ALUMINUM. PROPERTIES, USES AND MORE
Aluminum is one of the most useful and used metals in the world. It is a non-ferromagnetic metal that is found abundantly in the crust of our planet.
It is a versatile material that, thanks to its physical and mechanical properties, is used in various industries. Aluminum is a relatively modern material, compared to other metals used by ancient civilizations. The development of this material as we know it barely began in 1825.
Compared to stainless steel and valuable metals like gold, aluminum is cheaper for commercial applications. Although analyzing only the extraction costs, its production is expensive.
But, even with this, its abundance and its predisposition to recycling offset the initial expense.
Here are some properties of aluminum:
PROPERTIES OF ALUMINUM
Pure aluminum is soft with a shiny grayish color, which at the same time admits layers of paint on its surface. Lacquering is the most common process used to change the color of aluminum parts and profiles that require it. This process consists of adding powder paint to the surface of the aluminum, thanks to the effects of electrostatics.
It is a material that is easy to machine due to its low hardness and at the same time it is very malleable. Through extrusion, casting, forging and bending processes, optimal final products are obtained without any problem. It is a material that can be welded by electric arc welding processes, by points, under an inert atmosphere or by friction. Additionally, it also allows the production of very thin and resistant sheets, used in the food and packaging industry.
It has a natural resistance to corrosion, chemical products, weather and sea water. Thanks to its versatility, this resistance can be increased through the chemical process known as anodizing. This process gives the aluminum a more resistant layer of protection against corrosion. At the same time, this layer is used for decorative purposes, providing coloration and greater resistance to the environment. An anodized surface is not the same as a painted surface, as the protective layer “melts” into the material, therefore it cannot be scratched or removed.
Aluminum is a low-density metal that has a tensile strength limit of 160-200 N/mm2 in its pure state. This property is greatly enhanced when combined with elements such as manganese, magnesium, zinc, copper, and silicon. In the alloyed state, the tensile strength range of aluminum goes from 1,400 to 6,000 N/mm2
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The applications of aluminum are innumerable. Whether in its pure or alloyed state, it is a material used in the manufacture of a wide variety of products. Aluminum is rarely used 100% pure. In this state it is used mainly in the manufacture of residential and industrial mirrors. Within the construction industry, one of the most outstanding applications is in the manufacture of metal parts and structural components. For this case, alloys that enhance and improve the physical properties of aluminum are used.
One of the best known uses of aluminum is in the form of sheets of paper that bear its name. These super thin sheets are perfect for kitchen and grocery packaging uses. The use of aluminum and its alloys in soft drink cans, special packaging, among others, is also well known.
It is an excellent raw material for the generation of secondary aluminum. One of the most important characteristics of this metal is its ability to be 100% recycled. The final product is a secondary recycling that maintains the original properties and only requires between 5 to 10% of the necessary energy used in the production of the initial metal.
In the field of metal carpentry, it is vital for the execution of architectural projects, both structural and decorative. Thanks to the alloys, light profiles are generated that are used in the manufacture of doors and windows, enclosures, louvers, fittings and accessories, among others. Combining the above with the ability to accept paints with various finishes, aluminum offers a wide variety of attractive and functional products.
TAKE A LOOK AT THE PROFILES FOR ALUMINUM WINDOWS AND DOORS THAT WE HAVE AVAILABLE
f you have in mind to install aluminum windows in your spaces, whether indoors or outdoors, we invite you to take a look at our aluminum windows section. We have a variety of metal carpentry series adaptable to all types of windows:
45 MM FOLDING
Aluminum exterior carpentry series for doors and windows.
60 MM PERIMETER
Exclusive aluminum exterior carpentry series for windows.
70 MM PERIMETER
Aluminum exterior carpentry series for sliding windows and balcony doors.
70 MM STRAIGHT CUT
Aluminum exterior carpentry series for sliding windows and balcony doors.
You can also visit our products section to learn more about the design solutions we offer for interiors and exteriors. Adaptable to your spaces, quality and modern.
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