Aluminium exhibits a unique combination of properties that has made it one of the most versatile engineering and construction materials on the market.
Useful properties of aluminium include:
Aluminium is one of the lightest commercial metals, having approximately one-third the density of iron or steel. It significantly reduces shipping and handling costs, and is ideal for use in aircrafts, trucks and rolling equipment.
Aluminium vastly outperforms other materials in its strength to weight ratio which can be adapted to the application by modifying the composition of its alloys. Unlike steel, aluminium increases in tensile strength at low temperatures and bears no risk of fracture. It also behaves elastically under static and dynamic loading conditions, and has the ability to resume its shape and size.
Aluminium develops a thin, oxidised surface film when exposed to air, creating a natural barrier to corrosion.
Naturally easy to manipulate, aluminium offers optimal design flexibility to engineers and architects. It can be fabricated into a wide variety of forms, including foil, sheets, geometric shapes, rods and wires, and is a popular choice for complex hollow extrusions. High machinability and plasticity make it ideal for cutting, drilling, punching, hammering and bending. Aluminium is also suitable for almost any method of joining, including riveting, welding, brazing, soldering, clipping, crimping, adhesive bonding and interlocking joints.
Aluminium is a highly efficient conductor of heat and electricity with no danger of sparking against itself or other non-ferrous metals.
Aluminium is a highly effective heat barrier, reflecting over 80% of light over the entire range of wavelengths. Applied to windows and doors, it significantly improves thermal efficiency.
Aluminium is non-toxic, with a surface which is smooth, easily washable and hygienic.
Aluminium has a naturally attractive metallic appearance which can be enhanced by polishing, embossing, sand blasting and wire brushing. It also readily accepts a variety of chemical, electrochemical and paint surface finishes.
Aluminium is 100% recyclable with no downgrade in properties. The recycling process is highly economical, requiring only 5% of the energy originally used for smelting.