Many raw materials we extract from the nature around us can be processed and used in production. One of the most outstanding of these raw materials is the “AL” element which is found in the form of bauxite ore. Aluminium is also distinctive thanks to its superior heat resistance which sets it apart as having a more durable structure compared to other elements. It is used widely in many areas of production, especially in the industrial, construction and transport industries. This particular element has achieved such a wide array and popularity of use, that it is favoured in almost every sector.
The Advantages of Using Aluminium
Being the most commonly found and easily extracted element on our planet, aluminium’s use is further enhanced by its ease and versatility in shaping. Its recyclability means it can form part of a more environmentally friendly production process. Aluminium’s contribution to the global economy is very significant indeed. Some of the advantages offered by this element are:
- Ease of access,
- Long-lasting use,
- Malleable structure which is easy to shape,
- Environmentally friendly from production to consumption,
- Easily coloured as desired
- Safely used in areas such as food etc.
- Able to conduct electricity.
Eight Areas in Which Aluminium is Currently Most Used
Because of its wide availability in nature, ease of use, durability along with the fact that it transmits the heat, Aluminium can be found in almost any product that springs to mind. As an element that is often used in various industries, it is most important particularly in the Electricity, Construction, Consumer Electronics, Consumer Goods, Transportation, Defence Industry, Thermal pads and Precision Tubes industries.
1. Electricity Sector
Due to the fact that it is a highly conductive element, aluminium is often used in electricity transmission lines. In particular, it is most used in electric power lines and similar functions. These are as follows:
Power Lines
Copper and aluminium are usually the preferred components of electricity distribution lines. In large part thanks to their affordable and durable nature, these two components are indispensable for the electricity sector. Although copper is more affordable, aluminium is more widely used in conductor production because of its greater durability relative to copper. In addition, aluminium is lighter than copper, and the use of lightweight products is also an important factor in high-voltage overhead lines.
Engine Parts
Frequently encountered in this sector due to its lowered noise advantage and longer-term use because of the thermal conductivity it provides, aluminium is one of the most highly preferred materials in today’s engine parts manufacturing. In addition, engines using this element have become even more popular due to the fact that aluminium minimises their environmental harm. As a consequence, aluminium forms an integral part of EURO-6 type engines that are widespread in Europe, confirming the environmental credentials of this raw material.
Television Antennas
The use of aluminium in antennas providing transmission of terrestrial channel broadcasting to televisions is quite significant. Certain alternatives are available for the manufacture of antennas and cables, but copper and aluminium stand out by far. Aluminium’s weather resistance and light weight nature plays a key role in its frequent use in television antennas.
Satellite Dishes
Satellite dishes, like television dishes, are another type of product in which aluminium can be used very effectively. Thanks to aluminium use in antennas, the correct flow of heat is ensured. Furthermore this element provides powerful electrical transmission and an impeccable broadcasting service. In particular, it’s perfect for use in the antennas of satellite dishes, because its longevity prevents probable losses.
2. Construction
Aluminium usage is very widespread in the construction and architecture sectors. Aluminium is used in laying the foundations of buildings as well as in the preparation of external facades. It is also possible to see this element in many of the details of a construction such as in its windows, sheet metal coating and on doors.
High Rise Buildings
Aluminium is essential to both the construction and the post-construction phases because of the fact that when alloyed, it becomes highly durable. The level of durability of the alloyed state of the element allows the building of high-rise structures with complete peace of mind. In addition, aluminium-based facade products have been coming to the fore in recent years for exterior facades. These coating products provide flawless thermal insulation.
Window Frames
Aluminium is the preferred alternative for window frames because of its durability along with the other advantages it offers. The assurance of longevity, combined with the fact that aluminium minimizes distortions caused by external factors, are just some of the features that attract users to this particular material. In addition, aluminium-based windows provide easy maintenance and cleaning.
Architecture
Aluminium can be shaped to produce aesthetically stylish products, which means it is increasingly used by architects as time goes on. Its durability, resistance to abrasions and deformations adds to its popularity from an architectural point of view. Standing out as an environmentally friendly alternative, it is also a key component of the architectural restoration business.
3. Consumer Electronics
Aluminium is a key component of many of the products that we come across in our daily routines which help to make our lives easier. Besides its many advantages such as durability and low cost , aluminium is also visually pleasing and therefore a preferred component in many products.
White Goods
White goods are among the most important products of the consumer sector. Many people use household appliances, especially refrigerators, washing machines and dishwashers in their homes. The use of aluminium in the white goods sector is extremely widespread. The chief reason for this intense use is the lightness and versatile structure of the material.
4. Consumer Goods
It is possible to come across aluminium in almost all of the products we find in our homes. It is used commonly to increase the durability of many consumer products, whether small or large. Tools and utensils which contain this material are considered optimal, particularly when it comes to kitchen utensils. This is due to the fact that aluminium has good thermal insulation and provides the desired cooking performance. The use of this element in the packaging and entertainment industry is also quite common.
Packaging
Aluminium is easy to produce and relatively environmentally friendly making it popular for brands to use in their packaging designs. Most noticeably, aluminium is found in the production of canned drinks and tins. Featuring long shelf life and heat resistance, aluminium ensures that consumer products can be stored intact and presented to the consumer without complications.
Sports and Auto Racing
Aluminium is also one of the most important components in the production of sports equipment. Durability and style are the leading reasons why the sports and motorcar racing sectors choose aluminium. For example, aluminium is widely used in the construction of bicycle skeletons, sledges and golf clubs. As for the entertainment industry, the effect of aluminium can be observed in the construction of safe vehicles. Without aluminium, racing vehicles produced for motor sports such as Formula 1, Moto GP and NASCAR would not be currently possible.
5. Transportation
Aluminium alloys have been indispensable raw materials in the production of aircraft for quite some time. Even though other materials are increasingly used in this industry, aluminium continues to be a major contributor to this sector. Thanks to its lightweight structure and heat resistance, aluminium continues to be essential in the construction of transport structures.
Automotive Industry
Featuring high resistance to corrosion and ease of shaping and durability, aluminium is intensively used in the automotive industry. Used to optimally shape the largest to the smallest parts in the Auto sector, aluminium is used in almost every part of a vehicle; from engine parts to suspensions, from engine mounts to the battery bodies of electric vehicles. Produced with impeccable precision by KALKANCI, these structured parts constitute an important place in the automotive sector. For more detailed information about the importance of aluminium in the Automotive Sector we recommend that you read our article titled “Automotive Casting Industry”.
Spacecraft Parts
Aluminium is also used in the construction of rockets and other types of spacecraft. NASA often chooses to work with aluminium components, especially in rocket construction. It has proven to be reliable in durability and heat management in its alloyed state even in the challenging environment of outer space.
Ships
Found frequently in ship design, aluminium enables ease of ship construction thanks to its lightweight nature. Its use on the hull and superstructures of ships adds durability to the overall construction. You can find this element in storage at many shipyards.
Trains
Aluminium can also be found commonly in the production of trains and passenger vehicles. The manufacturing of wagon parts on trains includes this material. From steam trains to high-speed trains, the entire range of trains will always include aluminium in some form or other.
Individual Vehicles
Our cars contain many aluminium parts. In order for us to enjoy safe transportation, the structure of our cars must be both durable and provide comfort of use. It is for this reason that this material is almost always included in the production of car parts. Aluminium plates, plaques and profiles are also used in the body parts of vehicles such as the engines, radiators and on wheels.
6. Defence Industry
Because of its resilient and durable structure, aluminium is also used very effectively in the defence industry, for example in constructing military vehicles. Aluminium can be used in weapons production, military equipment, vehicles and many other defence industry products, and is also an important component in design of aircraft because of its lightweight structure. It can also be found in parts of unmanned drones produced today.
Aircraft Parts
Aluminium alloys are used as a raw material in aircraft production. They are very important in aircraft construction because of their durability and resilience. Aluminium does not lose its integrity when confronted with pressure or weather changes, and this is way it is so important in aircraft production to provide maximum safety.
Another key advantage which leads to its widespread use is that it is easy to shape. The durability that results as a consequence of being alloyed, combined with the fact that it is easy to shape, results in high versatility of use.
7. Heat Sinks
Many electronic products and cables experience distortion and deformation problems due to overheating. Heat sinks play an important role in preventing electronic goods from deteriorating from excessive electric current and fires that may occur.
Heat sinks are usually made of metallic materials, and aluminium is the most common element chosen by manufacturers. In addition to being low-cost and easy-to-obtain, aluminium allows heat conduction with ease. Its use as a heat sink can in some measure be attributed to its lightweight nature.
8. Precision Pipes
Precision tubes or pipes, though possessing lighter weight, nevertheless ensure a safe construction process. They are ideal because of their durability, paint absorption and flexibility. Aluminium precision pipes are also beneficial due to their environmental friendliness. Because of their long service life, aluminium pipes are optimal for infrastructure systems. Precision pipes are commonly used in the following industries:
- Shipping,
- Airlines,
- Agriculture,
- Electric,
- Automotive.
KALKANCI, has been serving the Turkish metal sector industry since 1981 through its significant contributions and has today achieved a unique momentum in the field of moulding, offering the most optimal solutions to all our customers’ production needs. In particular, we are experts in casting, mould design and production; and our impeccable processing, vibration and sandblasting services are also available. KALKANCI‘s export ratio is 98%, definitive evidence of our superior capability in partnering with our customers to find the best solutions to their production needs.