Aluminium Fabrication

A C H Steel provides full Aluminium fabrication for a wide range of industrial, structural and commercial applications; from stairs, walkways, platforms and enclosures, to architectural components, screens, gates and related work.

We deliver projects requiring a combination of aluminium and another metal such as stainless steel in a single structure. This often involves design and fabrication of the separate components with a bolted assembly.

Our Aluminium Fabrication Services

Aluminium Component Fabrication

We manufacture aluminium components small and large, for outdoor and indoor usage. What is common about the aluminium products we fabricate is the clients’ need for a quality finished product.

To ensure the highest manufacturing standards, all our fabricators are fully Australian qualified and professional boilermakers with experience in projects of all sizes. All fabrication work is supervised by a Certified Welding Supervisor to AS 2214. And our entire manufacturing operation is supervised by a CPEng certified Engineering Manager to ISO 3834.

Aluminium Fabrication Techniques

Our fabrication team employs the full range of techniques required for any aluminium manufacturing project, including:

Crack and weld defect repairs

Pre-weld Heat Treatment
Post-weld Heat Treatment
Cavity excavation
Cavity filling
Temperature induced stress homogenisation

Non-destructive testing (NDT test)

X-ray radiography testing
Dye penetrant inspection (DPI)

Aluminium processing

Bending
Drilling
Punching
Holing
Cutting via plasma, oxy, laser, bevel, abrasive saw, grinding,

Weld preparation

Partial Penetration
Full penetration
Fillet welds

On-site and off-site steel welding

Workshop welding - Pulse MIG, MIG, TIG, MMA
On-site welding - MMA, Diesel welder for MIG

Surface preparation

Sandblasting
Polishing and linishing

Assembly

Workshop trial fitting

Welding to ISO 3834

A C H Steel is an ISO 3834 certified company, providing fusion welding services within a full quality controlled manufacturing process, also known as a “factory production control system”.

AS/NZS ISO 3834 controls the entire lifecycle of the welding process, from design right through to inspection. It considers all aspects that could affect weld quality, making it essential for high quality aluminium fabrication, since it is impossible to undertake complete verification of a welded joint without destroying it.

Factory Fitout

Our manufacturing workshop on the Gold Coast services our clients across Queensland. The 2400 square metre site is set up for 24/7 production flexibility, with 10 individual welding bays, gantry crane for maneuverability and easy access for semi-trailers for us to accept structural members up to 25 metres in length.

24/7 production capability
10x Pulse MIG Welding Machines
Spark-free metallic Fusion Welding to ISO 3834
10 individual welding bays with modular layout for productive flexibility
10 tonne Gantry Crane that can help you manoeuvre large items for inspection, welding, and assembly.
Amperage load cycle compliance to MRTS78 (Department of Transport and Main Roads standard)
125 tonne hydraulic punch and shear machine
Band saw cutting machine for large structural members
Capable for receiving 25m long structural steel members
5 tonne forklifts

Quality Inspections

Inspections are conducted throughout the fabrication process to ensure strict quality standards and full traceability of materials used on every project.

All welding fabrication is completed to AS 1665 and structures to AS 1664. As an ISO 3834 certified company, all our products are designed and made in Australia with certified personnel and manufactured to our stringent ISO 3834 compliant quality system.

Our Aluminium Fabrication Process

Every aluminium fabrication job we undertake follows these stages. It allows us to reliably deliver projects on time, on budget and to the exacting quality standards required by our clients.

Project Review We work with you to confirm the scope of works, project timings, key points of contact and more - everything we need to ensure a successful aluminium fabrication project.
Site & Design Review We review existing structure and/or component design requirements as well as any site-specific requirements that may impact engineering design.
Aluminium Fabrication We commence the fabrication stage of the project upon client’s approval of drawings and keep the client informed on our progress.
Quality / Delivery When fabrication is complete, we complete test assembly of components to ensure the specifications conform to the engineering drawings. Once all checks are complete, we arrange delivery of the aluminium to your site address.
Installation Aluminium delivered on site is erected by our qualified riggers. On site welding may be required, in which case there will be boilermakers present as well.

Our Aluminium fabrication experience

Some of the recent aluminium fabrication projects we’ve delivered.

Product: Rail Barriers

Application: Department of Transport and Main Roads

Sectors: Infrastructure; Government

Location: Kandanga, Queensland

Product: Track Repairs and Maintenance

Application: Sea World Storm Coaster

Sectors: Commercial

Location: Oxenford, Queensland

Product: Scooby Doo Coaster Shutdown and Maintenance

Application: Movie World Theme Park

Sectors: Commercial

Location: Oxenford, Queensland

FAQs about Aluminium Fabrication

Here are some common questions we get asked on this topic.

What are the main benefits of aluminium?

One of the primary advantages of aluminium over stainless steel is weight . Whilst both metals offer strong corrosion and chemical resistance, aluminium has a density of roughly one third that of steel. This makes it particularly advantageous where weight (or the strength to weight ratio) is an important factor in the application.

There are several other reasons for choosing aluminium over stainless steel. It’s aesthetic finish (shiny, clean) keeps it looking good even when exposed to the elements. Aluminium is easier to work with, to cut and form, being more malleable than steel. In terms of temperature, Aluminium is a better conductor of heat, though it can’t be used at temperatures as high as steel.

What is the difference between welding aluminium and stainless steel?

Welding aluminum introduces some additional complications over welding steel, which require some special considerations and procedures. This includes different melting points, the protective oxide layer on aluminium, thermal conductivity and porosity.

Resulting factors to consider when welding aluminium start with proper storage and thorough cleaning of the base material, selection of the correct filler metal and adherence to proper welding techniques. Read more on this topic on The Fabricator’s blog.

Is aluminium electrically conductive?

Yes, aluminum is a very good conductor of electricity. By comparison, stainless steel is a relatively poor conductor. Which is why aluminium - and its alloys - are widely used in electrical applications.

Still got questions?

Reach out to our team for answers