Aluminum Applications

Applications of Aluminum

After iron and steel, aluminum is the most popular metal being used for many applications in the world. Some of the uses for aluminum are:

Transportation: The combination of lightness, strength and formability make aluminum the ideal material for any transportation application. As aluminum is light it is used in automobiles, airplanes, railways and marine applications. Aluminum is used for making fuel-efficient engines in cars and trucks. Its low weight reduces fuel consumption and emissions during transportation.

There would be no commercial air travel without the existence of aluminum. Strong aluminum alloys take the extreme pressures and stresses involved in high altitude flying. Wafer thin aluminum panels keep the cold out and the air in. Many internal fittings like the seating on planes are made from aluminum or aluminum composite in order to save weight and thus save fuel, reduce emissions and increase the aircraft's payload. Today, there are around 5,300 commercial passenger aircrafts flying in the world.

In a vehicle crash involving a largely aluminum vehicle a high proportion of the shock is absorbed by the structure, not by the vehicle occupants.

Packaging and food processing: Aluminum is non-poisonous and so non-acidic food can be safely wrapped in aluminum foil and cooked in aluminum vessels. Aluminum packaging preserves quality of the food intact. Aluminum utensils heat up quickly and evenly. Using aluminum cookware, the energy required to heat is less than that of stainless steel or cast iron.

Construction: Aluminum facilitates the construction of corrosion-resistant and low maintenance cost buildings. All kinds of aluminum products are used for new construction as well as renovation. Due to the strength and lightness of aluminum, it is used in earthquake prone zones. The majority of aluminum used in buildings will be recycled and can be used over and over again. As aluminum is a good reflector of light, it is used in lighting fixtures. Aluminum is used for building rooftops to stay cooler in hot weather conditions.

Electrical transmission lines: Aluminum can be drawn in to thin wires and aluminum wire, reinforced with steel, is used for high-voltage electrical power cables. Most of the high voltage overhead transmission and distribution lines over long distances are made of aluminum. Aluminum is also used in light bulbs and telephone wires.

Medical applications: Aluminum is hygienic and easy to sterilize, and so is preferred for many medical applications.

Other applications of aluminum: Aluminum is also used in rocket fuel, paints, explosives, inks, knitting needles, refrigerators, electronic products and zip fasteners.