Aluminum (Al) is a standalone metal popular for its use in food packaging, medication, beverage, and construction industries. Aluminum is also a preferred choice for automotive applications since it is durable, sturdy, and lightweight. In short, it is one of the most important elements that is used to make the steel that we use today. In fact, aluminum is probably more prevalent than you realize in most of the steel products you use.
Are you interested in learning more about the role of aluminum when it comes to producing steel? If so, you’ve come to the right place. This aluminum slitting company in Everett, Washington is going to explain below.
The Use of Aluminum in Steel
Aluminum is a valuable industrial material known for its lasting properties and versatility. It is the third most used chemical element after oxygen and silicon. It is incredibly light in weight, derived from bauxite ore, the second most malleable metal, and constantly in demand.
Given its numerous advantages, the consumption of aluminum is skyrocketing over time. Although the demand for aluminum in specific sectors got hampered due to COVID-19, the future looks hopeful and strong.
Why Add Aluminum to Steel?
From the perspective of an aluminum slitting company in Everett, Washington, the primary purpose of adding aluminum to steel is to deoxidize the metal. Ideally, the practice has been in use for over a hundred years, and it is quite common to date.
Iron oxides in steel do not protect it from rusting. So, when aluminum ties up to the oxygen elements in steel, it creates an oxygen-proof layer that prevents corrosion. Aluminum delivers even better outcomes when combined with chromium, copper, manganese, and silicon.
The ability to scavenge oxygen allows the formation of tiny and tough aluminum oxide particles that evenly disperse through the metal. This is why aluminum is not added to free-machining steel, as it can affect the tool life. So, before you partner with an aluminum slitting company in Everett, Washington for your project, it’s important to discuss your needs so you end up with the right type of metal.
What Else?
Aluminum effectively helps control the grain growth in steel. It plays an incredible role in grain refinement and produces a fine austenitic grain size. This further helps in promoting fracture toughness while reducing creep resistance. In addition, aluminum diminishes and sometimes eliminates steel’s aging phenomenon and improves its performance in extreme temperatures.
Aluminum is also relatively ductile, which means it can be worked, shaped, and formed without losing a great deal of its strength. This is an important characteristic to look for when you are ordering materials from an aluminum slitting company in Everett, Washington.
Basically, metals like aluminum are used in steel to improve its strength-to-weight ratio. Aluminum also adds to steel’s overall resistance and hardness to achieve the desired qualities.
Looking for a Reputable Aluminum Slitting Company in Everett, Washington?
As any manufacturer knows, choosing the right metal makes a world of difference to your processes. However, getting high-quality material starts with finding a reputable and experienced service provider. That’s where NKS can help. If you are looking for a reputable aluminum slitting company in Everett, Washington, look no further than the experts at National Kwikmetal Services.
We carry a wide range of stainless steel and aluminum products that are suitable for a variety of industrial applications. We can deliver on both large and small-quantity orders at our state-of-the-art facilities. Ready to get started? Contact us today at 1800-722-5029 to discuss your project.