Aluminium is a white silverish metal with very strong resistance towards corrosion. Being easily malleable, highly reflective, and machinable, this light metal relatively of 2.7 specific gravity is known as a good conductor of heat and electricity. To form alloys it is often mixed with other metals like Manganese, Zinc, Copper, Magnesium or Silicon. These Aluminium alloys carry the qualities of both the elements and thereby make the alloy better than the constituent elements in many regards. They resist corrosion far effectively and are lighter as well.

Extraction of the Aluminium

Aluminium metal is never found existing independently in the environment. Owing to the fact that aluminium is a very reactive metal, it is always found as a compound with other elements like silicon and oxygen and thus has to be extracted from these compounds first. Then it is purified through the Bayer’s process to get alumina or the Aluminium oxide. After procuring alumina, Aluminium alloy is extracted by the Hall Heroult process in which it is mixed well with a cryolite and is then subjected to electrolysis. A lot of energy is spent in this entire procedure and is a strenuous exercise for the Aluminium alloy manufacturers.

The Manufacture of Aluminium Alloy

The extraction process used by the Aluminium alloys manufacturer is quite comprehensive. The very first step requires the raw material to be charged in the furnace and quality control is done. Then, the alloying element is added to it and checked on spectrometer. Firstly, sample checking is done and then it undergoes the process of de- grassing, grain refining and the final sample checking. After this, it is subjected to ingot casting before it is color coded and thus is ready to dispatch.

Uses of Aluminium Alloys

There are many areas where these Aluminium alloys can be successfully put to use:

• In the construction of various aircrafts

• It is extensively used in making automotive parts, engine parts, wheels, and other vital parts

• In building and construction purposes like for the roofing material, windows, doors, fronts and canopies

• For manufacturing various components of machines that need high tolerance

• For making access equipments and ladders

• For making road signs and barriers

• For making sporting goods

• For constructing office and domestic furniture

• For making the lithographic plates

Met Trade (India) is one of the leading Aluminium alloy manufacturers, specialized in producing all types of the Aluminium alloys. They have a team of experienced experts who conduct extensive research along with development and keep on upgrading their products and services. www.mettradeindia.com has all the information regarding aluminium and its alloys.