Mechanically chemically and physically aluminium is a metal like brass, copper, lead, zinc, steel or titanium, and the benefits to using it are endless. We discuss the benefits of aluminium in this piece.
Aluminium is used widely throughout the modern world, and like many of the metals mentioned above, aluminium can also be cast, melted, machined and formed; it is also able to conduct electric current. In fact many of the same fabrication methods and equipment that are used for steel are also used for aluminium.
Benefits of Aluminium
Aluminium is light weight:
Aluminium weighs about a third of the weight of steel and it minimises dead-weight and energy consumption in vehicles whilst increasing load capacity. By altering the composition of its alloys, aluminium’s strength can be adapted to the specific use it is required for.
Resistance to Corrosion
Aluminium is highly corrosion resistant as it creates a protective oxide coating naturally, thereby making it useful for applications where preservation and protection are needed.
Thermal and Electrical conductivity
Aluminium is nearly twice as good a conductor of electricity and heat as copper, making it the most generally used material in key power transmission lines.
Ductility
Aluminium can be processed in many ways when it is in a molten condition, and its ductility enables it to be formed close towards the end of a products design stage.
Recyclability
Without any downgrading of its qualities, aluminium is 100% recyclable and minimal energy is needed to re-melt the metal.
The benefits from using aluminium extrusion are also beneficial, as cost can be greatly reduced by substituting an assembly of components with a single extrusion. When using extrusions, metal can also be taken away where it is not needed, and added where it assists strength.
Aluminium is one third of the weight of steel, this reduction in weight results in less energy being needed when moving vehicles or parts with aluminium, and in turn also reduces fuel costs.
With the extrusion process one is also able to design components and shapes that are impossible otherwise.
In conclusion no other metallic element can be used in such a broad variety of ways and areas as aluminium can.
