Aluminum is among the most used metals in the world. Aluminum, which is the third most common element in the earth's crust, is used in many areas in daily life. Aluminum is a metal used in transportation, architecture, industrial areas, aviation, construction industry, electrical and electronics industries.
Aluminum and aluminum alloys are the most preferred metal after steel. Widely used in transportation, energy, electrical-electronics, food and other industries in daily life. Due to its light structure and durability, it has a wide usage area in the transportation and construction industry.
Construction Industry and Architecture
A significant part of the aluminum consumption in the world is used by the construction industry. Aluminum is a valuable element for constructions with its high formability and high strength ratio. Today, aluminum is regularly used in the construction of high-rise buildings and bridges. It is also used in sports complexes, stadiums, roofs and facades of buildings, doors and windows, stairs, construction frames and roof skeletons.
With its machinable structure and stylish appearance, it is used in home decorations such as aluminum window frames, door handles, railings, grilles, curtain rods. However, it is preferred in indoor and outdoor furniture with its stylish appearance.
Aluminum is virtually maintenance-free due to its corrosion-resistant nature. Aluminum offers flexibility in design as well as durability. It is also easy to work with due to its lightweight construction. Thanks to thermally broken aluminum window and door systems, buildings stay cool in summer and warm in winter.
Packaging and Food Industry
About one-fifth of aluminum is used in packaging for beverages, food, medicine and more. Foils, bottles, cans, thermoses, kitchen utensils, pots and pans, kettles are materials that aluminum is used for.
Aluminum is used in food packaging and foil products due to its corrosion resistance and barrier properties against UV light, moisture and odor. Aluminum, which is one of the most useful packaging materials, is widely preferred in food packaging because it is non-toxic and does not leak products.
Aluminum keeps food safe, does not leak. It is resistant to corrosion, repels water. It helps protect foodstuffs from other harmful elements and acts as packaging material.
Consumer Electronics
Aluminum is an important element for the electronics industry. Electronics manufacturers have recently preferred aluminum instead of steel and plastic. Aluminum is preferred in the production of smart phones, tablets, laptop computers, televisions, computer monitors, electronic devices.
Aluminum is widely preferred in electronic devices due to its high thermal conductivity. The new model electronic devices have aluminum body and case components.
Electricity Sector
About 10% aluminum is preferred in electrical equipment and power lines. Due to its high ductility and low density, high voltage electricity is transmitted over long distances. It is used in transformers, cabling systems. In addition, aluminum is used in cases, mounting parts, televisions, household appliances, audio systems and communication devices.
Aluminum is preferred because copper lines are expensive and require support structures to support high electrical conductivity. Aluminum saves costs. It is resistant to corrosion.
Transport
Aluminum is one of the elements used in the production of transportation vehicles. About a quarter of aluminum is used in transportation. Airplanes, ships, trains, boats, buses and other motor vehicles are the means of transportation in which aluminum is preferred. Its resistance to corrosion and its ability to form alloys with other metals make it widely preferred in the transportation industry.
Automotive Industry
Aluminum is widely used in automobiles. Aluminum car parts have good thermal and aesthetic properties. A few auto parts are made from aluminum, such as wheels, engine blocks, suspension components, hoods, wheel spacers. Aluminum is used in other parts such as handles, logos, brackets, mirrors, air fill adapters, carburetor housings, fan clutch parts.
Aviation Industry
Aluminum is also used in the aviation industry. High strength to weight ratio, high ductility, resistance to corrosion have made aluminum widely preferred. Using aluminum in the construction of cargo and passenger aircraft provides greater fuel efficiency as well as greater weight capacity. Aluminum's resistance to corrosion is effective in ensuring the safety of the aircraft and passengers in air travel.
Lighting and LED Systems
LED lighting is one of the fastest-growing uses of aluminum. LEDs generate heat while they work; if it is not removed, light output drops and lifetime shortens. Aluminum’s high thermal conductivity turns the profiles that LED strips are mounted on into natural heat sinks. LED profiles are produced in many sections for recessed, surface, corner, skirting and trimless (frameless) installations, and diffuser covers spread the light evenly.
Furniture, Decoration and Signage
Handle profiles on kitchen cabinets, shelving systems, glass door frames and display systems are made of aluminum. In the signage industry, illuminated signs, lightbox frames and display boards are built with aluminum profiles because they are light and do not rust. The fact that it can be powder coated in any RAL color makes aluminum indispensable in decoration as well.
Why Is Aluminum Used in So Many Fields?
- Lightness: Its density is about 2.7 g/cm³, roughly a third of steel.
- Corrosion resistance: Its natural oxide layer lets it last for years even uncoated.
- Formability: Extrusion can produce profiles in almost any cross-section.
- Conductivity: It conducts heat and electricity well, which makes it ideal for heat sinks and cables.
- Recyclability: It can be recycled again and again without losing its properties, using only about 5% of the energy of primary production.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sector uses the most aluminum?
Worldwide, transportation and construction are the largest consumers, followed by packaging, electrical and machinery.
Is aluminum safe for contact with food?
Yes. Provided foils, cans and containers are made from food-grade alloys and coatings, aluminum is a safe packaging material.
Can aluminum profiles be used outdoors?
Yes. Outdoors, UV- and corrosion-resistant powder coating (for example QUALICOAT-certified systems) or anodizing gives a long service life.
