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| How about some metallurgy? | |
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In our first edition of aluNEWS we will be introducing, with just a few
words, the material that was the inspiration for our company name.
Aluminum is a non-ferrous light metal. A cube with an edge length of 10cm weighs about 2.7kg. A cube of the same size, but made of iron would have a weight of about 8kg. Pure aluminum is of almost no importance from a technical point of view. Only when other metals are added will it show its specific characteristics. In the chart you will find the most common alloy components, e.g. magnesium, copper, silicon, zinc, manganese and lead. ALUSETT profiles are made of AlMgSi0.5. Magnesium and silicon are responsible for strength and corrosion resistance. |
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Aluminum, in the metal processing industry, runs second place after
steel.
Aluminum and its alloys provide a variety of advantageous characteristics, therefore, it is used for many different applications. Long life and easy recycling, are a few of its positive aspects among others. The long life span can be explained whith the fact that aluminum, when exposed to air, is building up a protective cover by itself. Recycling is easy because the aluminum alloys do not lose their material characteristics even after being melted several times. |
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Aluminum surfaces may be ground, polished, tarnished, pickled, chromium
plated, and bonderised. One of the most common processes is anodizing,
where an oxide layer is artificially put on the surface, in order to
protect the aluminum against corrosion. The anodized layer is also
almost transparent, therefore maintaining the material's original
characteristics.
Aluminum can also be powdercoated where strong and durable surfaces are desired. |
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