Hollow Aluminium Balls
Light A6061 aluminium spheres for suspended art elements and lampshades from ∅6mm to ∅3500mm.
Overview
Aluminium keeps the sphere light, which matters when the piece hangs from a structure or when a sculpture has to be carried and installed by a small crew. Spray painting and powder coating take well to the surface.
The Wanderer sculpture at Sea Cottesloe used thirteen large hollow aluminium balls in four diameters, which is the clearest example of what this material is for.
Production Methods
The forming route decides the size range, the wall thickness and whether the seam ever shows.
Stamping press
A6061 sheet is shaped in a mould, two hemispheres are welded together and the welds and burrs are ground off.
- Thickness 1mm to 3mm (20GA to 12GA)
- Size ∅6mm to ∅700mm
- Visible welding seams on the surface
- Standard mould limit
Assembling
A6061 sheet is developed, bent to leaf shapes and welded by hand into a complete sphere, then welds and burrs are ground off.
- Thickness 1mm to 6mm (20GA to 3GA)
- Size ∅200mm to ∅3500mm
- Visible welding seams, burr free
- No standard mould limit
Specifications
- Material
- A6061 aluminium alloy
- Size range
- ∅6mm to ∅3500mm
- Thickness
- 1mm to 6mm
- Finish
- Spray painting or powder coating
- Weight
- Roughly one third the weight of a steel sphere of the same wall
Who This Category Is For
- Artists making suspended or ground-standing sculpture
- Exhibition and event builders working to rigging load limits
- Lighting designers
- Architects specifying ceiling elements
Problems It Solves
- Rigging limits on hanging installations. Aluminium cuts the suspended load significantly against steel.
- Painted colour on steel chips at the edges. Powder coating on aluminium is more forgiving on a light element.
- Large one-off diameters need tooling. Hand assembling has no mould limit at any size from ∅200mm up.
Why Buy From Maoping
- Any diameter above ∅200mm without tooling cost
- Finished burr free so the piece is safe to handle on site
- Proven on a 13-piece outdoor sculpture commission
Application Scenarios
- Suspended art elements
- Lampshade bodies
- Outdoor sculpture
- Exhibition and stage sets
Products in Hollow Aluminium Balls
3 products in this category.
Explore Further
Related categories
Industry applications
Guides and articles
Hollow Aluminium Balls FAQ
Will the weld seam show?
Is there a minimum order?
What finish do you recommend outdoors?
How large can you go?
Request A Quote for Hollow Aluminium Balls
Send diameter, wall thickness, material, finish and quantity. Drawings are welcome over WhatsApp or email.