This is not the first time we have talked about alloys or the benefits they can offer. In the end, it is a metal to which another component can be applied to take advantage of its properties. In this way, we obtain a material with a specific application for the project in which it is to be used. Aluminium alloys are among the most widely used alloys in all types of industries due to their qualities. However, what types are there and which ones are most commonly used?
Today at Initube we explore the world of alloys of one of the most widely used materials in the world. The aim of these combinations is to find a material that offers the project or construction the necessary characteristics for its success. And for that we first have to know what we can choose!
What are aluminium alloys like?
As we are going to talk about aluminium alloys, the first thing to do is to explain what this material is. It is naturally present in our environment and forms part of approximately 8% of the earth’s crust. Its versatility has made it one of the most coveted and admired materials. It is, in fact, the second most widely used metal in the world thanks to its multiple uses in a variety of industries, from automotive to construction.
Mixing aluminium with another component results in an aluminium alloy. For an alloy to occur, at least 1 of the elements being mixed must be metal. The primary difference with other materials is that they are created, not found. By this we mean that they are not naturally present on the planet. This is why the mixture of elements in bauxite is not considered an alloy.
The great usefulness of alloying lies in the fact that the element we add does not cancel out the properties of the original metal (electrical conductivity, ductility, brightness, etc.). So we end up with a material with the characteristics of both components (or more if added). These additional properties can be chosen depending on what we need (resistance, hardness…).
Some of the elements with which aluminium is most commonly combined are copper, magnesium, zinc, silicon, among others. With them we can improve the properties and adapt them to different industrial needs. Their ability to offer everything from high strength to excellent thermal and electrical conductivity makes aluminium alloys ideal materials for a wide range of applications.
However, other secondary metals such as nickel, titanium, iron, chromium or cobalt can also be used. In special cases lead, cadmium, antimony or bismuth may be added for more specific applications. The advantage of being such a versatile metal is exploited as much as possible.
Characteristics
Aluminium alloys are able to offer the characteristics of the material itself plus the extra component to suit different industrial applications. Some of the most coveted are:
Lightness
Aluminium is a very light metal which, when combined with other elements, makes it weigh even less. Aluminium alloys are therefore perfect for applications where lightness is essential, but also strength.
Corrosion resistance
Materials derived from aluminium alloys are highly resistant to corrosion, so one of their main locations is in wet or marine environments.
Electrical and thermal conductivity
Aluminium and its alloys are great conductors of heat and electricity. If high conductivity is required, this metal is perfect. Only the alloy that offers the best properties should be found.
Malleability
Aluminium alloys are easy to work with because they adapt very well to any format and are easy to handle.
The possibility of combining aluminium with multiple materials is not its only advantage. Its low price (it is a very common metal) makes it one of the most commonly used in all types of projects. From the manufacture of aluminium foil to larger engineering projects.
Applications
We have already discussed the versatility of aluminium and the options it offers in terms of alloys. Many types of industry can benefit from their use, but there are some that should not do without them:
Automotive industry
Aluminium alloys are used in this sector because of their combination of strength and lightness. By doing so, manufacturers can improve fuel efficiency and vehicle performance.
Aerospace industry
Aluminium alloys have been and are fundamental in the aerospace industry because of their low weight and high strength. Lighter and more aerodynamic structures for aircraft and satellites can be produced. This is an indispensable property for this type of project.
Kitchen utensils
Aluminium is a popular material in the home, especially in cookware. Its thermal conductivity and resistance to corrosion are qualities that are highly appreciated in this type of environment. Aluminium alloys are used to make pots, pans and other kitchen utensils.
Industrial machine building
Aluminium alloys are used in this sector because of their strength, durability and ability to withstand heavy loads, and are used in the construction of components that will make up industrial machines and equipment.
Aluminium alloys
As you can see, there is no one alloy that is better than another, but it all depends on the intended use. If we need corrosion resistance, for example, but do not need it to withstand heavy loads, we will choose one alloy over another. But which are the most commonly used?
Pure
Pure aluminium alloys, also known as ALPUR, are characterised by their high resistance to environmental effects and their thermal and electrical conductivity. They are also capable of adapting to deformations, which makes them very versatile in industrial applications.
Industry is not the only sector where this alloy is applied. The electrical, chemical, petrochemical, construction and decoration industries, among others, also use it. Their ability to resist corrosion and their versatility make them a preferred choice where structural strength and durability are needed.
Aluminium-copper
The role of copper in this alloy is crucial (it usually contains 15% copper). The main reason is because it significantly hardens aluminium, which tends to be more malleable. This gives it exceptional mechanical properties without compromising its lightness and manoeuvrability.
However, the presence of copper also brings a disadvantage. Its alloy tends to have poor resistance to atmospheric agents. In addition, the welding of such alloys requires special techniques (electron beam welding), which makes them difficult to handle.
Aluminium-silicon
The percentage of added material is usually around 5-20%, depending on the properties we want to obtain. Like copper, silicon hardens aluminium and increases its strength. It also improves fluidity during casting of the material and provides excellent corrosion resistance. These alloys are highly ductile, i.e. they can withstand large deformations and have a high impact strength. In addition, they have excellent thermal and electrical conductivity.
Its main applications are the casting of parts requiring good mouldability and the manufacture of components for marine applications. However, these alloys are not generally used for ornamental pieces because they will blacken over time.
Aluminium-zinc
Zinc is incorporated with a maximum percentage of 20%. Compared to aluminium and copper alloys, the alloy is often quite inexpensive and offers similar mechanical properties. The only drawback is that it is less resistant to corrosion and weighs more. These characteristics should be taken into account before choosing the aluminium alloy for the project at hand.
Aluminium-magnesium
This type of alloy often requires the addition of other elements such as copper, silicon or zinc. The amount of magnesium is usually less than 10% and is mixed to form ternary alloys where magnesium has an even smaller proportion in the total alloy.
Aluminium-magnesium alloys are even lighter than pure aluminium itself. They have good mechanical properties and high corrosion resistance.
Aluminium-manganese
Manganese is one of the elements most readily found in most aluminium alloys, mainly in ternary and quaternary forms. In general, they contribute to increase the hardness, mechanical strength and corrosion resistance of any alloy in which they are added.
Aluminium alloys for casting
If we talk about this type of alloys, we cannot fail to mention the so-called casting alloys. This is a specific category of aluminium alloys. Although they share the same alloying and classification systems as other aluminium alloys, they are distinguished by having a much higher silicon content than other alloys.
The purpose of the increased amount of this component is to improve the fluidity of the material during the casting process. As a result, parts are easier to feed into the mould, reducing the likelihood of unwanted cracking and shrinkage.
If you deal with aluminium alloys and are looking for a metal cutting company, Initube can help you. Our professionals study, design and develop each project in a personalised way to meet your requirements and needs.
Our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement has led us to become the perfect partner for many companies. If you have any questions or need information, please contact us. We will send you a quotation if required within 48 hours.
