The Use Of Aluminum In Boxes
Publish date: June 30, 2011 8:49 am
Introduction to Aluminum Boxes
Aluminum is a metallic element used in various and domestic and industrial appliances. It is a very common element found on the earth’s crust and is silvery white and quite light. It can be blended easily to form alloys. It is used in paints, construction, cooking utensils, and as boxes in packaging, among other uses. It is also used in the packaging industry in the form of foils.
Aluminum has to be first cast into sheet metals and then it can be cut and bent to form a variety of designs and shapes. The thickness of the sheet can vary. The thin sheets are used in the packaging industry as aluminum foil, whereas the ones that are thicker than 6 mm are known as aluminum plates, from which the boxes and other items are made.
The sheet metal of aluminum is available as flat pieces or in the form of a strip that is coiled. The metal is then subjected to cutting either with hand tools or by laser cutting. Perforating is also done for cutting the sheet aluminum. It is then bent into the required shape with a press brake that contains a punch which presses the aluminum sheet metal into the die and causes it to bend.
The common method used for bending is the air bending. A series of bends can be made of high accuracy with advanced machines and even a perfect 90 degree bend can be made with the right position and pressure. A punch is then used to make holes and depressions.
Why is Aluminum used for boxes?
Aluminum is used in boxes or cans because it does not corrode easily, and is also malleable. This makes it easy to manufacture aluminum boxes of different shapes. Aluminum is also advantageous to use, when compared to steel boxes, because it is lighter than steel. Additionally, the cost is also less. Aluminum when used in cans can be easily opened, whereas steel being stronger, is more difficult to pierce and open. It does not rust and is quite easy to maintain and keep clean.
Aluminum can also be recycled and many cans are made of recycled aluminum. The commercially used aluminum is weather resistant and also very ductile and hence easy for deep drawing and also can be welded to make boxes. IT is also resistant to corrosion and has a higher resale value than steel.
Types of Aluminum Boxes
The common aluminum boxes are the soup tin and the tuna tin. Some of the boxes are made with ribbed pattern. This is done in order to strengthen and stiffen the material, so that the box can resist dents and splitting. There are different sizes of aluminum boxes used as cases, tool case, and instrument case and so on. Some of the aluminum boxes are ideal as a gun box and others are used for the personal computer. Aluminum boxes also come in the form of travel case and as cosmetic cases. CD cases are also formed of aluminum boxes. Other types of aluminum boxes include the dressing box and the briefcase and boxes for holding musical instruments, such as the saxophone aluminum box.
Aluminum Strength
Aluminum is quite strong and durable. It is available in various grades and the greater the grade number, the stronger is the aluminum sheet. Aluminum weighs less than steel but the overall strength of aluminum boxes is greater and it also does not dent as easily as steel. It can very easily resist distortion and hence, it is considered to be a very efficient material, as it provides the same measure of stiffness with a lesser weight. Aluminum is also less plastic in nature and therefore more resistant and rigid in its structure.
Storage and Use Recommendations
Aluminum is not very abrasion resistant and hence it should be protected from too many scratches, as this might spoil the look of the aluminum box. You would also like to keep your aluminum box looking shiny for a long time. You can wash the box with warm soapy water in order to get rid of any dirt. Wash aluminum boxes gently and never put them into a dishwasher.
This might end up in scratching them and even damaging them. Use a soft cloth to wipe the aluminum boxes. Don’t use abrasive pads that can cause scratches on them. Finally rinse and clean with chamois leather. Always use only a mild detergent. For stubborn stains, you can use a mix of water and 10% alcohol.
Don’t expose your aluminum boxes to too much of dost and hot particles. Effective and regular cleaning is very important in order to avoid salt deposits. It should also not be exposed to harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. If left untended for too long, then hazardous materials can start building up on the surface of the aluminum boxes and give it an ugly appearance with spots. Don’t ever dry dust the boxes, as this might result in scratching.
