STABIPARTNER WAKEFIELD METALS
METAL LESSON
THE WAKEFIELD METALS CREW HAS SUPPLIED THE SHINY STUFF TO STABICRAFT FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS. IN THIS ISSUE OF STABIMAG THEY SHARE A FEW CHOICE FACTS ABOUT ALUMINIUM (AKA ALUMINUM, IF YOU’RE READING THIS IN THE USA) INCLUDING HOW TO CARE FOR IT. First, let’s head back to high-school science class for a short refresher. Aluminium is the third most plentiful element in the earth’s crust, comprising eight per cent of the planet’s soil and rocks (oxygen and silicon make up 47 per cent and 28 per cent, respectively). The primary source is bauxite, which is mined and processed to produce alumina. This is then smelted and cast into slabs or “billets” — each weighing up to 30m/t — for further processing into sheets, plates, coils and extrusions. Other elements are added at the smelting or re-melting stages to produce different grades or alloys. The reason that it’s bloody good stuff to build boats out of is because it’s lightweight, easily workable, strong in all temperatures, non-magnetic, and non-toxic. The surface of aluminium quickly oxidises to form an invisible barrier to corrosion. It’s also 100 per cent recyclable. KEEP IT CLEAN Aluminium, like all metals, is “living” — it reacts to the environment it’s placed in. The marine sheet and plate come from the 5000 series of aluminium and the higher levels of magnesium produce better corrosion resistance, but you still need to give it some love. The more severe the environment, the more reaction leading to corrosion. And the most severe environment for an aluminium boat is generally salt water. So a fresh-water clean as soon as possible is always advisable, but stay away from cleaners high in acid. The internet is full of ways to restore the look, with a vinegar solution being one of the most common. As with anything, the more effort, the better the result.
CORROSION COP An anode is also a critical part of your boat, designed to sacrifice itself to help protect other metal parts of your vessel from corrosion. It’s especially important for boats in a marina, where there are many different metals reacting to salt water. The Wakefield crew gives the tick of approval to fitting stainless steel fittings to your aluminium boat. However, if there is moisture present between the aluminium hull and the stainless fitting, the aluminium, being the less noble metal (one that resists oxygen and corrosion) will deteriorate while protecting the more noble stainless steel. WAKEFIELD WINNING In the past 12 months, Wakefield Metals has supplied more than 500 tonnes of aluminium to Stabicraft, as well as to other Kiwi customers from industries including building and construction, dairy, transport and sheetmetal processing. It’s not just alloy, either. Wakefield Metals is NZ’s leading diversified importer and seller of aluminium, brass, copper and stainless products, and specialty architectural products. It’s been their business for more than 75 years, so you can sleep easy knowing your bluewater battlewagon with the Stabi badge is built with the good gear. For more details, check out www.wakefieldmetals.co.nz
www.stabicraft.com ISSUE 04 | 11
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