Low density. Broad manufacturing flexibility.
Aluminum alloys combine relatively low density with useful strength, corrosion resistance, thermal conductivity, machinability, formability, castability, and extrusion capability.
Aluminum is selected for combinations of weight, processability, and environmental performance.
Low Density
Aluminum can reduce component and assembly weight compared with many common ferrous materials.
Corrosion Resistance
A naturally forming oxide layer provides useful protection in many environments and can be enhanced through finishing.
Machinability
Many aluminum alloys machine efficiently and are widely used for housings, fixtures, prototypes, and precision components.
Extrudability
Selected alloy families can be efficiently formed into complex continuous profiles and structural shapes.
Thermal Conductivity
Aluminum is commonly used where heat spreading, heat sinks, or thermal management matter.
Finishing Options
Anodizing, coating, painting, polishing, brushing, and other processes can modify appearance and surface performance.
Aluminum can enter production as plate, bar, sheet, billet, extrusion, or casting alloy.
Plate, bar, billet, and extruded stock can be machined into precision components.
Billet is forced through shaped dies to create continuous channels, structural profiles, housings, and other sections.
Molten aluminum alloys can be pressure cast into complex repeatable components at production volumes.
Aluminum sheet can be cut, bent, formed, welded, fastened, and finished into fabricated products.
Selected alloys can be forged where mechanical performance and controlled metal flow are important.
The surface can be part of both the engineering and cosmetic requirement.
Finishing can change color, wear resistance, corrosion behavior, electrical characteristics, texture, appearance, and coating adhesion.
Specify the alloy around the final product and the manufacturing route.
Strength
Alloy family and temper strongly influence yield strength, tensile strength, hardness, and structural behavior.
Formability
Some alloy and temper combinations are better suited to bending, drawing, forming, or extrusion than others.
Machining
Chip formation, surface finish, tool life, dimensional control, and stock form vary by alloy and temper.
Joining
Welding, brazing, fastening, adhesive bonding, and other joining methods should be considered during material selection.
Corrosion
Service environment may determine whether the base alloy is sufficient or additional finishing is required.
Availability
Plate, sheet, bar, tube, extrusion, casting alloy, and certified material availability can constrain practical choices.
Comparing aluminum with steel?
Weight, strength, corrosion resistance, welding, machining, forming, cost, and product geometry can shift the material decision.
Steel & Stainless Steel →