Aluminium

Aluminium is a lightweight, corrosion resistant and silvery white metal. Soil contains a lot of aluminium, and it is the third most common element of the Earth's crust. Aluminium and its specific characteristics can be used in a variety of ways. For example, aluminium is commonly used by construction industry. It is possible to create impressive and modern structures with means of aluminium. In addition, aluminium is widely used at vehicle, packaging and electronics industries.

Advantages of Aluminium

• A good thermal and electrical conductivity
• Recyclability
• Lightness
• Corrosion resistance
• Easy to form and weld
• High strength-to-weight ratio

A protective surface layer of oxide is formed when aluminium is exposed to air. That layer prevents further oxidation and is the explanation for a good corrosion resistance of aluminium. The corrosion and wear resistance can be improved by anodizing. Anodizing is an electrochemical process where the natural oxide layer is thickened artificially. Instead of pure aluminium, the range of aluminium alloys are used in the majority of applications, depending on what kind of material properties are required.

Processing of Aluminium

Aluminium can be processed into a finished product in many different ways. It is possible to cast aluminium, roll it to sheets or extrude to aluminium profiles, for example. The shape of an aluminium extrusion is often possible to design in a such way that it is very suitable for required application. These aluminium profiles can be finished by painting, anodizing or polishing, for example.

For the final purpose the aluminium profiles are usually modified in various ways. Profiles are generally cutted-off to the desired length. In addition, necessary holes, slots etc. are milled. Aluminium profiles can also be curved, though success of the bending greatly depends on then bending radius and the wall thickness of the profile. Although aluminium is easy to form, the best results are achieved by modern machines and equipment, designed for the right purpose.