Aluminium Solutions for the Transport Industry
The transport sector demands components that are lightweight, strong, and built to last. We have a proven track record of supplying precision aluminium extrusions and fabricated components to the transport industry, including lighting systems for Hitachi train carriages.
About
Solutions
Portfolio
Materials
Finishes
Process
FAQs
Why Choose Aluminium for the Transport Industry
Aluminium is the material of choice for the transport industry. Its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio reduces vehicle weight, improves fuel efficiency, and lowers emissions, without compromising structural integrity. Its natural corrosion resistance makes it ideal for components exposed to the elements, and its design flexibility allows complex profiles to be produced to tight tolerances.
We supply aluminium extrusions, machined components, and finished assemblies to manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers across the transport sector. Our experience includes lighting enclosures for rail carriages, structural profiles for vehicle bodies, and precision-machined brackets and mounts. We understand the quality and traceability requirements of the transport industry, and our ISO 9001:2015 certified processes ensure that every component we deliver meets the required standard.
Solutions for the Transport Industry
We offer a full range of aluminium solutions for transport applications, including structural and architectural profiles, lighting enclosures and housings, thermal management profiles and heatsinks, precision-machined brackets and fixtures, and bespoke assemblies and kits. All components can be supplied in a range of alloy grades and finishes to meet your specific performance and aesthetic requirements.
Lightweight Structural Profiles
Reducing weight without sacrificing strength is one of the defining challenges in transport engineering. Aluminium’s exceptional strength-to-weight ratio makes it the material of choice for vehicle bodies, structural frames, and load-bearing sections, helping manufacturers meet increasingly stringent efficiency and emissions targets.
Corrosion-Resistant Extrusions
Transport components are routinely exposed to moisture, road salts, and harsh environmental conditions. Aluminium’s natural corrosion resistance, further enhanced by anodising or powder coating, ensures long service life with minimal maintenance, making it ideal for both interior and exterior transport applications.
Integrated Thermal Management Profiles
Heat dissipation is a critical consideration in modern transport systems, particularly in electric and hybrid vehicles and rail lighting assemblies. We supply heatsink profiles and thermal management extrusions designed to maximise surface area and dissipate heat efficiently across a range of operating conditions.
Bespoke Assemblies & Kitting
Many of our transport customers require more than a simple extrusion. We can supply fully assembled components, kits of parts, and custom-packaged assemblies, managing the entire supply chain from extrusion and machining through to finishing and delivery, with one point of contact throughout.
Stock Holding & Scheduled Delivery
Transport manufacturing schedules leave little room for supply chain disruption. We offer flexible stockholding and batch delivery services, ensuring your components are available when you need them without the cost and risk of holding large volumes yourself.
Speak to our experts
Aluminium Services for the Transport Industry
The transport sector places demanding requirements on every component, from the strength and weight of a structural profile to the precision of a machined bracket and the durability of a surface finish. We offer a comprehensive range of aluminium extrusion, fabrication, and finishing services, all delivered with the technical expertise and personal attention that complex transport projects demand.
Aluminium Extrusions
From bespoke profile specification to full production runs, we manage the entire extrusion process. We begin by reviewing your drawing for extrudability, advising on wall thicknesses, radii, and alloy selection to ensure the best possible result before a die is ever cut. Once approved, we work with our carefully selected network of UK and European extrusion mills to produce consistent, high-quality profiles to your exact specification.
Whether you need a one-off prototype or an ongoing production run, we offer a personal, technically expert service that keeps your project on track from the very first conversation.
About Fabrication & Machining
Precision in-house machining and fabrication for aluminium profiles, using state-of-the-art CNC equipment. Our Elumatec SBZ 140, a 4+1 axis machining centre capable of working on profiles up to 4.2 metres, handles complex, multi-operation components in a single setup. Our Haas Super Mini Mill takes care of smaller, more intricate parts.
Together, they give us the capability and flexibility to manage a wide range of work in-house, keeping lead times short and quality firmly under our control. Every job follows our ISO 9001:2015 certified process, with first-off checks, in-process inspections, and a final sign-off before dispatch.
About Aluminium Anodising
Protective and decorative anodising finishes that are integral to the aluminium, not just a surface coating. Unlike paint or powder coating, the anodic layer grows into the metal itself through an electrochemical process, making it exceptionally hard, corrosion-resistant, and highly durable in both interior and exterior environments. Available in Natural Silver, Black, and a range of other colours, including bronze, gold, and champagne.
We manage the entire process through a close, long-standing relationship with a specialist anodiser, ensuring competitive pricing, consistent quality, and the correct micron thickness for your specific application and performance requirements.
About Aluminium powder coating
Durable, high-quality powder coating in any RAL or British Standard colour, managed through our trusted finishing partners. An electrostatically charged powder is applied to the aluminium surface and cured under heat, producing a hard, uniform finish that significantly outperforms conventional wet paint in both durability and consistency. Resistant to chipping, scratching, fading, and corrosion, suitable for interior and exterior applications alike.
For customers who require white, which is not achievable with anodising, powder coating is the standard solution. We also offer specialist finishes including metallic effects, textured surfaces, and wood grain for more demanding aesthetic requirements.
Our Bespoke Solutions
A fully tailored service for customers who need a complete, end-to-end solution, from specification and manufacture through to assembly, custom packaging, and delivery. We combine our in-house expertise in extrusion, fabrication, and finishing with our project management skills and a trusted network of specialist partners, giving you a single point of contact for the entire supply chain.
We have delivered bespoke solutions for customers in the transport, electronics, medical, and engineering sectors. We also offer stock holding and batch delivery, so you can maintain a lean inventory with the confidence that your components will be ready when you need them.
Portfolio
Discover our latest portfolio work below.
Precision Aluminium Light Bars for Global Emergency Vehicle Systems
Long-Standing Supply Partnership in Ventilation & Air Management
Aluminium Components for Specialist Healthcare Environments
Why Choose AM Aluminium?
There are plenty of aluminium suppliers. What sets us apart is the combination of deep technical knowledge, a genuinely personal service, and the ability to manage the entire process under one roof. Here is what that means in practice.
Technical Expertise
With over 40 years of hands-on experience, we have the knowledge to guide you to the right solution, whether that is advising on the most extrudable design, selecting the correct alloy, or recommending the most appropriate finish.
ISO 9001:2015 Certified
Our quality management system ensures a consistent, reliable process. But our commitment to quality goes beyond certification, we are passionate about spotting issues early and getting it right first time.
Customer-Focused Service
We take the time to understand your project and your business. You will always speak to someone who knows your account, understands your requirements, and is genuinely invested in your success.
A Complete Solution
From the initial design review to the final delivery, we manage the entire process for you. You have one point of contact, one relationship, and one supplier responsible for the outcome.
Trusted Supplier Network
We have spent decades building relationships with the best extrusion mills, anodisers, and powder coaters in the UK and Europe meaning you benefit not just from our own expertise, but from a carefully vetted supply chain.
Flexibility at Every Scale
We adapt to the needs of your project, hold stock and deliver in batches to suit your schedule, giving you the confidence that your components will be available when you need them, without the cost of holding large volumes yourself.
Aluminium Grades Available
The choice of alloy grade has a significant impact on the strength, surface finish, and machinability of your extrusion. The most common grades we work with are summarised below.
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Aluminium 6063
The most common architectural alloy. Excellent surface finish, good strength, and guaranteed anodising quality. Available in T6 (fully hard) and T4 (bending quality) tempers.
Best for: Architectural profiles, decorative sections, general-purpose extrusions.
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Aluminium 6005
A derivative of 6063 with higher strength, while still guaranteeing a good anodising finish.
Best for: Structural applications requiring a better surface finish than 6082.
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Aluminium 6082
A high-strength structural alloy. Anodising is possible but the finish is not guaranteed to the same standard as 6063.
Best for: Heavy structural applications where strength is the priority.
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Other Aluminium Grades
We can source a wide variety of other grades, including marine alloys (e.g., 5251) and freemachining bar for high-speed turning applications.
Best for: Specialist applications – we will always advise on the best grade for your project.
Over 40 years of experience
Decades of hands-on expertise in aluminium extrusion, fabrication, and finishing.
ISO 9001:2015 certified
Our quality management system ensures consistent, reliable results on every project.
Speak to our experts
Available Finishes for Aluminium Extrusions
The finish you choose has a significant impact on the performance, appearance, and longevity of your profile. From the raw mill finish through to specialist decorative effects, we can advise on the most appropriate option for your application and manage the entire finishing process through our trusted network of specialist partners.
Mill Finish
The raw, as-extruded surface. The standard starting point for all profiles.
Anodising
An electrochemical process that creates a hard, integral protective layer. Available in Natural Silver, Black, and other colours. White is not achievable with anodising.
Powder Coating
A durable, decorative paint finish applied electrostatically and cured under heat. Available in any RAL or British Standard colour.
Polishing
A mechanical process that creates a bright, reflective surface. Often followed by anodising to create a decorative gold or silver finish. Commonly used for shower enclosures and decorative trims.
Linishing / Brushed Finish
A mechanical process that creates a uniform, brushed directional texture.
Lacquering
A hard, clear protective coat applied over the aluminium surface.
Aqua Blast / Sand Blast
A blasting process that creates a uniform, matt texture, removing die lines and minor surface imperfections.
Wood Grain
A specialist finish that simulates the appearance of wood, applied as a powder coat or a wrap.
Our Process
Every project we handle follows a clear, structured process, from the initial drawing review through to finishing and delivery. Here is what to expect when you work with us.
Step 1 - CAD Design & Consultancy
We review your drawing — ideally a 2D DXF or DWG file — and assess it for extrudability. We will advise on any modifications needed to ensure the profile can be successfully extruded and to minimise the cost of the die.
This step is critical: a well-designed profile reduces die costs, speeds up production, and avoids costly problems further down the line.
Step 2 - Die Development
Once the design is approved, the extrusion die is manufactured by our trusted mill partners. The die is guaranteed for life as long as you continue to use it; any replacement is covered at no cost to you. Before full production begins, a sample is produced for approval.
Step 3 - Extrusion
The approved profile is extruded at the mill. We work with a carefully selected network of UK and European extrusion mills to ensure the best quality and lead times for your project.
Step 4 - Fabrication & Machining
If your profile requires further processing, cutting to length, drilling, milling, tapping, or more complex machining, we handle this in-house using our Elumatec SBZ 140 and Haas Super Mini Mill. For specialist processes such as CNC lathing or welding, we work with our trusted subcontractors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the questions we are most commonly asked about. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, our team is always happy to help.
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What aluminium grades are most suitable for transport applications?
The right grade depends on the specific application. For structural components where strength is the priority,
6082 is commonly specified. For profiles that require a high-quality anodised finish, such as lighting enclosures or interior trims, 6063 is the preferred choice.
We will always review your drawing and recommend the most appropriate grade for your application and operating environment.
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Can you meet the quality and traceability requirements of the transport sector?
Yes. Our ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system provides full traceability from material receipt through to final inspection and despatch.
Every job is documented throughout production, with first-off checks, in-process inspections, and a final sign-off before components leave our premises, giving you the confidence and the paperwork trail that transport applications demand.
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Can you supply finished, ready-to-assemble components rather than raw extrusions?
Absolutely. Many of our transport customers require components that are machined, finished, and ready to go straight into their assembly process. We can supply fully machined profiles with anodised or powder-coated finishes, and we can also manage assembly, kitting, and custom packaging; delivering a complete, ready-to-use solution rather than a raw profile that requires further processing on your end.
Over 40 years of experience
Decades of hands-on expertise in aluminium extrusion, fabrication, and finishing.
ISO 9001:2015 certified
Our quality management system ensures consistent, reliable results on every project.