Aluminum

Aluminum is a chemical element found in the boron group. It is a soft, silver-white, ductile metal. A ductile metal means that the element can be molded into different forms without breaking. Aluminum can be hammered into sheets, pulled into wires, and changed into many different forms without breaking. It is very malleable. The atomic symbol for aluminum is Al and the atomic number is 13.

Aluminum Abundance

Did you know that one of the reasons why aluminum is such a great chemical element in so many industries (besides the fact that it is a ductile metal) is because it is an extremely abundant element? Besides oxygen and silicon, aluminum is the most abundant element on Earth, and in the planet's crust. In fact, it makes up about 8% of Earth's solid surface, by weight.

Aluminum Qualities

As noted earlier, aluminum has some really great qualities. Besides the ductile properties of being malleable and being able to be changed into different, thin forms without breaking, aluminum also has many other qualities. It is very lightweight because of its low density, which makes it a premium choice for many manufacturers who are looking for a lightweight, sturdy material. Aluminum is resistive to corrosion due to the phenomenon of passivation. It is nonmagnetic and does not easily ignite. Aluminum is also tolerated well by plants and animals. All of these reasons, and more, make aluminum a highly desirable chemical element.

Aluminum Uses

Aluminum is a chemical element that is utilized in many varying industries. Some of the uses for aluminum include the following:

  • Household uses: Aluminum is used in such things as doorknobs, window frames, and cooking items, such as utensils, pots, and pans; it is also used in appliances. Although it is not technically a household item, many sports items also utilize aluminum, such as golf clubs and tennis balls.
  • Industrial uses: Aluminum is used in a wide variety of industrial and construction uses. This metal is absolutely necessary for the construction of bridges, gutters, shutters, skylights, railings, and ladders. Aluminum is also used for wiring, rods, pipes, sheets, casting, doors, tubing, and stampings. Because of its lightweight qualities and resistance to corrosion, it is a preferred material for industrial uses.
  • Packaging: One of the most popular ways to utilize aluminum is through packaging. Almost everyone has a package of aluminum foil in their drawer at home. Besides aluminum foil, trays, bottle caps, cans, and other such packaging items are also common items made from aluminum. Aluminum is a preferred packaging material because of its ability to protect the items within the packaging and the fact that it is noncorrosive, impermeable, and doesn't affect the taste or smell of the food.
  • Transportation: Aluminum is used extensively in the automobile and transportation industry. Because it is lightweight and durable, it helps ease fuel consumption in automobiles, trains, buses, and boats.

Overall, aluminum is a durable, lightweight, and plentiful chemical element that services a wide range of purposes and industries. It is available for use from our company to you, our client.

We stock aluminum in non-heat treatable grades, including 1100, 3003, and 5052 in tempers from 0 – H38, and heat treatable 6061, 2024, and 7075 in T0 – T6 tempers. Other grades of aluminum are also available.