The softer demand for aluminium transport applications, such as trailers, tankers and tippers, amid the current tough economic climate has made the recovery of the transport industry to pre-lockdown levels even tougher, according to steel merchandiser and distributor Macsteel CEO Mike Benfield.

“As cash flows have been restricted, there has been a tendency to avoid or delay replacement of the vehicles. However, the prospects remain positive owing to the advantages and qualities that aluminium presents for vehicles.”

Benfield explains that the concept behind bulk goods transport is based on the ability to maximise payload. To do this, one must increase carrying capacity. This could be done by either increasing the size of the load carrier, which generally is a limited option owing to legal requirements, and cost – by reducing the mass of the vehicle carrying the load.

“Therefore, specialised grades of aluminium, stainless steel and carbon steel have been introduced to provide better or the same strength in thinner gauges. The reduction in weight then allows for an increase in the carrying capacity. Aluminium in particular offers a significant weight reduction opportunity owing to the fact that it is only one-third of the mass of conventional steels and stainless steels with excellent strength when specified correctly.”

Macsteel VRN offers specialised plate, stainless steel and aluminium, as well as the largest network of steel service centres in sub-Saharan Africa. As a business unit within the Macsteel group, VRN supplies a significant range of value-added steel products to a variety of industries. Also to the transport industry.

Macsteel VRN business unit lead Jimmy Muir points out that aluminium offers a further advantage over traditional steels owing to its excellent corrosion resistance. “Not only is it light weight, but it also reduces or extends the life span of the vehicle and lessens the need for regular maintenance. This in turn offers the end-user more up-time to move product as well as reduces the need to replace the vehicle as often.”

In many cases, Muir continues, owing to its corrosion resistance, aluminium and stainless steel can carry products such as wet coal and corrosive liquids, whereas conventional steels could only be used in such an application if treated or coated.

He warns that though the downside of using aluminium is initial cost, when comparing relevant factors – maintenance, replacement cost of vehicles, increased load and maintenance – aluminium products often are better than conventional steels on a lifecycle costing basis.

Muir says VRN has invested in technology, people, training and support services to enable the progression of aluminium in the industrial vehicles sector.

“We now make use of numerically controlled machinery, computer aided design programs and a fully integrated drawing office to provide cost-effective and integrated solutions for our customers,” Muir mentions.

Macsteel VRN supplies a variety of aluminium products ranging from thin gauge aluminium up to thicker gauge, specialised plates for fabricators of vehicles, trailers and tankers. In addition, owing to extensive product knowledge, Macsteel VRN offers value added componentry in a variety of forms, such as cutting, rolling, bending, drilling, counter-sinking holes, weld-edge preparation and polishing, to support this specialised market.