Aluminum is the 13th element in the periodic table, and it is also a transitional metal. It is the most abundant mineral on the earth after oxygen and silicon, making it the most abundant metal found naturally on the earth and the second most used metal in the world after iron. Even if the aluminum content is as high as 99%, it is widely used as an alloy.
Not only such sufficient resources but also aluminum has a wide range of uses and has become one of the most favored metals in various fields.
Why is Aluminium so popular?
Aluminum is a bright metal and will not rust like steel. In addition, it has the following characteristics:
- Low density
- High thermal conductivity
- Extremely ductile metal
- Non-toxic
- High corrosion resistance
For more detailed characteristics of aluminum, please refer to this article: Why Do Manufacturers in These Industries Prefer to Choose Aluminium Tubes?
What is aluminum usually used for?
Due to all these characteristics, from density to heat capacity and tensile strength, aluminum is widely used in various commodities. And it is also infinitely recyclable and forms part of the world’s infrastructure. The following are the six most common and useful applications of aluminum in modern society.
1. High-rise Buildings
Aluminum has high ductility, a high strength-to-weight ratio, and versatility. It is a valuable material for high-rise buildings and skyscraper centers. It is also an ideal material due to its durability, design flexibility, and contribution to energy saving on the front and back ends.
2. Door & Window Frame
Aluminum is very lightweight and can reduce impact resistance. It is useful in places with strong winds and strong storms. For homes and offices, aluminum frames are usually a fairly durable and cost-effective choice. Compared with other materials for doors and windows, the use of aluminum as a window frame generally has the lowest maintenance cost and is cheaper, and it is also more resistant to scratches, cracks, and abrasions.
3. Household Appliances and Industrial Appliances
Aluminum is used in precision tubes for refrigerators and air conditioners-still not the full use of this material in such appliances.
Refrigeration and freezing equipment is a particularly good practical application of aluminum. The properties of aluminum help the cooling process and produce effective refrigeration. Without the advantages of aluminum, modern refrigerators would be very different.
4. Cans and Food Containers
Aluminum can usually be made into cans because it can withstand the carbonic acid pressure in the can. In addition, it can be easily formed and shaped without being damaged, which is convenient for storage and transportation.
5. Vehicle Components
E.g:
① Aircraft components: As the strength of aluminum is only a small part of steel, which is comparable to steel, the use of aluminum in aircraft manufacturing can enable aircraft to have greater cargo and payload, and have higher fuel efficiency. The high corrosion resistance of aluminum also helps ensure the safety of the aircraft and its passengers, which is one of the most basic requirements for air travel.
② Ship accessories: Light and strong materials bode well for ships, especially those that are full of cargo. The lightweight properties of aluminum can increase surface quality and reduce weight without compromising the strength necessary to withstand cracks and breaks in the hull. In addition to oil tankers and large ships, aluminum is also used to build yachts, speedboats, and underwater ships.
③ Train components: Railways used to be mainly made of iron, but many elements of modern trains are made of aluminum. The aluminum alloy used in these high-speed railway cars has a lower density, but its strength is comparable to steel, and it has excellent corrosion resistance, which helps with maintenance. In addition, aluminum alloy cables are increasingly used to replace traditional copper cables in railway transmission and installation.
④ Cars: Aluminum is recognized as the most cost-effective way to improve performance, improve fuel economy, and reduce emissions while improving safety and durability. The vehicle can be lighter and more flexible without losing strength or durability. This is also advantageous because cars can be recycled more easily, and the use of aluminum in cars increases sustainability.
6. Electronic Parts
Aluminum is mainly used to cool CPUs and graphics processors, and its excellent thermal conductivity makes it an ideal choice. Newer electronic product models have an aluminum body and housing assembly. Aluminum is stronger and more reliable than plastic, but lighter than steel, combined with its inherent ability to absorb and dissipate heat, leading to an increase in the amount of aluminum used by market-leading manufacturers.
Aluminum combines aesthetics and practicality and can be refined but reliable. These are essential functions in the electronics industry. Smartphones, tablet computers, laptops, flat-screen TVs, computer monitors, and other electronic products are increasingly using aluminum in their production.
The above are just the 6 most common applications of aluminum, and this versatile metal can also be used in many other fields. If you need to know more about aluminum products and purchase requirements, please feel free to contact CHAL Aluminium Corporation.
