Aluminum Everywhere: Why this Material is So Popular for Everything from Cars to Technology

 Materials  

Have you ever wondered why aluminum is such a popular material for so many applications? Consider these facts about this abundant, versatile material.

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n today's industrialized, mechanized world, the watchwords for manufacturers are "faster, stronger,” and “lighter". Millions of dollars are spent every year in developing materials that can help achieve these goals. However, one of the most popular and useful materials has already been around for a long time. Between the buzz surrounding Ford’s new aluminum trucks, and other uses including new technology and devices, you might wonder why aluminum is everywhere these days.

Availability

Aluminum is perhaps most remarkable for its sheer abundance: it's the third most common element on Earth. It is difficult to obtain, however, since it requires comparatively complex methods to smelt. These factors combine to make it both valuable and virtually unlimited in supply.

The top of the Washington Monument is capped in aluminum, once one of the most precious metals on the planet.

It is Valuable

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Since value is determined by need, where does aluminum's value come from? The answer isn't simple. Aluminum has been used in many industries for decades, but it's in the few decades that it has become really popular. The industries which are most likely responsible for this are packaging, construction, and transportation.

Packaging

According to one source, packaging accounts for around a 33% of aluminum use world-wide. While this sounds unlikely, it actually makes sense when the uptick in pre-prepared and bottled foods is factored in. Aluminum packaging can be found in practically every home in the US. Since the metal is soft, tough, and highly resistant to corrosion, it's not surprising that it has found use for long-term and short-term storage.

Construction

The lightness and corrosion resistance of aluminum makes it excellent for construction. Alloying it with other metals can change its properties drastically. The type of alloy used depends on the planned use. High-rigidity alloys might be used for structural components, while soft, pliable alloys could find use as flashing or skirting. In addition, the metal is often used in insulation. Certain types of aluminum cladding are much more effective than traditional materials, such as brick and stone.

Transportation

Another recent increase in aluminum demand comes from the transportation industry. Transportation has involved aluminum for decades, especially in aircraft. This is logical, since aeronautics requires high-strength, low-flexibility materials at with minimal weight. However, it's only in recent years that the automotive industry has started looking at aluminum as a replacement for steel. An example: Ford just redesigned their most popular truck, the F-150, with an aluminum body. This is a huge step forward for aluminum use in cars.

After considering even a few facts of modern aluminum use, it's easy to see why aluminum is becoming more popular. It even helps explain why the world's biggest aluminum producer, China, is confident that future aluminum demand will remain high.

By Dixie Somers

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Author Bio - Dixie is a freelance writer who loves to write about business, finance and automotive technology. She lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters. The information for this article was provided by the professionals of Advantage Manufacturing Ltd., who specialize in aluminum fabrication in Calgary.