Aluminum alloys are used in many industries due to their strength and ease of fabrication. They are used in construction, packaging, aerospace and automotive industries. Because of their excellent strength to weight ratio, aluminum alloys are often used in products requiring light weight but great strength.
Aluminum alloys are typically made up of two or more metals with aluminum being the main base material. It is combined with elements like silicon, magnesium, zinc, and copper to improve properties such as strength, formability, machinability, corrosion resistance, and weldability. Other elements such as nickel, chromium, titanium, and molybdenum can be added in small amounts during the alloying process to provide improved properties.
The combination of elements in aluminum alloys are determined by the desired properties of the alloy and its intended use. In addition, the alloy’s mechanical, thermodynamic, and cryogenic properties can be tailored to a large degree through different combinations of elements.
Aluminum alloys can be divided into two groups: casting alloys and wrought alloys. Each group is further subdivided into families based on alloy composition, like a 2000 series, 7000 series, and so forth. Depending on the type of aluminum alloy, there is a wide range of options for fabricators and manufacturers to choose from when selecting an alloy for a specific job.
Forging is the most common method used to create complex shapes from aluminum alloys and is ideal for large production runs because of its high-speed production and flexibility. It is capable of producing parts that are close to the finished size, and requires minimal machining.
Aluminum alloys can also be welded using several different welding techniques, including gas tungsten arc welding, gas metal arc welding, and shielded metal arc welding. The type of welding process chosen depends on the desired end product and is primarily determined by the alloy being welded.
Aluminum alloys provide many desirable and advantageous qualities that make them a popular choice in many industries. These include their low density and excellent strength-to-weight ratio, their good corrosion and wear resistance, their excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, and their exceptional weldability.
Despite the advantages to using aluminum alloys, there are some limitations. Aluminum alloys are prone to cracking if placed in a corrosive environment, and their relatively low melting points can make processing and fabrication difficult. Aluminum alloys also lack the strength of other metals, such as steel, and are limited in their ability to withstand high temperatures.
Aluminum alloys continue to remain a popular and dependable material in many industries, thanks to their unique properties. With the right selection and processing, they can provide excellent performance and long-term reliability. As technology and fabrication methods continue to evolve, the possibilities of aluminum alloys will only expand.
