11 Advantages of Aluminium

Aluminium is a common metal used in a variety of projects. It’s economical and safe, as well as having several properties which make it incredibly versatile. After steel, it’s one of the most widely used metals, so it’s no wonder it’s a sought-after solution for different sheet metal fabrication services.

If you’re considering using aluminium in your next sheet metal project, you might be wondering what the specific advantages of aluminium are. Fortunately for you, we discuss this and more in our blog below…

So…what are the advantages of aluminium?

Aluminium is a commonly used metal, and it’s clear why when you explore its benefits. In fact, we’ve highlighted 11 we can think of below:

1. Corrosion resistance

One advantage of aluminium is its high level of corrosion resistance. After exposure to the air, the metal forms a thin oxide layer that helps to stop further oxidation. This layer also prevents the metal from being exposed to environmental damage, such as moisture, chemicals, or saltwater.

Unlike other metals – e.g., iron and steel – aluminium doesn’t have the potential to rust. What’s more, further coatings can enhance the metal for increased levels of durability. Using a corrosion resistant metal such as aluminium can help reduce maintenance costs – whilst ensuring the reliability of sheet metal fabrication projects in harsh weather conditions.

2. Conductor of heat and electricity

Aluminium is also a very good heat and electricity conductor. Whilst this might be less so than copper, aluminium benefits from being low in density, which makes it more lightweight and cost effective. This means it’s a popular choice for certain electrical applications – such as power transmission lines.

Thanks to its high thermal conductivity, aluminium enables more effective and quicker cooling within radiators, heat exchangers, and other electronic devices.

3. Highly reflective

As it has a high level of reflectivity, aluminium is particularly useful for light and heat management applications. As it reflects light and even infrared radiation, it’s ideal for lighting fixtures, solar panels, and thermal insulation.

With a high level of reflectivity, it helps reduce energy consumption within its applications, as well as better maintaining temperature control in both buildings and vehicles.

4. Non toxic substance

Some metals react poorly with food or beverages, and even release harmful substances. But, aluminium is non toxic, which makes it ideal for food storage and containers.

Moreover, in the medical industry, it is used within certain packaging and equipment, as it upholds a high level of hygiene.

5. Can be recycled

Thanks to aluminium’s non toxicity, it’s environmentally friendly, making it a recyclable material. This recyclability can even continue indefinitely, as it doesn’t lose any of its quality or properties. This means there is no need for raw material extraction.

Furthermore, recycling aluminium also requires much less energy than producing new aluminium from scratch – so it can lower carbon emissions and energy consumption significantly.

6. Extreme strength

Aluminium also offers exceptional levels of strength, whilst remaining lightweight. This means it’s perfect for demanding applications, especially as a preferred material in aerospace, automotive, and construction industries.

Alloys of aluminium can also be manufactured to match the strength of steel, whilst also being resistant to corrosion and environmental damage – something steel is not. Aluminium also maintains its strength in extreme temperatures – so it offers an enhanced level of reliability, longevity, and safety in a number of industries.

7. Ductile

Ductility is an often-sought-after property in metals, and aluminium has high levels of it. This means it can be stretched or shaped into a variety of shapes, such as thin wires and intricate forms – without being subject to cracking or breaking.

Thanks to this ductility, aluminium is easier to process via rolling and forging, meaning companies that use it can reduce production costs as well as material waste.

8. Impermeable

Being impermeable means a material does not allow gases, liquids, or light to pass through it – which is another ideal property of aluminium. As a result, this makes it a great barrier material.

Even in thin layers such as foil, aluminium retains this barrier, meaning its material usage can be reduced whilst upholding a high level of protection.

9. Paramagnetic

Paramagnetic metals have a temporary reaction to magnetic fields but do not uphold this magnetism once the field is removed. Aluminium is paramagnetic, so it’s a popular application in industries where non-magnetic materials are required.

For example, this includes MRI machines within the medical industry and other sensitive electronic devices. Unlike ferromagnetic metals, aluminium is not vulnerable to electromagnetic signals so it won’t cause interference – making it ideal for communication and shielding applications.

10. Noise-reducing properties

Aluminium also has exceptional noise reduction properties, so it’s considered a valuable metal within the construction and other industrial industries. It dampens vibrations and ultimately absorbs sound, so helps reduce levels of noise pollution in buildings, vehicles, and machinery.

Because of this property, aluminium is used as panels within architectural designs, helping to maintain a quieter environment in the home. What’s more, it enhances passenger comfort within cars as it minimises engine and road noise whilst in a vehicle.

11. Low in weight

As it is much lighter than other metals, such as steel or copper, using aluminium helps to reduce the overall weight of products. This is why it is commonly used within the aerospace and automotive industries, where less weight means an improvement in fuel efficiency and performance.

This level of light also helps to enhance the portable nature of certain consumer products, including electronics and packaging.

What projects should I use aluminium for?

Whilst there are many advantages to using aluminium, there are specific industries and projects it will have more suitability in. For example:

Transport vehicles

Aluminium is lightweight, whilst also being strong and corrosion-resistant, which makes it perfect for the manufacturing of transportation vehicles. For example, it’s used in the mechanical parts of cars, such as the engine and suspension.

Construction and engineering

As a result of its sleek design – and the fact that it’s weather-resistant/durable, aluminium is used in window and door frames, as well as in beams and columns. Aluminium sheets are also utilised in roofing to provide protection against the elements.

Foil

Aluminium is also used to make foil by moulding the metal into a thin sheet. This is most beneficial for food packaging, as it can help to maintain the temperature of a food, and also within heat insulation for the same reasons.

Choose Salamander Fabrications for Budget-Friendly Projects with Unparalleled Accuracy

Having been in the industry since 1968, we’ve had our fair share of experience in a variety of sheet metal fabrication projects. This means we’re well-equipped to provide you with a fabrication service that will exceed your expectations.

When you work with us, our experts will be able to help your projects come to life with services from CAD to welding.

Want to find out more? Get in touch with our team of experts today.