Aluminum Basics

Aluminum metal and other products are less expensive to manufacture than silver or copper

We're exposed to aluminum, or some form of aluminum metal, every day, ranging from automobiles, to food packaging and utensils, to soda cans and aluminum foil. Aluminum can even be found in appliances and construction materials for windows and doors. Aluminum is best known for its durability, strength and resistance to corrosion and temperature changes.

Considered to be one of Earth’s most abundant metals, aluminum comes in all different features, sizes, grades and compositions. The silver appearance of aluminum metal makes it not only useful to commercial or consumer products, but it makes a good conductor for electrical equipment. Aluminum manufacturers make aluminum sheet metal, aluminum alloys, bars, rods, spheres and strips. Specifications to look for when you buy aluminum alloy, aluminum sheet metal and other aluminum products include production capabilities, performance features and dimensions. Aluminum information such as related applications also helps you to become familiar with the products. Common applications for aluminum include casting, forging and machine assembly. If your business involves working with metals, learn about aluminum basics before adding this material to your inventory.

1. Pick aluminum to use for different applications.

2. Find quality products from aluminum manufacturers or distributors.

3. Consider recycling services for any leftover aluminum products.

 

Make sure to buy aluminum with different performance capabilities

Buy aluminum alloy and other aluminum metal that can withstand environmental changes and is equipped to handle industrial applications.
Try: Aluminum distributor Watteredge Metals sells aluminum sheets and plates capable of withstanding various temperatures, as well as metal fabrication, leveling, heat treating, waterjet cutting and plating applications. United Aluminum manufactures brand-name coils to be used for annealing, slitting and brazing purposes. Mandel Metals handles conversion coating, shearing, leveling and sawing of aluminum. The company markets prime and surplus aluminum to the aerospace and commercial industries.

Find a certified aluminum distributor or manufacturer

Shop for quality aluminum products to add to the effectiveness of your projects or products.
Try: ISO-certified All Foils includes aluminum foils, strips and sheets among its inventory. AS- and ISO-certified Yarde Metals stocks aluminum sheet metal in various shapes and sizes. RoHS-compliant Custom Aluminum Products manufactures aluminum for commercial and industrial purposes.

Recycle any leftover aluminum and help save the environment

Aluminum has become one of the most recycled metals. Locate recycling services that work with aluminum products, and other scraps and metals.
Try: C & M Metals offers aluminum and other scrap metal recycling services for consumers as well as manufacturers. B & G Iron & Metals provides full-service recycling of metals such as copper, stainless steel, brass and aluminum. Metal Recycling Consultants offers assistance to businesses interested in starting recycling services of scrap metals such as aluminum.

 

• Aluminum and aluminum products must also meet standards and specifications assigned by the Unified Numbering System (UNS), the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the American Iron and Steel Institute (ASI).

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