While 6061 aluminum may be the most popular aluminum alloy, finding the right company to order from is an important part of the success of any project. Since this is a common alloy, it is readily available at a range of different suppliers, hardware stores and even online through auctions and third-party sellers.
There are several factors to keep in mind when buying 6061 aluminum. Many buyers, especially those not working with a specialized aluminum service center make critical mistakes in ordering that can result in delays; budget overruns and lower quality final products.
Choosing a company for your 6061 aluminum supply starts with comparing services, options, and features to determine which is the best supplier. There are also other factors to consider including price, availability and shipping costs that can all play into a final decision.
Pricing
You will find that most top sellers and distributors of 6061 aluminum will be very close on price. As with any metal, there is variation in the cost based on the market and other factors with supply, shipments, and inventory.
For large orders or ongoing orders, a small number of specialized 6061 aluminum sellers may offer an in-house credit option. This allows an established company to order and receive the aluminum once the application is accepted, providing net 30 days for payment or other terms as set forth in the credit application.
Specialized Aluminum Companies
While you can order 6061 aluminum from generalized metal distribution companies and sellers, it is a wise decision to work with specialized aluminum sellers. This provides you with a company dealing specifically with aluminum, which in turn means higher volumes of sales and better knowledge of aluminum products.
Typically these companies also have top relationships with extruders and suppliers, providing for shorter lead time with special orders, ongoing orders or large volume single orders.
Some of these aluminum distribution centers also provide precision sawing for all aluminum orders. This is a value-added feature ensures there is no loss of materials on the job site due to inaccurate sawing and lack of adherence to required tolerances.
Finally, it is important when buying 6061 aluminum to consider shipping costs. As shipping and freight will be a major consideration with any metals, including lightweight aluminum, working with the lowest cost shipper is always an essential consideration for ongoing or one-time orders.
