Let's talk!

Metallic Properties of Aluminium That Make It Ideal for Finishe

• Posted by John Driver May 26, 2021 Filed in Arts & Culture 86 views
  click to rate

  Aluminium is one of the most abundant metals found on Earth. Being very versatile, it is the second most used metal after steel in various industries like manufacturing, construction, and automobiles. Aluminium finishes are applied in several ways due to its great metallic properties, such as:

  1. Corrosion resistance: When aluminium is exposed to air and humid conditions, a layer of oxide forms on the aluminium surface to guard the metal from extreme oxidation. This oxide layer provides aluminium with the resistance against deterioration, weathering, and even the industrial atmosphere that facilitates weathering. Anodising treatments can also be used to enhance corrosion resistance.

   

  1. Reflectivity: Smooth aluminium offers high reflectivity on the electromagnetic spectrum from the audio waves and into the thermal range. It is able to bounce a large portion of light and heat that strikes its surface. This high reflectivity offers a decorated appearance to aluminium finishes and makes it effective to use against radiation of heat and light in applications like automotive heat shields and roofing.

   

  1. Ease of fabrication: The ease of fabrication is one of the major features of aluminium. The metal can be fabricated into any desired thickness from foil, which is thinner than paper, to wires to be rolled. There are also aluminium sheets that can be roll-formed, stamped, and drawn. This ease of fabrication also allows for affordable production.

   

  1. Thermal and electrical conductivity: Aluminium conducts heat and electricity effectively. The thermal conductivity of aluminium is about 50% or 60% of copper, which makes it ideal to apply in the large-scale production of cooking utensils. Thermal conductivity relates to transfer from one medium to another. Therefore, aluminium heat exchangers are used in the food, chemical, and aircraft industries.

   

  1. Ductility: Aluminium is malleable, which means that it can be drawn into wires without the risk of breaking. However, its ductility is lower compared to copper. The metal also has a low density, as well as a low melting point. In molten form, aluminium can be cast in many ways thanks to its flexibility in producing different products like sheets, tubes, foils, and rods.

   

  1. Strength: Aluminium used in commercial sectors has an impressive tensile strength, which makes it very useful for structural materials. Working on the metal through processes like cold rolling can make it stronger. The strength can be increased further by alloying it with elements such as silicon, copper, and manganese. Alloys can also be stronger through heat treatment.

   

  1. Impermeable and odourless: Aluminium, even when it is rolled like a foil and is extremely thin, is sufficiently impermeable, and it also does not emit taste or smell. As such, it is a very non-toxic metal that you can use without any hesitation. Its impermeable and odourless features make it perfect for the pharmaceutical and food industry as well.

  Contact one of the several aluminium suppliers in South Africa for high-quality and aesthetically appealing aluminium finishes.