Aluminum Suppliers in Burnaby, BC

What aluminum alloys are commonly stocked in Burnaby?

Burnaby suppliers typically stock 6061-T6 (general-purpose structural alloy), 6063-T5 (architectural extrusions), 5052-H32 (marine-grade sheet), 2024-T3 (aerospace applications), and 7075-T6 (high-strength aerospace and defense). Alloy 6061 is the most versatile, offering good machinability, weldability, and corrosion resistance for structural components, machined parts, and fabricated assemblies. Marine fabricators specify 5052 and 5086 for saltwater exposure. Aerospace manufacturers require 2024 and 7075 with full material certifications and traceability. Specialty alloys (2219, 6013, 7050) are available through mill-direct orders with extended lead times.

Do Burnaby aluminum suppliers provide cutting or machining services?

Most Burnaby-area aluminum suppliers offer precision cutting services including CNC sawing (for accurate length cuts with minimal material waste), waterjet cutting (for complex shapes without heat-affected zones), laser cutting (for thin sheet with tight tolerances), and shearing (for straight cuts in sheet and plate). Many suppliers operate CNC machining centers capable of milling, turning, drilling, and tapping aluminum components from bar and plate stock. Machining services typically require CAD drawings, material specifications, and dimensional tolerances. Suppliers serving aerospace customers maintain AS9100 certification and NADCAP-approved processes.

What certifications should Burnaby aluminum suppliers have for aerospace applications?

Suppliers serving aerospace manufacturers must provide material certifications documenting alloy composition, temper designation, and mechanical properties per AMS (Aerospace Material Specifications) standards. Material must be traceable to the original mill with heat/lot numbers documented on mill test reports. Suppliers should maintain AS9100 quality management certification and NADCAP accreditation for special processes (heat treating, chemical processing, non-destructive testing). Aerospace buyers require suppliers to comply with DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement) for domestic content and ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) for defense-related components.

How do lead times for aluminum compare between Burnaby suppliers and Vancouver suppliers?

Burnaby suppliers with local inventory can deliver common alloys and sizes within 24-48 hours for Lower Mainland destinations. Lead times are comparable to Vancouver suppliers, with Burnaby's industrial concentration providing competitive options for aerospace manufacturers and marine fabricators. Custom cutting or machining adds 3-7 business days depending on shop capacity and complexity. Suppliers without local stock must order from regional warehouses (typically Vancouver or Calgary) adding 1-2 weeks, or from primary mills (Quebec, Ontario, United States) requiring 6-12 weeks for mill-direct orders. Aerospace-grade material with full certifications typically requires longer lead times due to quality control and documentation requirements.

What minimum order quantities do Burnaby aluminum suppliers typically require?

Minimum order quantities vary by supplier, material form, and alloy. Sheet and plate suppliers often accept orders as small as one piece if cut from stock inventory, though full-sheet purchases may be required for non-standard sizes. Bar and extrusion distributors typically sell by length (12-foot or 20-foot standard) with cutting available for a fee. Large-volume manufacturers negotiating annual contracts can establish blanket orders with scheduled releases to avoid minimum quantity restrictions and stabilize pricing. Small fabrication shops and prototype manufacturers should inquire about remnant or drop material for low-volume requirements.

Can Burnaby suppliers provide aluminum with specific surface finishes?

Standard mill finishes (mill finish, bright finish) are available from stock inventory. Suppliers with in-house anodizing capabilities can produce clear, color, or hard-coat anodized finishes for corrosion protection and aesthetic appearance. Powder coating is available for architectural and transportation applications requiring durable, weather-resistant finishes in custom colors. Chemical conversion coating (Alodine, Iridite) is standard for aerospace and defense applications requiring corrosion protection and paint adhesion. Buyers should specify surface finish requirements (anodize thickness, coating color, surface roughness) on purchase orders. Architectural projects may require AAMA (American Architectural Manufacturers Association) certified finishes.

What documentation do Burnaby aluminum suppliers provide for material traceability?

Reputable suppliers provide mill test reports (MTRs or certs) documenting alloy composition, temper designation, mechanical properties (tensile strength, yield strength, elongation), and compliance with ASTM or AMS specifications. Certificates include mill name, heat/lot number, production date, and test results from the producer's quality control laboratory. For aerospace applications, certified material test reports (CMTRs) with full chemical analysis and mechanical testing are required. Suppliers should maintain traceability records linking heat/lot numbers to customer orders for recall, warranty, or regulatory compliance purposes. Aerospace suppliers must comply with AS9100 traceability requirements.

How does pricing for aluminum in Burnaby compare to Vancouver?

Burnaby aluminum pricing is generally comparable to Vancouver pricing, reflecting London Metal Exchange (LME) base prices for primary aluminum, regional supply-demand dynamics, and logistics costs from mills or import terminals. Burnaby's industrial concentration and proximity to Vancouver's port infrastructure provide competitive pricing for both domestic and imported material. Market pricing fluctuates with aluminum commodity prices, energy costs (aluminum production is energy-intensive), currency exchange rates (CAD/USD), and regional inventory levels. Volume buyers should request quotes from multiple suppliers in both Burnaby and Vancouver to compare pricing and negotiate annual pricing agreements with LME-indexed pricing.