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