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Characteristic Advantages and Beneficial Properties of Aluminium Extrusions

2021-01-22
Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys - Characteristic Advantages and Beneficial Properties of Aluminium Extrusions

Aluminium is becoming increasingly popular for engineering applications. There are many reasons for this that are outlined in the following sections.
❊Physical/Chemical Advantages of Aluminium
Aluminium is the engineering material of choice for many applications. Properties that make aluminium popular and/or suitable include:
*Light
*Strong
*High strength-to-weight ratio
*Resilient
*Ductile at low temperatures
*Corrosion resistant
*Non-toxic
*Heat conducting
*Reflective
*Electrically conducting
*Non-magnetic
*Non-sparking
*Non-combustible

❊Product Advantages of Aluminium
Aluminium offers advantages over other engineering materials including:
*Attractive appearance
*Wide range of finishes
*Virtually seamless
*Easy to fabricate
*Joinable by various methods
*Complex, integral shapes
*Easy assembly designs
*Precise, close tolerances
*Uniform quality
*Recyclable
*Cost effective
*Freedom of design

❊Physical/Chemical Advantages over other Metals and Alloys
Aluminium is approximately 1/3 the weight of iron, steel, copper or brass. This is an advantage in some products and crucial in others.
Reduction in shipping and handling costs.
1 cubic mtr aluminium = 2,700kg
1 cubic mtr steel = 7,800kg
Strength of Aluminium Alloys
By appropriate alloying and treatment, aluminium alloys are available in a variety of strengths. Some aluminium alloys have strength as high as 300 MPa and are stronger than some steels.
Strength may be selected to match product needs.

❊High Strength-To-Weight Ratio of Aluminium Alloys
In terms of strength to weight ratio, aluminium outperforms other materials. Aluminium's advantage in this respect founded the modern aerospace industry and serves widely in various forms of transportation and other applications.

❊Resilience under Static and Dynamic Loading
Aluminium products behave elastically under static and dynamic loading conditions, that is, they have the ability to resume both shape and size which is good when flexible strength is required. Mast and spars of racing yachts are designed to withstand the stress of the wind versus the waves.

❊Strength at Low Temperatures
Brittle fracture problems do not occur with aluminium. As the temperature is reduced, aluminium alloys increase in strength without loss in quality, making them particularly suitable for low temperature applications.
Used for cryogenics, LNG storage tanks and LNG tankers. An aluminium "moon buggy" was used to negotiate the rough terrain in the deep cold of outer space.

❊Corrosion Resistance of Aluminium Alloys
When aluminium is exposed to air, a thin oxidised film forms on the surface, protecting the metal from corrosion. When scratched, the layer rapidly reforms retaining the protection. This feature is utilised in construction, buildings and household utensils.
Non Toxic
Aluminium itself is non toxic and odourless. Its surface is smooth, easily washable and hygienic because no germs can grow on it. Thus, it is widely used in beverage cans, food packaging, cooking utensils and in the fishing and dairy industries.

❊Heat Conducting
Aluminium conducts heat better than any other common metal. It is about three times as thermal conductive as steel. It is important in heat exchange applications - either heating or cooling - and commonly used in the food, chemical, petroleum, aircraft and automotive industries.
Reflective Surface
Aluminium is an excellent reflector of radiant energy. It reflects more than 80% of visible light, radiation (heat) and electric waves. The purer the metal, the more so. This feature is used for reflecting mirrors, reflectors (stoves, infra-red dryers, lighting), and wave guides. It is also used as an insulating material in buildings and as roofing sheet.

❊Electrically Conductive
Aluminium's ability to conduct electricity is approximately 62% of that of copper, but it weighs less than 1/3. This means that it conducts about twice as much electricity as copper of the same weight. Aluminium is a very economical material as an electrical conductor and is used in power transmission cables, bases of electric bulbs and in other electric fields.
 
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