Aluminum offers a unique blend of benefits for manufactured metal nameplates and other industrial applications. In general, it is a relatively light metal, with a strong resistance to heat and corrosion. It is also reasonably malleable, with good thermal conductivity.
Aluminum as a Design Consideration
Design decisions are sometimes based on hasty assumptions and simplistic comparisons of aluminum and steel.
Yes, aluminum is more flexible, formable, and lightweight.
Yes, steel offers superior strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion.
Any assessment that stops here, however, is shortsighted.
To fully understand of the value of aluminum in industrial settings, we need to discuss:
aluminum alloys
anodized aluminum
- a broader range of features
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Aluminum
The use of aluminum in industrial environments has steadily increased over time, and its price has remained less volatile than steel and other metals.
Of course, design engineers need to look beyond initial material costs to consider lifespan and the expense of maintenance, repair, and replacement.
These cost considerations depend on a broad range of aluminum features and benefits.
Important Features and Benefits of Aluminum
Strength and Durability: Many aluminum grades provide high strength and durability. There is no denying, however, that steel offers more strength than even the strongest aluminum alloys.
Temperature Resistance: Aluminum is resistant to elevated temperatures. Interestingly, its tensile strength increases at lower temperatures.
Weight: Aluminum is approximately one-third the weight of steel. This feature reduces unnecessary weight without sacrificing load capacity.
Thermal Conductivity: Aluminum has one of the highest levels of thermal conductivity (among common metals). This feature makes aluminum an excellent choice when heat dissipation or distribution is needed.
Formability: The malleability of aluminum allows for designs that are more intricate and complex, without the risk of cracking. This versatility makes aluminum suitable for products ranging from industrial nameplates to aerospace components.
Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum is a reliable metal that offers durability and resistance to corrosion and high temperatures, making it suitable for outdoor environments.
Fabrication Options: Aluminum offers great flexibility for a range of fabrication options: chemical etching, digital printing, embossing, laser marking, and screen printing. Finishing options are also expansive: anodization, multiple clear- and color-finish coatings, brushing, and polishing.
Aesthetic Appeal: The silverish white appearance of aluminum, along with its ability to support more precise design, imaging and color stability, make it an ideal choice when environments call for a blend of durability and aesthetics.
Aluminum Alloys
Aluminum alloys give design engineers a wide allowance for design flexibility.
Following is an overview of a handful of aluminum alloys:
Aluminum alloy 1100 is commercially pure aluminum that offers excellent corrosion resistance, high thermal conductivity, and good malleability. While this formability allows for more intricate design, it also offers less strength than some other aluminum alloys.
Aluminum alloy 1145 is a commercially pure aluminum alloy that provides high formability, good electrical conductivity, and corrosion resistance.
Aluminum alloy 5005 contains magnesium, which increases overall strength. Alloy 5005 also features low density, excellent thermal conductivity, and increased corrosion resistance in high-alkaline marine environments.
Aluminum alloy 5005 is an ideal choice for anodization, an electrochemical process that creates a thin oxide coating as a natural extension of raw aluminum. The resulting layer significantly increases hardness, durability, and resistance to corrosion.
Anodized aluminum is three times as hard as standard aluminum, yet it maintains a 60% weight reduction in comparison to steel. And, unlike a painted or applied protective coat, the newly formed anodized layer forms a nearly foolproof resistance to chipping, flaking or peeling.
Aluminum alloy 5052 offers exceptional corrosion resistance to seawater, salt spray, and other corrosive agents. It is a great option for marine and aerospace applications.
Aluminum alloy 6061 is relatively flexible and simple to process. Because it is an ideal grade for machining, aluminum alloy 6061 is a good choice for complicated designs and stringent specifications.
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The Top 3 Industrial Uses for Aluminum
Aluminum is considered to be the top metal of choice for manufacturing industry professionals. This is due in part to its corrosion resistance, high strength, and low-density properties. Aluminum is also non-toxic which makes it ideal for any application which involves the packaging of food items. While there are many uses for aluminum, here are the top 3 uses.
Consumer Products
Due to its non-toxic property, aluminum is great for packaged food. High amounts of aluminum are used for packaging food, medication, and beverages. It does not affect the taste of the food; it holds, repels water and extends the shelf life of food items. In addition, aluminum is also used to make trays, foils, cookware, utensils, refrigerators and toasters.
Aluminum is also used in many of our electronic devices. These include smartphones, laptops, and televisions. Our ability to make our mobile devices lighter, sleeker, and more durable is because of aluminum as it is tougher than plastic and lighter than steel. Aluminum is also a great conductor of heat which helps in keeping electronic devices from overheating.
Transportation
For decades, the transportation industries have been adding increased amounts of aluminum to every mode of transportation. This is because of its strength and lightness. Because of aluminum, trains can increase their fuel efficiency and reduce their carbon emissions. The aviation industry uses aluminum to build aircraft parts and navigation instruments. It is also used by NASA on their spacecrafts for it lightweight and strength under pressure. The automobile industry has also been impacted by aluminum. Lighter frames mean better fuel efficiency.
Electrical
Aluminum’s low density makes it one of the best options for long distance power lines. Because it is lighter and more ductile than copper; it can be formed into wires much easier. Its corrosion- resistant property protects the wire from the elements. As a result, aluminum has been replacing copper wiring in transformers and almost all updated wiring systems. It’s also being used in fuse boxes, satellite dishes, sound systems and household appliances.
As technology continues to advance, we will continue to see the diversification of aluminum. At Avion Alloys we understand the importance of aluminum to the manufacturing industry in the US and around the world. This is why we have warehouses set up all over the country to meet the demand by supplying aluminum and other metals of high quality. Contact us today to get a free quote.