Aluminum flanges are preferred due to their lightweight and lower manufacturing costs. They can be used in any size and are commonly used in waveguide construction. However, their strength properties may not be suitable for corrosive materials. Like other flanges, they can fail and require repair or replacement.
An aluminum flange, which is constructed from aluminum as the name suggests, is preferred in some flange systems because it weighs considerably less than a steel flange of the same size. There are several advantages to using an aluminum flange over other types of metal flanges. The weight properties alone make the aluminum flange a very popular choice, along with the lower overall manufacturing and material costs. In addition to being a softer metal, aluminum often takes less time to produce an aluminum flange than other metals, such as a stainless steel flange. The size of the flanges generally does not play a role in determining what type of material to use, as aluminum flanges can be made to fit any size.
Metal flanges can be constructed from a variety of materials, including steel, stainless steel, brass, copper, or aluminum. Production times, as well as costs, are primary factors to consider when deciding to use aluminum flanges. When multiple flanges are needed, choosing to implement lightweight aluminum flanges can keep the overall weight of a flange system manageable.
The intended implementation purposes and dimensions of the flanges generally do not differ from one type of metal flange to another. It is often the application that determines whether or not an aluminum flange will suffice. For example, plumbing of corrosive materials may require flanges constructed of a material that has higher strength properties, such as stainless steel. A common application for an aluminum flange is waveguide construction.
Commonly used in industrial microwave applications, the waveguide is simply a specially sized rectangular tube designed specifically to carry or connect microwaves. Industrial microwave applications can have literally hundreds of flanged connections throughout the system. By using aluminum flanges, the overall weight and cost of a system can be minimized.
As with any other type of metal flange, an aluminum flange can fail for a variety of reasons. When a flanged connection fails, it can indicate that one or both flanges require correction. Repairing a broken aluminum flange requires about the same steps as repairing any other metal flange. Broken aluminum flanges can be welded and reworked or simply replaced. Just as with other flanges, an aluminum flange may require repair due to damage and may have defects from incorrect manufacturing or defects in the metal used to make it.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
