Aluminium alloys

Aluminium alloys are alloys in which aluminium (Al) is the predominant metal. The typical alloying elements are copper, magnesium, manganese, silicon and zinc. There are two principal classifications, namely casting alloys and wrought alloys, both of which are further subdivided into the categories heat-treatable and non-heat-treatable. About 85% of aluminium is used for wrought products, for example rolled plate, foils and extrusions. Cast aluminium alloys yield cost-effective products due to the low melting point, although they generally have lower tensile strengths than wrought alloys. The most important cast aluminium alloy system is AlSi, where the high levels of silicon (4.013%) contribute to give good casting characteristics. Aluminium alloys are widely used in engineering structures and components where light weight or corrosion resistance is required. For example, alloys composed mostly of aluminium have been very important in aerospace manufacturing since the introduction of metal skinned aircraft. Aluminium alloy surfaces will keep their apparent shine in a dry environment due to the formation of a clear, protective layer ofaluminium oxide. In a wet environment, galvanic corrosion can occur when an aluminium alloy is placed in electrical contact with other metals with more negative corrosion potentials than aluminium, and an electrolyte is present that allows ion exchange.

Uses of aluminum
The uses of aluminum are varied and diverse. Today it is used in commerce, transportation and other industries. Some of its applications are well known, while others are not so obvious. Apart from consumer products, the metallic element is also used in glass creation. Use in Households

This metallic element is used for door knobs, window frames and kitchen utensils. The element is applied in kettles, saucepans, toasters and refrigerators. It is also used in indoor and outdoor furniture. Some sports equipment like golf clubs also use it. In Construction

Aluminum is necessary in construction. The metal is used in practically all elements: skylights, building bridges, shutters, ladders and railings. The element is present in rods, doors, wiring, tubes, etc. Aluminum is applied in a wide array of industrial applications. A layer of insulated aluminum cladding is as efficient as stones or bricks. Aluminum can be painted and joined with other materials. Carpenters and builders prefer aluminum because it is versatile. It can be cut, welded, tapered and curved in various shapes. Package

One of the most popular uses of aluminum is packaging. Trays, foils, bottle caps and cans are usually made of this metallic element. Aluminum is preferred because it keeps food clean. The metals properties keep food safe from harmful elements in the environment. Because of this, aluminum is widely used in the industry. This metallic element is corrosionresistant. Compared to iron, aluminum oxide is not destructive. The metal is impermeable. It doesnt affect the taste or smell of food packaging. Most importantly, the metal has no toxic elements. Transportation

Aircraft carriers have aluminum components. It is also used in boats and other sea faring vessels because it is light. Railway carriages also use it. Aluminum can be found on cars for aesthetic and thermal purposes. Its cheaper than other metals so manufacturers prefer it. The element is vital to transportation because of its weight / strength ratio. Aluminum is light; in vehicles this translates to less energy required for motion. It isnt as strong as steel. But it can be alloyed with other metals to increase its strength. The light weight means fuel efficiency. Thats why aluminum parts are common in trains, boats and cars. It is particularly essential in aircraft. Power Lines

Its light weight makes it ideal for use in power lines and electricity. It has less than the coppers electrical conductivity. But aluminum is preferred because of its low density. A kilogram of aluminum conducts double the charge compared with copper of the same amount. Today it is used in long distance power lines and high voltage electrical transmission. If copper is used, companies have to create costly support structures. Aluminum doesnt require these expensive units. Copper is less ductile than aluminum. It cannot be drawn into wire easily. Aluminums corrosion is another plus. The metallic element is also used in satellite dishes.

Applications in aircrafts
The Wright brothers' first aeroplane, which flew in 1903, had a four-cylinder, 12-horsepower auto engine modified with a 30-pound aluminium block to reduce weight. Aluminium gradually replaced the wood, steel and other parts in the early 1900s, and the first all-aluminium plane was built in the early 1920s. Since then, aircraft of all kinds and sizes have relied on aluminium to achieve take off. Aluminium's combination of lightness, strength and workability makes it the ideal material for mass-produced commercial aircraft. Strong aluminium alloys take the extraordinary pressures

and stresses involved in high altitude flying; wafer-thin aluminium panels keep the cold out and the air in. Many internal fittings like the seating on planes are made from aluminium to save weight and therefore increase the aircraft's payload. Today, there are over 27,000 commercial aircraft flying in the world, and many thousands of light aircraft and helicopters. Demand for passenger aircraft alone is set to double from 15,000 today to more than 31,500 by 2030. Aluminium is the primary aircraft material, comprising about 80 per cent of an aircraft's unladen weight. Because the metal resists corrosion, some airlines don't paint their planes, saving several hundred of kilograms in weight. Aircraft manufacturers use high-strength alloys (principally alloy 7075) to strengthen aluminium aircraft structures. Alloy 7075 has zinc and copper added for ultimate strength, but because of the copper it is very difficult to weld. 7075 has the best machinability and results in the finest finish.