A Guide to Aluminum

What is Aluminum?

Aluminium is a boron-group element with symbol Al and atomic number 13. Aluminium is the third most prevalent element in Earth's crust, after oxygen and silicon. It's 8% of Earth's solid surface weight.

Pure aluminium doesn't occur in nature because it's so reactive. Pure aluminium can only be found in low-oxygen conditions because it forms a high-energy chemical bond with oxygen. Aluminium is found in about 270 minerals, most often bauxite ore. Aluminum's reactivity makes it a good catalyst and additive.

Aluminium's corrosion resistance is a distinctive property. When exposed to air, a thin film of aluminium oxide forms on the metal's surface, preventing rust.

Aluminum conducts heat and electricity. Its density and rigidity are one-third that of steel. Ductile and malleable, it's easily machined, cast, and extruded. Aluminum is insoluble in water and alcohol. High reflectivity makes aluminium excellent for mirrors. Aluminum powder is widely used for silver paints because it retains its silvery reflection.

Copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese, and silicon easily alloy with aluminium. Many "aluminium" metals are alloys. Aluminum foil is 92-99% aluminium. Aluminum alloys are vital in aerospace, transportation, and building due to their high strength-to-weight ratio.

Aluminum CNC Machining

Aluminium machining is a very versatile process and can be used for a variety of applications. It is used in the in food packaging, construction material, automotive, aerospace, defence and appliance industries as well as in the manufacturing of consumer goods such as furniture and kitchenware, even toys.

Aluminum 7075-T5

Aluminium 7075-T5 is used to heat-treat aluminium alloys. It's corrosion-resistant, robust, and lightweight. It's electrically, thermally, and impact-resistant. Aluminum 7075-T5 is chemically resistant to chlorine gas or salt water and to weathering. Applications include marine propeller shafts, gearboxes, and propeller shaft housings, automotive drive shafts/axles or steering components/front suspension links, construction materials for bridges and buildings, mining equipment like drills and pumps, sporting goods like tennis racquets and golf clubs, medical instruments (like endoscopes), custom manufacturing industries (like furniture), etc.

Aluminum 6063-T6

Aluminum 6063-T6 is a heat-treating alloy used for manufacturing aluminum alloys. It has excellent corrosion resistance, high hardness, and low density. The material is available in the form of bars or sheets and can be further cast into ingots.

Aluminum 6061-T6

Aluminum 6061-T6 is a high-strength, low weight, and corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy that has excellent machinability. It has good weldability, formability and weld penetration. This material is suitable for use in industrial applications such as machinery, aircraft parts and electrical equipment.