In general, forging describes a type of metal forming process in which a workpiece is shaped using compressive forces, such as from the blows of a hammer. Upset forging involves compressing the length of the metal to increase its diameter, … Read More

Cold spraying is a technique that is prolonging the life of many high performance aluminum parts.  Durability is one of the advantages of aluminum but even the most resilient alloys are subject to wear and damage. A relatively recent development, … Read More

Aluminum has been an integral material in cars, trucks and other vehicles throughout their history, but it’s still surprising to learn about how new electric vehicles are so dependent on aluminum alloys.  It just goes to show that even after … Read More

THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EXTRUDED ALUMINUM BAR AND COLD FINISHED ALUMINUM BAR Although they are often produced as the same grade of material, there are many differences between extruded aluminum bar and cold finished aluminum bar.  Both share the major benefits … Read More

Many manufacturing companies’ expertise lies in design, materials, and manufacturing processes rather than economic trends and forecasts.  When it comes to understanding economic factors or predicting industry trends, dependable and unbiased information sources are critical.  The Purchasing Manager’s Index, or … Read More

Aluminum and stainless steel alloys come in a variety of standard product forms, strip and sheet being among them.  For those less familiar with the industry vernacular of aluminum and stainless steel, there is a difference between strip and sheet. … Read More

There have been several reports spotlighting the global aluminum can shortage in recent years.  While such a news item is sure to create headlines, the truth of the matter is complicated, and the situation may impact other industries relying on … Read More

The Importance of Safety in the Manufacturing Workplace With so many things that manufacturers need to worry about given the current economic environment, whether it’s cutting costs, international trade tariffs, materials shortages or COVID-19 shutdowns, it’s easy to forget about … Read More

Sometimes the standard grades of metal just aren’t enough to handle some of the harshest environments.  When manufacturers are faced with the challenges posed by excessive temperatures, severe corrosion, or other difficult obstacles, they must turn to special high-performance alloys … Read More

One option among metal fabrication methods is the press brake machine.  Powered press brakes have been around for almost a century, though manually operated brakes were first invented several decades earlier.  The press brake is a great tool for bending … Read More

An important aspect of any part’s design and maintenance is the component’s resistance to wear.  Adhesive wear is the product of two metal surfaces being rubbed together.  Under a sufficient load, this will penetrate the oxide film on the surface … Read More

There are many options to choose from regarding welding techniques: MIG, TIG, arc and laser are just a few.  Friction welding has been a recent addition to the field of welding technologies available, and it has been gaining in popularity … Read More

Ultrasonic testing (or USI, ultrasonic inspection) is one of the best ways to ensure that aluminum plate and other materials meet certain thresholds of material integrity.  It exposes hidden flaws and imperfections that would have otherwise gone undetected. What is … Read More

Cold spraying is a technique that is prolonging the life of many high performance aluminum parts.  Durability is one of the advantages of aluminum but even the most resilient alloys are subject to wear and damage. A relatively recent development, … Read More

When specifying aluminum, how to process the material into the desired part reliably and cost-effectively is an important consideration.  Cold forming is one of the methods manufacturers employ to achieve this goal.  While there are a few options when it … Read More

Stainless steel has become indispensable in countless different industries over the past one hundred years.  Since its inception in the early 20th century, metallurgists and material scientists have continued to develop new stainless steel alloys that perform better than industry … Read More

Corrosion resistance is one of the foremost benefits of aluminum, as evidenced by its tremendous popularity among manufacturers and product designers.   It’s important to recognize that each family of aluminum alloys offers varying degrees of corrosion protection. Aluminum, despite only … Read More

Machinability is roughly defined as how easy it is to cut a particular kind of metal.  If a metal is easy to machine, it will require low power and will cut quickly without excessive wear of the cutting tool.  There … Read More

Most people don’t put much thought into where aluminum comes from, but it’s something that manufacturers, fabricators, designers and consumers of aluminum products should give some thought to.  That’s because the global supply of raw aluminum has a direct impact … Read More

Aluminum has dramatically impacted the way manufacturers design and build their products since its introduction over a century ago.  It’s combination of strength, light weight, versatility and corrosion resistance make it a cost effective choice for any industry. No material … Read More

Aluminum and its many alloys have transformed the way we build, move, and communicate.  It’s nearly impossible to name an industry that hasn’t been impacted in the past century by the introduction of aluminum alloys. There is a certain paradox … Read More

As manufacturing look towards the future, there’s no doubt that automation is one of the key technologies that is transforming the way industries operate.  From the AI revolution to self-driving cars to robotic manufacturing lines, what all these different provinces … Read More

When it comes to our national defense, aluminum alloys have an important role to play. From the rockets and aircraft protecting our skies, to the armor plating of tanks and transport vehicles, aluminum has been a critical component of our … Read More

Aluminum may not be the first metal a person thinks of when someone mentions armor plating, but with the recent advances in high performance aluminum alloys, more and more manufacturers are turning to aluminum for their armor plating needs. Aluminum … Read More

The US manufacturing economy has seen resounding growth in the first quarter of 2021.  The Institute for Supply Management reported in early April that the index of national manufacturing activity jumped from 60.8 in February to 64.7 in March.  An … Read More

Aluminum is one of the most prevalent and widely used metals in the industrial world, but most people don’t think about where it comes from.  It may come as a surprise to realize that aluminum is the most abundant metal … Read More

Any manufacturer that produces plastic bottles, or any other hollow plastic container, is familiar with their common production methods.  The most likely method is a technique known as blow molding, and there are several processes by which it is accomplished. … Read More

One part of the injection mold manufacturing process that frequently gets overlooked is texturing.  It’s important to realize that any part made from an injection mold will naturally take on the texture of the mold surface, and this natural texture … Read More

One aspect of procuring and fabricating stainless steel sheet that often gets overlooked is what finish to specify.  Having the proper finish on your stainless steel product will go a long way to ensuring the long-term effectiveness and durability of … Read More

A waterjet cutter is a versatile industrial tool that can perform cuts on a wide variety of metals and other materials.  It works by directing a high-pressure jet of water flowing at such high velocity it cuts through the metal … Read More

Stamping is an invaluable process for many manufacturers.  It shapes metal sheet into a wide variety of parts in a consistent manner.  It grants producers a highly specific method of controlling the production process, and because of the many options … Read More

The London Metal Exchange and Midwest Spot Aluminum Ingot Pricing Mechanisms The price of aluminum is in constant flux, and this has a great deal to do with the London Metal Exchange and its correlation to Midwest spot aluminum ingot … Read More

Although the manufacture of aluminum is itself an energy-intense process, many do not realize the role aluminum plays in the power grid and power generation industries.  It turns out that aluminum has many attributes that make it an essential material … Read More

Informed manufacturers understand the benefit of knowing about the full variety of stress relieving processes available for aluminum alloys.  Having a stable, durable aluminum product able to withstand stresses is a requirement no matter what industry is being discussed.  That’s … Read More

The decision to procure near-net material shapes has several advantages, primary among them cutting down on machining costs.  There are many choices to consider; casting, forging, sintered or additive manufacturing are just s few.  It turns out there is no … Read More

The Differences Between Extruded Aluminum Bar and Cold Finished Aluminum Bar Although they are often produced as the same grade of material, there are many differences between extruded aluminum bar and cold finished aluminum bar.  Both share the major benefits … Read More

It’s been several months since the Covid-19 pandemic began; one may wonder whether aluminum has any benefits that can make it useful in the fight against the virus, as well as how the industry is being forced to adjust to … Read More

What are the standard sizes for stainless steel pipe?  What does schedule mean, and why is it used when talking about pipe sizes?  These questions and more will be examined in today’s post. Stainless steel offers several advantages over other … Read More

By Donald R. (Don) Shrader, VP, American Quality Molds, Richmond, IN Reprinted with permission from:  https://www.moldmakingtechnology.com/articles/comparing-3d-printed-conformal-cooled-steel-molds-to-aluminum-molds ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING ENABLES BETTER CONFORMAL COOLING Additive Manufacturing (AM, also known as 3D Printing among other names) has made great strides in the last few … Read More

There are a lot of aluminum alloys to choose from for extrusion applications, with 6063 and 6061 being among the most popular.  So how can one know which alloy is best for a particular use case scenario?  While there is … Read More

When working with aluminum extrusions, it’s important to understand the differences between seamless and structural extrusions.  Manufacturers and designers are tasked with fulfilling material requirements without sacrificing quality and they need to rely on their supply streams.  Aluminum extrusions have … Read More

Selecting the right aluminum alloy is a crucial step in planning the manufacturing process. Each grade has its own unique characteristics and responds to stress and environmental conditions according to its chemistry and mechanical properties.  It’s important for designers and … Read More

With aluminum being such an indispensable part of our lives, it might seem like this wonder metal has always been around. The truth is that aluminum’s use in manufacturing and industry has a short history, barely more than a century. … Read More

When you think of aluminum, the first thing that comes to mind is probably not chemical storage tanks.  The beauty of aluminum is that it is so versatile that there are countless applications most people are unaware of.  While we … Read More

Aluminum is an amazing metal, one that has had a transformative effect on just about every industry in our global economy. This is especially true of transportation; if you’re using a vehicle to get from one place to another aluminum … Read More

Aluminum may not be the first material that comes to mind when the subject of firearms comes up, but it has had significant impact on how modern guns are designed and built.  Aluminum has many advantages that make it perfect … Read More

We often have customers inquire about our ISO Certification.  There are several different certifications for the aerospace, medical, automotive and petrochemical industries; to name a few.  Unfortunately, not all industry certifications are created equal.  ISO is probably the most prevalent … Read More

Many people wonder what happens to aluminum at extremely cold temperatures.  The branch of physics known as cryogenics looks at physical properties of materials at low temperature.  This is an important area for many industries, where it is essential that … Read More

One area in the aluminum industry that doesn’t get enough attention is vacuum chambers and semiconductors.  These technically advanced fields have rigid material specifications and only certain grades are suitable.  Aluminum, with its many benefits and high performance, is a … Read More

Precipitation hardenable (PH) stainless steels are one of the most popular types of stainless steel alloys in use today, but they are often not as well known as the austenitic and ferritic categories.  In fact, while some people refer to … Read More

Aluminum is one of the most popular materials in use today, and that’s why the countries that use the most aluminum are among the largest and most developed nations in the world.  In fact, aluminum is such a ubiquitous metal … Read More

Manufacturers need to be well versed in the properties of the various materials they work with, including stainless steel.  It’s important to know how metals will respond to the different conditions they will be exposed to in their operating environments.  … Read More

Large diameter aluminum bar has many applications in today’s manufacturing marketplace.  A variety of industries including aerospace, semiconductor, tire manufacturing, defense and foundry markets have requirements specifying large sections of round aluminum alloys for critical programs. The material supply stream … Read More

Aluminum is one of the modern world’s most versatile and widely used materials. Thanks to advances in premium alloys that have been developed to meet a host of needs, our entire manufacturing base has been impacted by aluminum in some … Read More

Plastic bottles have become common sights at grocery and convenience stores.  In fact, over the past couple of decades, the growth in plastic has been so dramatic you might think that eventually plastic will completely replace aluminum beverage cans.  Not … Read More

The medical and health care industries have been getting a lot of attention recently, and for good reason. With everything that’s going on in the world, it’s more important than ever to have an efficient, reliable and affordable supply chain … Read More

Aluminum has had a long tradition of being a key material in the making of furniture. This should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with this amazing metal. Ever since it first became commercially viable in the early 20th … Read More

When discussing aluminum and how it has impacted the United States military, it is hard to know where to begin. Since aluminum first became commercially viable in the early 20th century, it has been used by the military in a … Read More

Aluminum is an extremely versatile metal, so it is no wonder that it is a commonly used for heat sink applications. The transfer of heat in order to cool a device or maintain a certain temperature is an important property … Read More

The people that tend to be most interested in aluminum are manufacturers and engineers. Although aluminum has amazing mechanical properties that make it a prized material for all kinds of products and modern designs, the real wonders of this indispensible … Read More

Aluminum is an amazing material that has impacted nearly every major industry over the past century. That includes the medical industry and the many devices that are transforming healthcare as we know it. Thanks to aluminum, people all over the … Read More

Steel has been an important part of human progress for thousands of years, but throughout most of that time, this strong and versatile metal had a fundamental weakness: its tendency to corrode. It was only in the last century that … Read More

Aluminum has been transformative for too many industries to name, but one that people don’t often consider is automobile racing. This may be because if fans of auto racing are asked about what materials are most important to their sport, … Read More

We often get asked about the difference between wrought and cast aluminum products; this is an important distinction that must be made before purchasing aluminum. In today’s post, we’ll look at these differences and discuss the nature of wrought aluminum … Read More

One of the major attributes of many metals is the ability to conduct electricity, and aluminum is one of the best performers in this application. As an electrical conductor, few materials can rival aluminum. That’s why so many industries and … Read More

Aluminum has been instrumental in transforming any number of industries. This amazing metal has positively impacted sectors such as automotive, food and beverage, medical supplies, architecture, consumer electronics and more. There may not be any industry more closely identified with … Read More

Aluminum is one of the most common metals in use today. I’m not just talking about the widespread use of aluminum in everyday items, such as beverage cans, computers, golf clubs and car rims. Aluminum is the third most common … Read More

Aluminum is an amazing material that can be found in almost every industry, but because of its lightweight and durability it is especially well suited for marine applications; boats in particular. There is an entire class of boats specifically made … Read More

There are many reasons why aluminum has been one of the most important materials of the last one hundred years but being extremely reflective is not one of the items that would top many lists. That’s because aluminum has so … Read More

In terms of importance, aluminum is probably surpassed only by steel when it comes to industrial metals. That’s because in addition to being one of the most abundant materials on our planet (aluminum is the third most commonly found element … Read More

It seems like aluminum is a ubiquitous part of our lives. It can be found in every room of our house, including the kitchen and the bedroom and everywhere in between. It’s not an exaggeration to say that there’s almost … Read More

Aluminum is one of the most durable and versatile metals available today. Not only does it have an amazing strength-to-weight ratio that beats out just about any other option, but it’s also resistant to corrosion, easy to fabricate and highly … Read More

Aluminum is an amazing metal with outstanding mechanical properties that make it an ideal choice for a variety of applications. One of the qualities that sets it apart from other materials is its thermal conductivity. Of all the commonly used … Read More

We have been getting a lot of questions recently about additive manufacturing. It’s no wonder, as additive manufacturing has become the latest buzzword to sweep the industry. More commonly referred to as 3D Printing, this quickly advancing technology is transforming … Read More

Anyone who has worked with aluminum understands there are several challenges when it comes to welding. Compared to other metals such as steel, aluminum can be somewhat difficult to weld properly; without experience, the result may be an inferior finished … Read More

Everyone in the manufacturing and fabrication fields is familiar with the challenges posed by welding aluminum. One of those challenges is known as arc rectification; today I’ll be explaining what it is, whether you need to worry about it and … Read More

When it comes to welding aluminum, many people find it’s not as hard to do as it may seem. Compared to steel or other materials, welding aluminum can be more involved and there are common mistakes you need to be … Read More

Aluminum is a highly valued metal thanks to its extreme formability and versatility. However, it does pose certain challenges when welding. That’s why manufacturers and others need to pay close attention when welding aluminum to ensure they avoid defects. There … Read More

How Strong Is Aluminum? Aluminum has a lot of amazing features. It’s famous for being extremely lightweight and has a great deal of flexibility, making it adaptable to any number of applications. It’s 100 percent recyclable, and thus one of … Read More

When working with materials such as aluminum and stainless steel, it’s possible to encounter problems with porosity. This is particularly an issue when welding. It’s critical if you encounter issues with porosity that you identify the source of the problem … Read More

There are a lot of great reasons to use aluminum. Not only is it extremely strong despite its light weight, but it also offers a great deal of corrosion resistance and formability. That’s not to mention its aesthetic appearance and … Read More

Aluminum is rightly celebrated for its amazing diversity and formability. In fact, it’s hard to think about an industry that hasn’t been profoundly changed by the introduction of aluminum in the past 100 years. Nearly every part of our daily … Read More

What Are The Sustainability Advantages Of Aluminum? When you run your own business (or are responsible for the purchasing decisions of a company), it’s tempting to ignore concepts like sustainability and just focus on profit. But in the 21st century, … Read More

Stainless steel seems like it’s a ubiquitous part of life. Whether we’re eating dinner, visiting a doctor or driving in our car, much of our daily activity is made possible (or at least safer and more convenient) thanks to stainless … Read More

Aluminum is an amazing metal that has transformed many different industries over the past one hundred years. Nowhere is this probably more true than the aircraft industry. Due to aluminum’s advantages over other metals, including its light weight and incredible … Read More

Modern aircraft are amazing feats of technology and engineering. They are built to be durable, safe, and as efficient as possible, and so they rely on the most advanced materials available on the market today. That’s why it should come … Read More

Manufacturers who work with metal know that one of the most important considerations of selecting a material is how strong it is. Factors such as strength, hardness, durability and toughness all make a difference to the quality of the final … Read More

Aluminum plate has a host of tremendous benefits that make it a popular choice among manufacturers. Whether you are drawn to it for the tremendous strength-to-weight ratio, excellent corrosion resistance or well-recognized aesthetic qualities, aluminum offers you the ability to … Read More

Manufacturers understand that in this day and age, versatility is a must.  Having the ability to utilize a variety of different processes can make your operation more competitive.  This is especially true of machining, which can be done many different … Read More

Metalworkers have to be multitalented.  Not only do they need to have experience with many different techniques for working metal to the desired specifications, but they also must be familiar with how various types of metal respond to those techniques. … Read More

One of the great things about stainless steel is that it comes in many product forms and grades.  This gives manufacturers a variety of options to choose from.  The great news is that no matter what application you are using … Read More

Aluminum is one of the most popular metals in use today; it has had a profound impact on nearly every industry.  Though it was only first commercialized a little over a century ago, constant developments since then have led to … Read More

If you work with metal on a regular basis you probably have some experience with fabrication.  You also know that different types of metal can respond to fabrication methods in very unique ways, and that the processes suitable for aluminum … Read More

Corrosion is one of the concerns that keep designers and engineers up late at night worrying.  If the right materials aren’t specified from the beginning, then the durability of a product or structure can become significantly compromised after only a … Read More

Steel has been an important metal in the human industry for thousands of years.  In fact, the earliest known production of steel dates back to an archaeological site in Anatolia nearly 4,000 years ago. The Roman military was known to … Read More

Aluminum is an amazing metal that has had a great impact on modern industry.  Its versatility and adaptability mean that it can be used in numerous applications, more cost effective and with greater durability than many other materials.  No matter … Read More

When it comes to working with metals, welding is one of the most important fabrication methods that can be employed.  It’s essential that you match up the right technique with the correct material in order to have the most effective … Read More

Stainless steel is an amazing metal that has made possible many modern advancements in all types of industries.  Its versatility has allowed for the development of a wide variety of alloys; no matter what the application, there’s usually an appropriate … Read More

Anyone who works with metals on a regular basis understands the importance of having the right processing methods. Different metals, such as aluminum and stainless steel, have very different properties and will be easier or harder to cut depending on … Read More

Aluminum is one of the most versatile and adaptable materials available for industrial use.  It’s not an exaggeration to say that the commercialization of this amazing metal has transformed our society and unlocked an unprecedented level of technological and industrial … Read More

We see them everywhere, but how often do we actually think about them?  Unless you are a manufacturer who’s actually involved with creating the signs and road barriers that line our roads and highways, it’s unlikely that you spend much … Read More

Most people don’t realize how ubiquitous and indispensable aluminum has become in their daily lives.  When someone mentions the word aluminum they might think of foil or beverage cans, but nearly every industry has been transformed by the tremendous diversity … Read More

Stainless steel is such an integral part of our lives it’s easy to assume that it has always been with us, but this is not the case. In fact, stainless steel was only developed 100 years ago.  In that time, … Read More

Stainless steel has played a prominent role in transforming the way we work and live since it was first commercialized in the early 20th century.  The list of industries that have been affected by the introduction of stainless steel is … Read More

Stainless steel is an amazing metal that has transformed nearly every industry since it’s development more than a century ago.  From the medical to aerospace industries, the revolutionary metal has boosted technological advancements and made previously impossible achievements a regular, … Read More

Stainless steel is one of the most important metals on the market today thanks to its tremendous strength, corrosion resistance, and durability. Though it was first commercialized less than a century ago, it has quickly developed into one of the … Read More

One of the most important considerations that a manufacturer or product designer will need to address is whether or not the materials they use can be magnetic. Unfortunately, this is frequently a question that is postponed until the last minute, … Read More

Human society has been working with metal alloys for thousands of years. In that time, we’ve learned a great deal and have made amazing advancements in our ability to manipulate a wide variety of metals and put them to use … Read More

Aluminum is one of the most amazing metals on Earth. Since its introduction more than a century ago, it has rapidly transformed nearly every industry thanks to its many beneficial properties, such as a high strength to weight ratio, excellent … Read More

Anyone working in the energy sector, or any company that consumes a great deal of energy as part of their operations, knows that green and renewable energy solutions are here to stay. Governments around the world are passing laws and … Read More

When it comes to window frames, one material makes more sense than any other. Aluminum, thanks to its lightweight and other beneficial attributes, is a cost-effective, easy to use solution that allows architects and engineers to be extremely creative in … Read More

If you are an electrical engineer or work regularly with electricity, then you are likely quite used to dealing with aluminum. As a metal that exhibits a number of positive properties related to electrical uses, aluminum has been an important … Read More

Anyone who works with aluminum understands that it has a long list of advantages that make it one of the most important metals in use today. The list of industries that have been transformed by the use of aluminum is … Read More

Ever since it was first introduced as a commercially viable metal almost a century ago, aluminum has been transforming nearly every industry into which it is introduced. This transformation continues today as aluminum is helping to shape the renewable energy … Read More

For many manufacturers, it’s easy to be so focused on their own particular processes that they may not realize the tremendous versatility of the materials they are working with. This is particularly true of stainless steel, one of the world’s … Read More

As manufacturers and builders, we know how to make things, because that’s our job. But do you know where the materials you rely on to create your products come from? For instance, the many different grades of stainless steel we … Read More

There are a lot of variables that go into a successful operation and it can be hard for manufacturers to keep track of all of them. But when it comes to choosing materials for the job, it pays to take … Read More

If you’re like most manufacturers and builders, you don’t put a lot of thought into where your raw materials come from. You source your materials from a supplier like Clinton Aluminum, who delivers your metal in a form that’s as … Read More

One of the most crucial decisions any manufacturer must make is selecting the optimal material for a given application. Many years ago, that choice might have been relatively easy, choosing between steel and aluminum, for instance. But with the increasing … Read More

For manufacturers, no matter what industry you’re in, understanding the various processes involved in working with materials such as aluminum is an essential part of your job. It’s important to know the essential properties of various grades and alloys of … Read More

At Clinton, we extol the virtues of both aluminum and stainless steel on a daily basis. These two materials, far from being rivals, have together proven to be revolutionary metals with a wide range of alloys and grades that fit … Read More

Steel is an amazing metal that has been an integral part of American industry since our country’s inception. Due to the material’s extreme versatility, designers and manufacturers need to be familiar with many different types of high-performance steel alloys and … Read More

There are a lot of choices when it comes to welding. Knowing which technique will work best with a particular application will go a long way towards ensuring the success of your project. That’s why it’s important for manufacturers and … Read More

Since it first became feasible to work with at an industrial scale, aluminum has become an integral material for all types of manufacturing, construction, and design jobs. Its superior properties make it a nearly ideal choice for a host of … Read More

No matter what industry you’re in, it’s likely that tooling is an important part of your production process, whether directly or indirectly. For the layperson, tooling is defined as the process of designing and engineering tools for the manufacture of … Read More

Perhaps no other material has revolutionized as many industries as aluminum has. Since it’s development more than a century ago, aluminum and its many alloys has transformed the way we build nearly everything, from automobiles to airplanes and everything in … Read More

Anyone who works with metals knows the importance of understanding several different cutting methods. Unfortunately, the same manufacturers that might spend months researching, testing, and prototyping products with a wide variety of metal alloys, some of which are barely distinguishable … Read More

Any craftsperson knows how it important it is to have the right tool for a job. That extends to working with aluminum alloys, regardless of what industry you’re in. Of course, when it comes to precision saw cutting of aluminum … Read More

Manufacturers know that optimizing the production process goes much deeper than just choosing the right alloy. While extremely important, a lot more goes into developing a product that is both high quality and cost competitive. How you work with your … Read More

Manufacturers and industrialists know that when you’re working with aluminum on a regular basis, it’s imperative that you have at your disposal a number of machining techniques to work your metal to the exact shape and design that you want. … Read More

Manufacturers and industrialists who work with metal have many things to worry about. They must select the correct alloy for the job and make sure that it possesses all of the required properties for the particular application. They must reduce … Read More

Aluminum is renowned for its tremendous versatility, making it an in-demand material for manufacturers in pretty much every industry. Of the many applications and processes aluminum is well suited for, one of the most popular is rolling aluminum sheet and … Read More

One of the most important tasks for manufacturers is the cutting of materials. This can be accomplished in many different ways, depending on the material involved and the desired shape of the finished product, so most manufacturers will have a … Read More

Manufacturers have a lot of options when it comes to working with aluminum. One of the most common processes is shearing, and it is used in a variety of industries. When you are making decisions about your manufacturing operations, shearing … Read More

3D printing, despite still being a relatively new technique, has the potential to change manufacturing as we know it. No matter what type of industry you work in, understanding the ramifications of this budding technology should be considered essential. Although … Read More

Aluminum is among the most versatile materials available to manufacturers, particularly among the common metals. Not only are there a wide variety of alloys and grades to choose from, but aluminum is also receptive to many different industrial processes. These … Read More

Aluminum is a material that offers a great number of benefits to manufacturers and designers, thanks to its tremendous versatility and other unique properties. And while this versatility makes it feasible for those who work with aluminum to fashion the … Read More

For manufacturers who frequently work with aluminum and other metals, being able to distinguish between and properly select the right materials for their specific tasks is of paramount importance. Not only is aluminum highly sought after because of the tremendous … Read More

You may have heard the abbreviation LME thrown around at various times and have been wondering what it stands for. Even veterans of the industry may not be entirely clear on its exact meaning. LME is the abbreviation for the … Read More

When manufacturers pick out a material for their applications, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to distinguish between the many grades of aluminum available and to lose sight of some of the other important considerations that go into … Read More

The amazing thing about aluminum is the tremendous diversity of alloys that are available for manufacturers and designers. Its unique combination of properties makes aluminum a versatile material for construction and engineering, among many other industries. One of the most … Read More

Stainless Steel, as its name implies, is best known for its corrosion resistance properties. But the many benefits and revolutionary uses of stainless steel extend far beyond any single attribute, as attested by its presence in applications in nearly every … Read More

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of stainless steel is likely cutlery. This revolutionary metal is best known for its prevalence in the kitchen. This is thanks to stainless steel’s extraordinary corrosion resistance. This means that … Read More

Stainless steel is a revolutionary material that has produced countless advances in all manner of industries. But perhaps no arena has been more transformed by the many benefits of stainless steel than architecture and engineering. Because of its tremendous strength, … Read More

Stainless steel is one of the world’s most versatile and commercially viable materials available to builders today. Since its development more than a century ago, stainless steel has transformed numerous industries thanks to its many benefits, not least of which … Read More

Anyone who works with electronics, especially with electrical appliances and other similar applications, understands the importance of electrical shielding. This is the process by which an electromagnetic field is blocked with a barrier that is used to isolate an electrical … Read More

While we are all extremely familiar with many of the everyday applications of stainless steel, such as cutlery and kitchen appliances, not everyone is aware that stainless steel alloys are in fact a common fixture in nearly every industry. Because … Read More

Stainless steel is renowned for its many beneficial attributes that have profoundly affected a wide variety of industries.  Since its development more than a hundred years ago, stainless steel has been prized for its high strength and corrosion resistance at … Read More

Stainless steel, since its development more than a hundred years ago, has become one of the world’s most popular and versatile materials, and is now indispensible in a variety of industries. This includes a number of uses specifically for stainless … Read More

We’re probably all familiar with the ISO certification that many facilities and products feature, but what exactly does this number represent, and where does it come from? Among the most common certifications is ISO 9001, also represented as ISO 9001:2015. … Read More

Stainless steel, because of its versatility, strength, and affordability, is commonly found in nearly every industry. Everyone is familiar with the home uses for stainless steel, as it has become nearly ubiquitous in kitchen applications thanks to its corrosion resistance … Read More

The selection of a particular material for an industrial application is important under any circumstances, as even slight differences in an alloy’s chemical makeup leads to vastly different performances. However, when your application must withstand an extreme environment, then having … Read More

Stainless steel, with its versatility and other tremendous benefits, is available in all shapes and sizes, not to mention the many different alloys and grades that it comes in. For manufacturers who rely on stainless steel for their industrial and … Read More

Stainless steel offers many advantages that make it a desirable material for a wide variety of applications. Top of the list is the tremendous diversity of alloys available, meaning that steel can be adapted to fit nearly any imaginable use. … Read More

Manufacturers understand the importance of selecting the right materials for a particular application. When working with metal, there have been so many advances in stainless steel and aluminum that even minute differences between alloys, or even between various shapes and … Read More

When it comes time to pick a material for your product or manufacturing process, characteristics such as weight, strength, corrosion resistance, and cost are usually top of mind. That is what has made stainless steel such an important metal for … Read More

If you have been working in industrial metals for a while, then you are probably familiar with the wide array of saw options that you have at your disposal. Especially when using aluminum, it is important to be able to … Read More

Few materials have revolutionized such a vast number of industries as aluminum. Dating back to the late 19th century when the process for smelting aluminum was first developed, allowing for its large-scale production, this element has become an increasing part … Read More

The first thoughts many people have when they think about the industrial uses of aluminum alloys are often beverage cans or aircraft, two important examples of how aluminum has transformed modern industries. But while boats may not be among the … Read More

Much of the hard work that goes into product development happens before you actually begin production. Choosing the right tools and materials is among the most critical aspects of any job, and a failure in this regard can cost manufacturers … Read More

Aluminum is celebrated by manufacturers in almost every industry for its versatility. In fact, because of the tremendous diversity of aluminum alloys, aluminum is the solution of choice for a wide range of applications. However, its adaptability and variety also … Read More

Because of its tremendous versatility, aluminum is the raw material of choice for numerous applications in a variety of industries. One of the applications that is especially well suited for aluminum is extrusion. Both 6061 and 6063 aluminum alloys are … Read More

With so many excellent and versatile aluminum alloys on the market to choose from, manufacturers have to be very careful in making their selections. Now more than ever, the need to match the right alloy to the right application is … Read More

Manufacturers know that when it comes to choosing an aluminum alloy, there are plenty of choices. Aluminum’s versatility and adaptability are part of what makes it so popular. However, it can also be difficult to know which specific alloy will … Read More

The rising popularity of aluminum, a trend that has continued for decades, began with the diversification of alloys in the early 20th century. In particular, the bourgeoning aircraft industry of the 1930’s spurred the rapid development of new alloys that … Read More

Riding the rails isn’t as popular as it was 100 years ago, but trains still play a crucial role in a number of industries, including transportation, manufacturing, and logistics. Trains have come a long way from their steam and iron … Read More

Aluminum has been a popular material for architects for close to a century, prized for its versatility and strength. Its history as a building material is an interesting look at how a metal that was barely understood quickly revolutionized not … Read More

There are few metals that afford a comparable combination of versatility and affordability to what aluminum offers. It is one of the most abundantly available non-ferrous metals on the planet, and although it is unavailable directly, and must be extracted … Read More

When it comes time to select an aluminum tooling plate product, manufacturers, no matter what the industry, must consider a number of factors that will impact the efficiency, quality, and cost of the production process. Two of the most popular … Read More

When selecting materials for engineering purposes, many factors must be considered. Manufacturers understand that every metal alloy has unique properties that react to mechanical and chemical processes in specific ways. In order to maximize the efficiency and cost savings of … Read More

Aluminum and steel are among the most commonly used materials in industrial processes, and for good reason. These popular metals offer many benefits and can be employed in a wide range of applications. Traditionally, each metal has served very distinct … Read More

Manufacturers who frequently work with metal understand the importance of the anodizing process. Anodizing is an electrochemical procedure in which a metal surface is altered so that it has a durable, corrosion-resistant finish. The protective layer is formed from an … Read More

A lot of considerations go into industrial moldmaking, but many producers focus only on the bottom line. The drive to reduce costs affects every part of the production process, and so finding a material that not only meets all the … Read More

When it comes to industrial processes, the two most commonly used metals are aluminum and steel. There has often been a clear distinction between applications that are best served by using steel, and those that generally employ aluminum. But with … Read More

In manufacturing, tooling is the process of producing the required components and machines for any given job. Manufacturing aids, or tools, including jigs, gauges, fixtures, molds, cutting tools, and specialized patterns that are of limited use on a specific production … Read More

In industrial processes, a heat transfer exchanges the heat generated by a device away from that device to a fluid medium, such as air or a liquid coolant. In this manner, the heat is then dispersed, making it easier to … Read More

As every manufacturer knows, picking the proper material for a job is one of the most important factors for success when it comes to making products that are of superior quality and consistent performance. Many factors go into selecting the … Read More

Aluminum, because of its flexibility and adaptability, as well as its numerous alloys, has a range of industrial uses, including tooling and welding. It’s low cost and formability means that it’s ideal for prototyping, and its particular properties make it … Read More

When it comes to welding, choosing the right material is one of the most important considerations for a manufacturer. This is especially true when you are working with aluminum. With so many alloys to chose from, and with so much … Read More

As a material that is renown for its low density, versatility, and strength, aluminum is critical to a wide swath of industries, from aerospace to food and beverage. Its natural attributes also make aluminum a key material in the manufacture … Read More

The thermoform tooling process can be quite complex and involves a number of technical steps that require precision parts and handling. It is critically important to choose the best materials for the job, as mistakes and sub-optimal performance can cost … Read More

Thermoform tooling is a manufacturing procedure for producing the tools needed in the thermoforming process. When thermoforming, the molds used to form the plastic could be made up of many different materials, such as wood or steel. However, one of … Read More

Hokotol, which is a brand name for a modified 7050 series alloy, and 7075 are zinc-rich aluminum alloys that are used to manufacture a wide range of products. With that in mind, here is detailed look at both of these … Read More

If you are in the manufacturing industry, you may have gone into lengthy discussions with peers and colleagues about ATP-5 vs Mic-6. Before we begin the comparison, it is best to find out as much as we can about both … Read More

At Clinton Aluminum, we strive to provide the best quality alloys for all our clients’ fabrication needs. Various industries we serve include electronics production, building construction, machine construction, and many more. One of our most popular products is Hokotol, and … Read More

It is a common misconception that aluminum, the same material used for cans and aluminum foil, is a weak metal. However, aluminum is both strong and versatile material that is uniquely suited for the performance racing industry and the production … Read More

Aluminum is the Earth’s most abundant metal and an incredibly versatile material. The combination of aluminum’s ductility, low density, high corrosion resistance along with its cost effectiveness, makes it a high-quality metal material that can easily be manipulated for a … Read More

Aluminum is used as a strong material for various applications, though one of the most popular applications is in the automobile industry. Through the use of this strong, yet lightweight material, numerous products are able to be manufactured and distributed … Read More

Computer numerical control (CNC) machining is a manufacturing process that utilizes computers to oversee and control various machine tools, including lathes, routers, and mills. The process is used all around the world, particularly in the metalworking sector. Companies that utilize … Read More

When it comes to the use of aluminum thermoforming, it refers to a process by which tools are produced from machined billet plates of aluminum under both certain temperatures and pressures. While many elect to use wood for this purpose, … Read More

The Tsune TK5M-150GL is an industrial circular saw designed for high-volume cutting. This particular machine is designed specifically for cutting aluminum and comes equipped with a six inch diameter blade. The TK5M is specifically designed with industrial applications in mind … Read More

“Which aluminum alloy bends the best?” is a a common question customers want the answer to. In this post, we’ll explain it to you. Background In high purity forms, aluminum is soft and ductile. Bending is a delicate and demanding … Read More

An alloy is a mixture of at least two or more metallic elements, usually made for the purpose of creating a new product which has greater strength and/or corrosion resistance. In this post, we’ll share how different alloys were developed. … Read More

In addition to being the Midwest’s # 1 supplier of aluminum and stainless steel plate products, Clinton is also a leader in providing specially customized aluminum extrusions. We work with our customer’s engineering department to determine the exact size and … Read More

In this post, we provide preparation, equipment specifications and welding data for the following four aluminum products. Click on any product to jump to it on this page. Products 1. Duramold-5 2. Duramold-2 3. M-1 4. Alumold 1. Duramold-5 Preparing … Read More

The 5083 Cast Tool & Jig Plate is designed to respond well to bright dip anodizing, a process which enhances both the aesthetic appeal and durability of an aluminum product. What Is Anodizing? Anodizing is a form of electrolytic passivation … Read More

Cast Tool & Jig plate (CT&J) is a generic reference for several different types or name brands of CT&J plates.  The two brand name CT&J plates Clinton carries are the Vista ATP-5 and the Alpase K100-S plates, which are both … Read More

Clinton Aluminum offers two different aluminum plate products with superior flatness tolerance: the ATP-5 Aluminum Tooling Plate, and the K100-S Aluminum Tooling Plate. These two products offer different strengths and capabilities depending on what you desire. They both are recognized … Read More

“Conflict Minerals” are minerals containing tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold such as cassiterite, columbrite-tantalite, coltan, and wolframite which originate in countries of conflict including: Angola, Burundi, Congo Republic, Central Africa Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Zambia, Rwanda, … Read More

Clinton is proud to be a sponsor of the 2013 OESA vendor tooling study. This study covers every aspect of the $10B vendor tooling market. Data was compiled from all the North American OEM automakers, 25 Tier One suppliers, and … Read More