Aluminum 101: A Complete Guide from NKS, an Aluminum Slitting Company in Irvine, California

Aluminum slitting company in Irvine California

 

Aluminum is one of the most abundant elements on Earth, and it’s used in a variety of applications. From construction materials to aircraft components, aluminum has become increasingly important in the manufacturing world due to its lightweight properties and corrosion resistance.

Below, this aluminum slitting company in Irvine, California is going to explain what aluminum is and how it can be used in different industries. We'll also discuss its composition, production processes, alloys, fabrication techniques, and more.

What Is Aluminum?

Aluminum is a chemical element with the symbol Al and atomic number 13. It is classified as a post-transition metal, meaning it can exist in multiple oxidation states. This makes aluminum an incredibly versatile material, allowing it to be used for many different applications today.

One of the most common forms of aluminum is Aluminum-6061 (Al-6061), which is made up of 91% pure aluminum and 9% other metals (including copper, magnesium, silicon, zinc, and titanium). This combination of elements creates a strong but lightweight alloy that's well-suited for construction materials, aircraft components, and more.

Production Processes

Aluminum is produced in two major ways: primary production and secondary production. Primary production involves extracting the metal from bauxite ore, while secondary production involves refining scrap metal and other aluminum products.

Primary Production

Primary aluminum is produced using the Hall-Héroult process, which involves extracting alumina (aluminum oxide) from bauxite ore. The alumina is then heated to high temperatures in special furnaces until it melts and separates into its basic components: liquid aluminum and oxygen.

This liquid aluminum is then cooled and poured into molds to form ingots, which can be used for further processing by an aluminum slitting company in Irvine, California.

Secondary Production

Secondary production involves recycling scrap metal and other aluminum products to create new materials. This process uses less energy than primary production and helps reduce waste. It also ensures that the same quality standards are met as in primary production.

Alloys and Fabrication Techniques

Aluminum can be alloyed with other elements to create materials with specific properties. Common alloys include aluminum-magnesium (Al-Mg), aluminum-silicon (Al-Si), and aluminum-zinc (Al-Zn). Each alloy has its own unique characteristics, such as increased strength or corrosion resistance.

Aluminum slitting companies in Irvine, California can fabricate aluminum using a variety of techniques. These include casting, extrusion, rolling, forging, machining, and more. All these processes help shape the metal into the desired form while retaining its lightweight yet strong properties.

What Are the Advantages of Aluminum?

Aluminum is a popular material due to its numerous advantages. As we mentioned above, it is both lightweight and strong, which makes it a great option for manufacturers across a wide range of industries.

In addition, aluminum is non-toxic, corrosion-resistant, and electrically conductive. It also has excellent thermal properties and can be recycled easily, making it an eco-friendly choice for many applications.

What Are the Potential Drawbacks of Aluminum?

While aluminum has many advantages, there are also some potential drawbacks. Aluminum is relatively soft and can easily be scratched or dented. It is also not as strong as other metals such as steel, so it must be used with caution in structural applications.

In addition, aluminum is sensitive to certain chemicals and temperatures, which can cause it to corrode over time. Lastly, aluminum is relatively expensive compared to other materials, making it a less cost-effective option for certain applications.

Looking for an Aluminum Slitting Company in Irvine, California?

Are you ready to partner with the most trusted aluminum slitting company in Irvine, California? If so, look no further than the experts at National Kwikmetal Service. We provide superior-quality aluminum products at competitive prices and offer quick turnaround times.

Contact us today at 1-800-722-5029 to learn how we can help.