A custom trailer manufacturer in Oregon needed a quick-turn quote for an aluminum flatbed trailer frame. The design used 6061-T6 structural tube for the main rails and cross-members, with 5052-H32 sheet for the deck skin. All joints were GTAW (TIG) welded with ER5356 filler — the shop specified 5356 over 4043 for better corrosion resistance in the Pacific Northwest climate. IronKit generated the bid with material priced per-foot for extrusions and per-sheet for deck panels, plus TIG labor at $95/hour. The trailer company owner said IronKit cut his estimating time from 4 hours to 20 minutes on custom one-off frames.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use 5356 filler instead of 4043 for aluminum trailers?
ER5356 provides better corrosion resistance and higher shear strength in the as-welded condition. It is the preferred filler for 5xxx-series base metals and structural applications exposed to weather.
Does IronKit handle aluminum pricing?
Yes. Aluminum extrusions are priced per-foot by section size, and sheet is priced per-sqft by alloy and gauge. TIG labor uses a separate rate from structural MIG — $95/hr in this example.
Can I add anodizing to the quote?
Yes. Add anodizing as a per-sqft or lump-sum line item. IronKit supports custom line items for any finish or process you need to include.