Commercial use of Aluminium

Aluminum is the third most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust, and the third most abundant element overall. No other metal can compare to Aluminum when it comes to its variety of uses. Some uses of aluminum may not be immediately obvious; for example, did you know aluminum is used in the manufacturing of glass?

Aluminum is incredibly popular because it is:

1. Lightweight
2. Strong
3. Resistant to corrosion
4. Durable
5. Ductile
6. Malleable
7. Conductive
8. Odorless

Aluminum is also theoretically 100% recyclable with no loss of its natural properties. It also takes 5% of the energy to recycle scrap aluminum then what is used to produce new aluminum.

Aluminum is used in transportation because of its unbeatable strength to weight ratio. Its lighter weight means that less force is required to move the vehicle, leading to greater fuel efficiency. Although aluminum is not the strongest metal, alloying it with other metals helps to increase its strength. Its corrosion resistance is an added bonus, eliminating the need for heavy and expensive anti-corrosion coatings.

Buildings made with aluminum are virtually maintenance free due to aluminum’s resistance to corrosion. Aluminum is also thermally efficient, which keeps homes warm in winter and cool in summer. Add the fact that aluminum has a pleasing finish and can be curved, cut and welded to any desired shape, it allows modern architects unlimited freedom to create buildings that would be impossible to make from wood, plastic, or steel.

Although it has just 63% of the electrical conductivity of copper, aluminum’s low density makes it the best option for long distance power lines. If copper was used, support structures would be heavier, more numerous, and more expensive. Aluminum is also more ductile than copper, enabling it to be formed into wires much more easily. Lastly, its corrosion-resistance helps protect wires from the elements.

Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and flat screen TVs are being made with an increasing amount of aluminum. Its appearance makes modern tech gadgets look sleek and sophisticated while being light and durable. It is the perfect combination of form and function which is critical for consumer products. More and more, aluminum is replacing plastic and steel components, as it is stronger and tougher than plastic and lighter than steel. It also allows heat to dissipate quickly, keeping electronic devices from overheating.