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Looking at the Chinese 30xx and 60xx and various low cost offerings from other parts of the world aluminium is everywhere. I understand the convenience aspect of extrusions but even the parts that are made from plate and bar are aluminium. For a manufacturer working with steel shouldn't be a big obstacle and (at least where I live) it's much less expensive. If bolting steel to aluminium were a problem my car would have fallen apart years ago. One thought is aluminium is simply looks better raw.
Why are cheap routers all aluminium construction ?
The answer is in bold.
Hi CS - One component of the total cost is finishing and paint is actually quite expensive, especially with many small parts. They have to be racked painted unracked etc. So aluminium does not need any of this. It's actually cheaper for me to have laser cut stainless steel parts then to have mild steel parts cut and painted. Plus the construction type extrusions suit the kit market, no holes need just cut to length and use the slots. Cheers Peter
Extrusions make assembly faster, and the lighter weight probably saves on shipping costs.