Advantages And Disadvantages Of Aluminum

Following steel, aluminum is the most measured metal used in manufacturing. Discovered over two hundred years ago, aluminum has been used in a lot of manufacturing applications. It is commended for its resistance to corrosion, and lightweight characteristics, making it a widely reviewed resource in construction and manufacturing.

Nevertheless, what are the disadvantages of using aluminum in manufacturing, and why is its main competitor, steel, oftentimes preferred?

The Beginnings of Aluminum in Structures

Aluminum was first utilized in the 1920s when it was primarily used for decorative detailing and became a favorable choice of material for manufacturing throughout this time.

Its development came as it was utilized in helping build symbolic structures like the Empire State Building, which utilized the material in both its inside and part of its infamous spire.

Be that as it may, this material has come far, as it is now established as one of the most renewable and efficient manufacturing materials thus far.

Advantages And Disadvantages of Aluminum

Below are some examples of the advantages and disadvantages of aluminum:

Advantages

Recyclable

As mentioned in short above, aluminum is considered to be a renewable material. A key characteristic is that it is capable of being recycled while keeping its initial qualities. This is a massive advantage and is not only economical but also worthwhile for the environment.

Resistance to Corrosion

Aluminum creates a thin film of aluminum oxide on its surface when oxygenated. This film safeguards the aluminum from corrosion when open to air.

Versatile and Flexible

Because of the characteristics of aluminum being enduring, lightweight and strong, it is the perfect material for the construction sector.

Aluminum’s adaptability means that it can be processed in different ways- which is why it can be used in a lot of forms. Aluminum can be:

• Machined
• Melted
• Extruded
• Formed
• Cast
• Welded

Aluminum can be curved, extruded and cut into unbelievable shapes. Never mind where aluminum is cut, as it is corrosion resistant, and the trimmed edges do not need to be safeguarded.

It is widely used in cladding systems for improving the exterior of structures both visually and reasonably and is the preferred material for retrofitting applications.

Additionally, the versatility of aluminum means that different functions can be incorporated into one profile.

You can often find it in:

• Roofs
• External facades
• Staircases
• Railings
• Windows
• Walls
• Doors
• Shelves

Aluminum’s versatility doesn’t stop there, and it can be found in a multitude of other applications also!

Reflective Properties

As aluminum reflects sunlight, allowing buildings to stay a lot cooler throughout the warmer months, which can help decrease electricity expenses after the building is finished.

By utilizing this material and large glass windows, it can often save on heating and lighting expenses. With the amount of environmental and financial advantages, aluminum is fast becoming one of the most favored materials for structures across the globe.

Lightweight But Strong

An additional benefit of utilizing aluminum in structures is its durability and strength. Aluminum can hold up to a considerable amount of weight without causing the structure to be too bulky.

Disadvantages

The Expense of Aluminum Compared to Steel

If you are working on a large project, you are going to want to save money wherever possible. Regrettably, aluminum is more costly as compared other alternative materials, like steel.

In addition, since it cannot take the same stresses as steel, more of it is needed to guarantee the structure’s strength is workable, which means utilizing it in some designs might cost more overall.

An Expensive and Lengthy Welding Process

When working with aluminum, it is welded differently than steel. Aluminum necessitates unique methods to be welded, which can be expensive and take a quite longer than other methods.

Overall, Strength Compared to Steel

Whereas being praised for its malleable properties, this particular quality of aluminum also acts as a disadvantage. It can be easily dented and scratched as compared to steel. Steel is strong and not as likely to warp, distort or bend under any weight, heat or force.