If you work in an industry that uses metal, you have multiple options. The most common kinds of metal used today are iron, carbon steel, aluminum, copper and stainless steel. For many industries, using copper and aluminum alloys is the way to go. One of the strongest kinds of metal that can be treated with heat is aluminum alloy 2014.
After iron, the most popular metal that is being used today is aluminum. In the earth’s crust, it is the most common metallic element. In nature, it is a silver and white color. It is a very ductile material. Although it is very common in the crust of the planet, it is not usually found in its concentrated form. The way it is usually found is trapped inside Bauxite rocks. The unique chemical and physical properties of aluminum and copper and aluminum alloys make it easy to use in a number of applications and industries.
When you look at the properties of aluminum that make it so useful, many people first look at its density and weight. Both the density and weight are about one-third of the density and weight of stainless steel. When you look at the steel composition and compare it to aluminum, one thing that should stand out is that despite being lighter and less dense than steel, aluminum is very strong and is able to maintain its strength, without growing brittle when it is used at low temperatures. In fact, unlike stainless steel grades, when you bring aluminum to really low temperatures, it becomes stronger.
One great thing about aluminum is that when it is combined with other metals to make an alloy, it grows even stronger. This is one reason copper and aluminum alloys are so popular to be used in a number of industries and for a number of purposes. When you look at different types of alloys, you can see they are extremely strong and able to maintain its malleability along with its conductivity. It can be rolled into sheets, drilled and cut to the appropriate shape. This versatility is another reason aluminum is such a great material.
Another benefit to aluminum is its ability to conduct electricity and heat. A conductor made of aluminum can be as efficient, if not more, than a conductor made from a different metal that is double the weight of the aluminum conductor.
There are some other problems that come along with other metals that you do not have with aluminum. Here are some reasons to consider aluminum for your next project:
- You get more bang for your buck. As was already noted, a conductor made from aluminum can do the same job of a conductor made from another metal that is double the weight of the aluminum conductor.
- It does not rust. When iron is left out and is exposed to air, it oxidizes. This process with iron leads to the development of rust. When aluminum meets with air, it also will undergo some oxidation but rust is not created. When oxidation happens with aluminum, the result is an oxide layer that is very thin. Rather than destroying the material, this strengthens it.
- There is no toxicity with aluminum. Aluminum is a naturally occurring metal that does not cause problems with human health if it is ingested.
- It is very good for the environment. Out of all of the metal materials that are in use today, aluminum is one of the most environmentally friendly materials around. It is possible to recycle it. That process will take only about 5% of initial energy consumption when it is melted down and made into something new.
When you are looking to the different metals for a project, there are a number of options available to you. Using aluminum and copper and aluminum alloys can get what you need while using less material and creating less waste for the planet. It can then re recycled and will not add dangerous toxic materials to the planet.