The Metal Aluminium
Present in Nature and of Service to Mankind
The most important properties of aluminium are its light weight coupled with high strength, its good conductivity of electricity and heat, particularly good corrosion resistance, including resistance to water and chemicals, and its excellent recyclability. Aluminium does not pose a risk to health and it occurs naturally in combination with the widest possible range of elements. There are traces of aluminium even in baking powder, cheese slices and toothpaste.
Markets for aluminium products in Germany in 2009
Universal Material with many good Properties
Aluminium stands for useful, durable, reliable and safe products and is used in the widest possible range of shapes and functions:
In the Transport Sector
Aluminium is used here mainly in the lightweight construction of cars, commercial vehicles, aircraft, trains and ships. This includes interior fittings, body, engine blocks, cylinder heads, boot lids, doors, wheels and many other items. If aluminium is used wherever possible, weight savings alone will result in a fuel saving of 1.3 litres per 100 kilometres. With commercial vehicles, a reduction in the dead weight increases the possible payload and this is an added benefit.
In Building and Construction
Architects, builders and clients place their trust in aluminium. Whether windows or doors, façade cladding, roof and wall systems, fittings, handles, gratings, aluminium foil used in heat insulation and so on. Thanks to its functional and at the same time aesthetically pleasing attributes, aluminium offers considerable benefits when it comes to building and using a property.
In the Packaging Sector
In packaging, aluminium is a real all-rounder: it protects foodstuffs and chemical preparations against external influences that adversely affect quality. In addition, the use of aluminium packaging saves space during transport.
In Mechanical Engineering and Plant Manufacturing
Industrial robots and machines achieve their precision and mobility not least because of the low mass of the components and parts. Machine parts, which are preferably made from castings, forgings or sheet, thus speed up manufacturing processes.
In Design, Household and Leisure
Whether climbing hooks, cycles, camping equipment, furniture design, pots, pans, cutlery, lamps, picture frames or handles for cupboards – aluminium creates perceived value without impairing functionality.
In Electrical Engineering
Aluminium housings that dissipate heat optimally, power cables that can also be used economically in inaccessible areas because of their lightness, or windings in transformers that make motors even more efficient. Aluminium offers many benefits in electronics, electrical engineering and air conditioning technology.
