Aluminum Fabrication · Miami Gardens, Florida
Aluminum Fabrication
5052, 6061, 3003 and 2024 aluminum cut, formed, welded and finished by one shop. Fiber lasers cut aluminum to 5/8 in., our welders are qualified to AWS D1.2, and parts ship anodized, chem filmed or powder coated.
Overview
Aluminum Sheet Metal Fabrication Done Right
Aluminum is light, corrosion resistant and easy to finish, which is why so many enclosures, chassis and brackets are made from it. It is also reflective under a laser, soft enough to scratch, and quick to crack if the wrong alloy is bent too tight. Our aluminum fabrication is built on fiber lasers that handle the reflectivity, forming experience with each alloy and temper, and welders qualified specifically on aluminum.
All of it runs under our AS9100 Rev D and ISO 9001:2015 quality system. For cutting detail see aluminum laser cutting.
Alloys
Aluminum Alloys We Fabricate
| Alloy | Where It Is Used |
|---|---|
| 5052-H32 | The sheet metal workhorse. Forms well, welds well, resists corrosion. Enclosures, chassis, panels, marine parts. |
| 6061-T6 | Stronger and machinable. Brackets, plates, frames and machined features. Needs larger bend radii than 5052. |
| 3003 | Very formable general-purpose alloy for covers, ducting and deep forms. |
| 2024 | High-strength aerospace alloy for aircraft brackets and skins. |
Not sure which to call out? Read 5052 vs 6061 aluminum for sheet metal. The short version: if the part has bends, start with 5052.
Processes
How We Fabricate Aluminum
Five amada lasers (one ventis 4 kw fiber, three ensis 3 kw fiber and one co2) on 5 x 10 ft tables, with nitrogen from three on-site generators for clean, dross-free edges. Aluminum to 5/8 in., ±0.005 in.
Amada AE 2610NT turret punch to 1/4 in. aluminum for louvers, embosses and hole patterns; nine Amada press brakes to 240 tons and 14 ft; plate rollers to 7 ft.
TIG and MIG aluminum welding with a qualified AWS D1.2 procedure on 6061-T6 (ER4043) and GTAW qualifications on 5052, plus fiber laser welding for thin sheet with low distortion. Welding services.
Milled pockets, tapped holes, countersinks and counterbores on the Mazak machining center. CNC machining.
Self-clinching nuts, studs and standoffs for aluminum installed on four Haeger presses. Hardware insertion.
Wet deburring, grained or blasted surfaces, anodize, chem film (chromate conversion), powder coat, paint and laser marking. Finishing.
What We Build
Aluminum Parts and Assemblies
- Enclosures and chassis: electronics housings, rackmount chassis, covers and front panels. See chassis fabrication.
- Robotics and automation: frames, guards, mounts and sensor brackets. See robotics.
- Aerospace and defense: brackets, panels and welded assemblies with AS9102 first articles. See aerospace.
- Lighting and architectural: fixture housings, reflectors, panels and trim. See lighting.
- Marine and transportation: lightweight corrosion-resistant brackets, boxes and panels.
Design Notes
Design Tips for Aluminum Parts
- Match alloy to forming. 6061-T6 cracks on tight bends; use 5052-H32 for formed parts or open up the radius.
- Plan the finish. Anodize shows every scratch and weld; chem film is conductive; powder coat adds thickness to hole sizes and mating faces.
- Welded 6061 loses strength in the heat-affected zone. If the weld is structural, tell us the load path.
- Grain direction matters for cosmetic anodized faces and for bends parallel to the grain.
More in the DFM guide and the finish comparison.
Straight Talk
Where MJM Is Not the Right Fit
We do not make extrusions or castings, and we are not a high-volume machine shop for parts hogged from billet. Aluminum plate over 5/8 in. is beyond our lasers.
We are the right shop for aluminum sheet and plate parts that need cutting, forming, welding, hardware and a finished surface, in quantities from one to production.
FAQ
Aluminum Fabrication Questions
What aluminum alloys does MJM fabricate?
MJM fabricates 5052, 6061, 3003 and 2024 aluminum sheet and plate, with US-sourced material and mill certifications.
How thick can MJM laser cut aluminum?
Up to 5/8 in. (0.625 in.) on Amada fiber lasers with nitrogen assist, at a typical tolerance of ±0.005 in.
Is MJM qualified to weld aluminum?
Yes. MJM welds aluminum to AWS D1.2, the Structural Welding Code for Aluminum, with a qualified GMAW procedure on 6061-T6 and welder qualifications witnessed by an AWS Certified Welding Inspector. Aerospace aluminum welding is performed to AWS D17.1.
Should I use 5052 or 6061 aluminum for a sheet metal part?
For parts with bends, 5052-H32 is usually the better choice because it forms without cracking. 6061-T6 is stronger and machines well but needs larger bend radii.
Can aluminum parts be anodized or powder coated?
Yes. MJM delivers aluminum parts anodized, chem filmed, powder coated or painted, with hardware installed and laser marking if required.
Is there a minimum order for aluminum fabrication?
No. MJM builds one-piece prototypes through production runs and returns quotes in 24 to 48 hours.
Related
Related Services
- Aluminum Laser Cutting: grades, thickness and edge quality.
- 5052 vs 6061 Aluminum: which alloy to call out for a formed part.
- Welding Services: fiber laser, TIG, MIG and spot welding to AWS D17.1, D1.1, D1.2 and D9.1M.
- Metal Finishing and Powder Coating: powder coat, anodize, chem film, passivation and plating on one PO.
- Stainless Steel Fabrication: 304 and 316 cut, formed, welded and finished.
- Custom Metal Fabrication: the full shop under one roof.
- Sheet Metal Materials: every metal and gauge we process.
Send Us Your Aluminum Drawings
STEP files and PDF drawings to sales@mjmmfg.com or (305) 620-2020. Quotes in 24 to 48 hours.
