Info on aluminium
About aluminium
Aluminium is the substance that is present in greatest quantities in the Earth’s crust, approximately 8 %. In comparison iron constitutes approximately 5 %.
Aluminium occurs in nature as aluminium oxide, but can via a subsequent electrolysis process be transformed into metallic aluminium. The process is very energy-demanding, this is why aluminium production has traditionally been located where there is access to inexpensive energy, e.g. from water power.
Primary and secondary aluminium
Aluminium produced via electrolysis is called "primary aluminium”. Aluminium that is reused via re-melting is called "secondary aluminium”.
The energy consumed when producing secondary aluminium constitutes only approximately 3 % of the energy consumed when producing primary aluminium.
Many producers of aluminium today use mixtures of primary and secondary
aluminium to produce trade alloys. Primarily cast alloys.
Aluminium is used as:
- Sheets in various sizes and thicknesses
- Cast blanks
- Forged blanks
- Extruded profiles
(standard or tailor-made)
The above are chosen on the basis of consideration of total cost price and the required surface finish.
Physical properties (99,99 Al):
- Density at /20ºC: 2698,9 Kg/m3
- Melting point: 660,2ºC
- Boiling point: 2450ºC
- Heat conducting
ability 20ºC: 220 W/ mºC - Electric conducting
ability: 38,5m/ Ohm mm2 - Elasticity module: 65000 Mpa
Alloys
Different alloys give different appearances!
One or more alloys:
In order to achieve the best result, the alloy(s) required should be chosen in the concept phase. For example, you cannot have the same alloy in sheets as in profiles.
Anodisation quality
and charge number:
When ordering aluminium profiles or sheets, it should be noted that the alloy must be of an anodisation quality. If the aluminium blank is to be used for decorative applications, the alloy must be of an anodisation quality and with the same charge number.
Read more about alloys. Click here.