Aluminum Fabrication
Why Aluminum Is the Right Material for the Job
Aluminum earns its place on the shop floor because it does more with less material. It’s light, it resists corrosion on its own thanks to the oxide layer that forms across its surface, and it holds up in demanding environments without the weight penalty of steel. That combination is why we see aluminum specified across marine hulls and hardware, automotive brackets and body panels, and aerospace components where every gram matters. We work with aluminum every day and understand how its properties change the way we cut, form, and weld it compared to steel or stainless.
Aluminum Fabrication Services
Our aluminum fabrication capabilities cover a project from raw stock to finished part:
- Aluminum cutting, bending, and shaping
- CNC machining and CNC plasma cutting of aluminum parts
- Welding and assembly
- Surface finishing and polishing
- Custom aluminum fabrication built to your specifications
We size our approach to the job in front of us, whether that’s a single custom part built from a sketch or a longer production run.
Available Aluminum Materials
We stock and work with a range of aluminum forms to match the strength, weldability, and finish each project calls for:
- Aluminum sheets
- Aluminum plates
- Aluminum profiles
- Aluminum extrusions
Most of what comes through our shop falls into the 5000 series or 6000 series alloys. The 5000 series (aluminum-magnesium) welds cleanly and resists corrosion well, which is why we lean on it for marine parts and anything that needs to hold up outdoors. The 6000 series (aluminum-magnesium-silicon) machines and extrudes more easily, so it’s our go-to for structural components, brackets, and framing. Tell us what the part needs to do, and we’ll help you land on the right alloy.
Our Aluminum Fabrication Process, Step by Step
Every aluminum fabrication job we take on runs through the same core stages, adjusted for the part:
- Design and planning: we review your drawings, sketches, or design intent and confirm the alloy, gauge, and finish before anything gets cut.
- Cutting and shaping: we cut aluminum to size with CNC plasma cutting and CNC routing, then bend and form it on our brake presses to the tolerances the part needs.
- Welding: when a part needs to be joined, our welders use TIG and MIG aluminum welding to build strong, clean joints, whether that’s a marine bracket, an automotive component, or a one-off structural piece.
- Finishing: we sand and polish the finished part so it’s ready to install or move to the next stage of your project.
This process holds up whether we’re building a single aluminum part for a prototype or fabricating components for a marine, automotive, or aerospace application that needs to perform under real-world conditions.
Aluminum Fabrication From LWS Manufacturing & Welding
We’ve been fabricating aluminum, steel, and stainless steel for the Lower Mainland since 1983, and our team brings more than 100 years of combined experience to every project that comes through the shop. Whether you need one custom aluminum part, a run of production components, or welding on an assembly that’s already underway, we have the equipment and the hands-on expertise to get it done. Contact us today to talk through your aluminum fabrication project and get a plan in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What alloys of aluminum do you fabricate?
We most commonly work with 5000 series (aluminum-magnesium) and 6000 series (aluminum-magnesium-silicon) alloys. The 5000 series suits parts that need strong corrosion resistance and weldability, while the 6000 series suits structural and extruded components.
What thickness of aluminum can you cut?
Our CNC plasma cutting equipment handles aluminum up to 1 inch thick, and our CNC router adds precision cutting for thinner aluminum stock and plastics. On the alloy side, we regularly fabricate 5000 series and 6000 series aluminum, covering the sheet, plate, profile, and extrusion forms most projects call for. If you’re not sure which alloy or gauge fits your application, bring us your drawing or sample part, and we’ll spec it out with you.
Do you fabricate custom, one-off aluminum parts or only production runs?
Both. We build custom aluminum fabrication to your specifications, whether that’s a single prototype part or an ongoing production run.
Can aluminum be welded the same way as steel?
No. Aluminum conducts heat differently than steel and needs different welding techniques and settings. Our welders use TIG and MIG aluminum welding suited to the alloy and thickness in front of them.
Does aluminum need extra corrosion protection?
Aluminum forms a natural oxide layer that protects it from corrosion, which is part of why it’s a common choice for marine and outdoor applications. We can still sand and polish a part for a specific finish.
What industries use the aluminum parts you fabricate?
We fabricate aluminum for marine, automotive, aerospace, and general industrial and construction projects, along with custom parts for shops and contractors across the Lower Mainland.
Do you need an engineered drawing to start a project?
Not necessarily. We can work from a finished engineering drawing or a rough sketch of what you need built.
Our team is ready to answer all your questions
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