Although aluminum has unique properties, in its pure form it has very low strength, which means that its use as a structural material is very limited. The situation fundamentally changes when other alloying elements are added to aluminum – as a result, we obtain incredibly versatile, strong, and reliable aluminum alloys that are in high demand in engineering, construction, and the automotive industry.
What are aluminum alloys?
"Alloy" is a mixture of various metallic elements, often created to enhance the strength and durability of the material. Aluminum alloy typically consists of aluminum as the primary metal in the mixture, often combined with other elements such as silicon, manganese, or even copper, tin, and magnesium depending on the desired application. With the right combination of elements, aluminum can acquire much greater strength, and in some cases, even surpass steel. Alloys have the same advantages as pure aluminum, and they are also relatively economical, as they have a lower melting point.
Advantages and Applications
Today, aluminum is one of the most popular non-ferrous metals used in construction, engineering, and industry, and this is hardly surprising. There are few materials as durable, comfortable, and versatile as aluminum alloys. Even though engineers and manufacturers widely appreciate their properties, most people may not be aware of the characteristics of aluminum. What is this metal capable of? When many think about this element, they certainly do not make a connection with rocket scientists or cutting-edge automotive engineering! The first thing that comes to mind for most people is undoubtedly kitchenware or perhaps other ordinary household items.
However, this amazing element is incredibly versatile, and it is useful not only for making fancy pots and pans! Aluminum is indeed a wonderful metal, known for its strength, flexibility, and versatility. Thanks to its sought-after properties, aluminum is used in many industries and is a fantastic alternative for various applications, ranging from insulation to cookware, construction, prototyping, and more. Aluminum alloys are also particularly popular. Aluminum alloys are particularly desirable when designers aim to reduce the weight of an object (for example, an airplane) without compromising strength.
The most popular applications of aluminum alloys
Aerospace and automotive industries
In the aerospace and automotive industries, aluminum alloy is becoming an increasingly important material. This is explained by the fact that it can reduce the weight of the vehicle, thereby maximizing its efficiency and fuel economy in the long run. Moreover, the durability of aluminum alloy makes it a safe choice as it has performed very well in crash tests and exceeds the requirements of most safety regulations worldwide. Aluminum is much lighter than steel (about one-third of its weight), and it allows manufacturers to create strong metal parts without adding unnecessary weight that would reduce the performance of their vehicles.
Buildings and structures
High-strength aluminum alloy is also a very popular tool in the construction industry. Steel remains one of the most important materials in construction, but aluminum alloys certainly take second place. When constructing modern skyscrapers and buildings, it is very important to consider strength and safety. The additional advantages of high corrosion resistance and low flammability, along with the natural insulating properties of aluminum, making it ideal for this industry. In recent years, aluminum has received high recognition internationally for use in structures where there is a high risk of fire. To raise the temperature of aluminum by one degree, it takes about twice as much heat as steel of the same mass. Moreover, aluminum does not burn in the air, nor does it produce smoke or other toxic vapors.
Electrical engineering and electronic engineering
You often encounter aluminum in electrical and electronic equipment, as it does not create magnetic interference. Aluminum, unlike other metals, is indeed non-ferromagnetic, which makes it very valuable and important for the production of electronics, electrical shielding, and other applications.
Other industries
In addition to its extraordinary strength, aluminum alloy, especially with magnesium in its composition, is less flammable compared to other alloys and less susceptible to corrosion. It is very important to choose the most suitable aluminum alloy for each specific application, considering, among other things, factors such as ductility, density, plasticity, and tensile strength.
The history of the creation of aluminum alloys
In the 1930s, the development of aluminum alloy grade 6063 was underway. Since this alloy has found wide application in the USA, it is often referred to as "American." In the 1990s, a "modified" version emerged - aluminum alloy 6060, which began to be actively used in Western Europe and, accordingly, was named "European." In the same 1930s, the Soviet Union developed (or borrowed) its alloy grade AD31, the composition of which was defined by GOST 4784*97 and was similar to alloy 6063. Only in 2000 was the composition of the alloy AD31 modified according to GOST 4784-97 (the tolerance sizes for impurities, primarily iron, changed significantly: from 0.35 to 0.5), and it no longer matches the alloy 6063.
