Aluminum is one of the most versatile metals used today and has a number of different applications. It comes in different sizes, shapes, thickness and forms and is used in a vast array of cutting edge technologies and industries. The uses for this wonder metal do vary, but as with most materials, it does have its base traditional uses. Industries such as aerospace, electrical engineering, vehicle manufacturing and many others fully utilize this multipurpose metal. Here are some of the key uses for aluminum:
Electrical Engineering
Aluminum is used in the electrical engineering industry in the form of wire. In homes, power plants & grids, industrial cables and more. Aluminum carries a lower conductivity to weight ratio than other more traditional wire metals and due to increasing copper prices has become the metal of choice for many of an electrical engineer.
Aerospace
In this industry, aluminum rears its magical head in the multiple forms of aluminum plate and wire. Aluminum plate is used due to its flexibility and light weight making it perfect for aircraft design. The wiring as well as mentioned above is a low weight conductive metal, making it ideal of aviation.
Automobile
Aluminum plate once again is used in the manufacturing of automobiles such as trucks, buses and larger cars for the body work. A higher grade of aluminum is used for the bodies to make the shell stronger while not weighing it down too much, saving on fuel consumption. Aluminum is also used for engine parts, such as cylinder heads and transmission housings.
Construction
In the construction industry we once again find this special metal. Plates, wiring and the raw material is used intensively. The plate is used for roofing and wall cladding, wiring is used in the walls and the raw material for the builders tools and hardware.
Outer Space
Within the space research industry, organizations such as NASA and their oversea counterparts use aluminum when designing space craft as its lightweight, flexible properties make it ideal. Also, larger sheet aluminum has a property which makes it stronger when exposed to colder temperatures, making it ideal for space, the coldest environment we know.
In short this miracle metal is used in many industries as its amazing properties seem to know no bounds. The multipurpose element is ideal for many practical and technical industries. It’s cheap, lightweight, conductive, flexible, strong and virtually rust proof, what else could you possibly ask for in a metal?
Want to test aluminum plate for your own applications? Speak with the team at Howard Precision online. You can also call them at 800-444-0311.
