorative level, iron is still a commercial reference. This is mainly used in the manufacture of products such as railings, structures, doors, handrails, bars, among others.
3- Metallic carpentry with stainless steel
This is the most identifiable type of carpentry along with aluminum. The properties of this material make it ideal for any type of project that requires durability, resistance and easy cleaning and maintenance.
Stainless steel is as such an alloy based on steel and various proportions of elements such as nickel, chrome or zinc. It is available in a variety of finishes and almost any product can be manufactured with it.
It is mainly used in the manufacture of products such as railings, structures, doors, handrails, bars, among others.
4- PVC carpentry
Products for home carpentry and buildings made of PVC are an interesting option to consider. Although they are not metalwork as such, they are used to make windows and large windows. They contribute to energy savings in acclimatized spaces, allow thermal and noise insulation. It is mainly used in the manufacture of products for interiors and exteriors.
Determining whether PVC carpentry is better than metal carpentry or even traditional carpentry depends on many factors. The budget, the environmental conditions, the location of the product, everything influences the decision. It is up to the manufacturer to select the material that ensures greater durability and that does not lose its surface finish over time.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ALUMINUM CARPENTRY
The importance in the use of aluminum carpentry revolves around the current demand for modern and durable products that are as friendly to the environment as possible. Every day that passes, engineering and construction professionals seek to create products that pollute less, last longer and are recyclable. All of the above without losing good appearance in the finishes or increases in production costs.
Although wood is a consolidated material from an aesthetic point of view, it does not have the advantage of recycling or durability. It is much easier for an aluminum window to withstand an adverse climate than for a wooden one. On the other hand, current manufacturing processes require malleable materials that can be treated in various ways to obtain optimal results. With wood we have the artist, the master working on it, but there is not the same versatility as with metal.
WHAT SHOULD A PROFESSIONAL KNOW IN ALUMINUM CARPENTRY?
First of all, a professional who is dedicated to aluminum carpentry must be able to manufacture products demanded at a residential and commercial level. From doors and windows, to large assemblies such as curtain walls, green houses and other products that require aluminum profiles. To carry out these tasks successfully, you need to know the systems, installation methods, dimensional limitations, among other factors.
Regardless of whether you are an engineer, architect, technician or a self-taught professional, you need a number of skills for this type of work. Among the most important are the interpretation of plans, work with different materials, the construction of metal structures, etc.
You must also know how to work with metal sheets, profiles and pipes, welding of steel and aluminum elements, interpretation of metal carpentry plans and construction works.
MAIN TOOLS USED IN ALUMINUM CARPENTRY
As in any manufacturing process, there are various tools used when treating metal. Depending on the type of metal they can vary and also depending on the professional. In the case of aluminum carpentry, the most relevant tools are the following: Saws, copiers, routers, end mills, air compressors, dies, conveyors, among others.
Talking about the tools and breaking down the operation and correct use of them, gives for a specific entry. There are many factors to take into account and it is not only about knowing the tools, but also about getting the most out of them when manufacturing a product.
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