Aluminum and its Alloys

Aluminum and its Alloys

     Aluminum is a silvery white metal and is possesses the following characteristics or properties

1)      It is a light metal (having a density of 2.7)

2)      It is a very good conductor of electricity

3)      It has a higher resistance of corrosion.

4)      It is a good conductor of heat   

5)      It is very ductile

6)      It is a non-magnetic

7)       Melting point of pure aluminum is  600°C.

8)        It is good reflector of light and other radiant energy.

      Although pure aluminum is not particularly strong, it forms high strength alloys in conjunction with other metals, such as (copper, chromium, nickel, silicon, zinc etc)

1)      They are malleable and ductile

2)     They exhibit toughness and become stronger at temperatures below the ordinary atmospheric range.

3)     Some of the aluminums alloys are more than four times as strong as same the weight of mild steel.

4)      Aluminum and its alloys can be

         a) Cast (b) welded (c) Rolled (d) forged (e) extruded.

Uses of Aluminum and its Alloys:

Aluminum and its alloys are frequently used for

1)      Transportation industry: - Structures are made.

2)      In food industry: - Food preparation equipments (pans etc) refrigeration, storage containers.

3)      In architectural fields: - Window frames, roofing, fasteners, grills etc

4)      As heavy-duty structure: - convey or supports bridges etc.

5)      In process industries parts made up of aluminum an its alloys are used to handle organic chemicals petrochemicals and drugs

6)      Cryogenic applications

7)        Overhead conductors and heat exchange parts.

8)        Used in metallurgical industry, as it is a powerful deoxidiser.

9)        Generally used as container for plastics, rubber, rayon’s, synthetic resins, etc.

 Types of Aluminum Alloys:

     Aluminum alloys can be classified as

1)      Wrought Alloys

2)      Cast Alloys

3)      Heat treatable Alloys

4)      Non heat treatable alloys

Aluminum alloys - casting Applications:-

a)      Piston and cylinder heads

b)      Air and water-cooled, cylinder blocks, valve bodies etc.

c)      Sand casting and gravity die casting suitable for architectural ornamental and marine applications

d)      Sprit levels, molding flask etc.

e)      Vacuum cleaners, cast utensils steam pipes

Important aluminium alloys:-

1.            Aluminium –Silicon and Al-Si-Cu alloys

                  Composition- LM6-12%Si and LM2- 10%Si, 2% Cu

                  Uses: -

            Used for automobile castings, Water cooled manifolds, motor housings, pump parts.

2.            Aluminium-Magnesium Alloys (Magnelium)

                  Composition:- LM5-5% Mg, 0.5%Mn and LM10-10% Mg.

                  Uses:-

            Used for aircraft and automobile components, dairy equipments, architectural work.

3.            Aluminium Copper alloys

Composition:-LM 11-4.5% Cu- Similar to Duralumin.

Uses:-

For Aircraft castings.

4.         Y-alloy

            Composition:- LM14-4%Cu, 2% Ni, 1.5% Mg

            Uses:-

            For pistons and Cylinder Heads of Diesel and Heavy duty petrol engines.