why aluminium for your tray

Norweld Aluminium ute trays are tough, versatile and lightweight.

Aluminium is derived from bauxite ore, which undergoes refining through the Bayer process to produce alumina. The alumina is then smelted using the Hall-Héroult process, where it’s dissolved in molten cryolite and subjected to an electric current to extract pure aluminium.

This controlled manufacturing process results in a durable, corrosion-resistant material widely used in industries ranging from aerospace to automotive accessories, such as heavy-duty aluminium ute trays.

Pros of aluminium trays

• Weight advantage:Aluminium trays are much lighter than steel equivalents, offering improved fuel efficiency and allowing for a greater payload capacity. This advantage is beneficial not only for 4WD enthusiasts, farmers and tradies but also for the families who need to maximise their vehicle’s functionality, versatility and performance.
• Corrosion resistance: Naturally resistant to rust and corrosion, aluminium trays are perfect for use in coastal areas, mining sites, farmers or places with high humidity or high sulphur content. They can withstand the harshest environmental conditions.
• Style appeal:Unlike your standard option, Norweld’s sleek and modern aluminium trays bring a contemporary style to your ute, striking the perfect balance between form and function. Their dust and water-resistant properties help maintain their look over time with minimal effort.

Things to consider

• Antiquated perception of strength: While aluminium trays are exceptionally durable, there is a common perception that steel trays are inherently stronger. However, aluminium technology has come a long way. Modern aluminium trays, particularly Australian Made heavy-duty models, are now designed to withstand significant stress and impact, rivalling the past strength of steel trays.
• Beware of cheap imports: Some imported and Australian aluminium trays might be cheaper but lack the high quality and craftsmanship of top-quality Australian Made products like Norweld trays. Investing in a heavy-duty, Australian manufactured tray ensures durability and support. As a result of rigorous testing and R&D, Norweld trays are backed by a lifetime warranty on workmanship.
• Maintenance and care: Aluminium ute trays require careful consideration to cleaning, as some cleaning products and methods may damage the finish. Using harsh chemicals or abrasive tools can compromise the tray’s quality, so it’s important to follow proper maintenance practices to preserve its appearance and durability.   At Norweld we only accept the highest quality materials from the start, ensuring ease of maintenance throughout the life of your tray. Read our helpful guide on how to care for your aluminium tray.

 

what about steel trays

Historically, steel trays are synonymous with strength and durability, crafted through a process from iron ore extraction to steel casting and shaping. They are known for their heavy-duty applications, offering significant load-bearing capacity and resilience against wear and tear.

• Strength: Steel trays can handle heavy loads and are less likely to bend or crack under extreme pressure when compared to a light duty aluminium tray.
• Durability:Resistant to wear and tear, steel trays were initially designed for transporting equipment and heavy-machinery prior to the development of the heavy-duty aluminium trays.
• Robustness:From construction sites to farm fields, a well-constructed steel tray provides a solid platform for demanding tasks involving hard and jagged work materials.
• Weight consideration:Steel trays, being heavier than their aluminium counterparts, impact GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass), fuel efficiency and overall vehicle performance.
• Corrosion susceptibility:Although treated for corrosion resistance, steel trays often require extra care to prevent rusting, especially in typical work environments. Scratches or damage to their paint or powder coat finishes require immediate attention to negate this.
• Aesthetic limitations: The classic, industrial look of steel trays may not appeal to those seeking a more modern and sleek look for their vehicle.To illustrate these points further, consider the experiences of Callan Sheldon, Owner of Quasar Electrical. He observed that cheaper aluminium trays and standard steel trays both encountered significant issues in mining environments. Steel trays corroded rapidly, while subpar aluminium trays struggled under heavy loads. He found Norweld’s heavy-duty aluminium trays to be a superior choice, offering strength without the common problems associated with welds and corrosion.

 

 

aluminium vs steel tray — what’s best for me?

Choosing between steel and aluminium trays requires thoughtful consideration of your specific needs. Here are some key points to consider when choosing between aluminium vs steel trays:

• Usage:When it comes to usage, steel trays are renowned for heavy-duty tasks like construction and rigorous farm work. However, recent advancements mean aluminium trays, like those from Norweld, provide the necessary strength for these same demands and come with a lifetime warranty on workmanship. Aluminium trays are versatile and fuel-efficient, making them ideal for a range of tasks without compromising strength.
• Corrosion resistance:While robust, steel trays may require additional measures to combat corrosion. In contrast, aluminium trays are naturally corrosion-resistant, allowing them to excel in harsh environments.
• Aesthetics: Steel trays have a classic, industrial look. However, if you prefer something sleek and modern that adds a contemporary look to your ute, opt for an aluminium tray to compliment your pride and joy.

Ultimately, the choice between aluminium vs steel trays comes down to matching your selection with the specific demands of your work or adventures. Understand your needs, evaluate your tasks and let your tray become not just a utility, but an asset to your journey — whether you’re on a job site, managing a farm, exploring Australia’s varied terrains, or helping a family member move house.

Find the right tray at Norweld

At Norweld, choosing the right tray for your vehicle is where our commitment to excellence shines. With over 50 years of industry experience, we offer a range of heavy-duty ute trays designed for durability, functionality, style and innovation.

Whether you’re considering aluminium vs steel tray or exploring the benefits of aluminium, Norweld sets the standard. Each tray comes with a lifetime warranty on all workmanship, built with precision right here in Australia and delivered with a down-to-earth, customer-centric approach.

For more details about our ute trays, reach out to one of our friendly staff today.

With Norweld-owned branches in Cairns, Townsville, Newcastle, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and numerous agents across the country – we’re here to guide you through the process.

Get a Quote

Finance options available.