Fun Facts About Aluminum

Aluminum is not just the foil you use for cooking. It is so much more than that! Aluminum metal has a lot to offer society, as has been bestowing its advantages upon us for hundreds of years. In fact, the use of aluminum dates back all the way to the early 19th century! Continue reading to learn some more interesting and fun facts about aluminum!

Aluminum Recycling 317-244-0700

Aluminum Recycling 317-244-0700

Here are a Few Aluminum Facts You Might Not Know…

🌐 Its atomic symbol is AI, and its atomic number is 13.

🌐 It has a melting point of 1,220.58 degrees Fahrenheit.

🌐 It is the 3rd most abundant mineral on Earth, right behind oxygen and silicon.

🌐 It is the most abundant naturally-occurring mineral on the planet.

🌐 It makes up nearly 8% of the Earth’s crust.

🌐 It is present in over 270 minerals.

🌐 It reflects roughly 92% of light, and 98% in infrared rays.

🌐 Aluminum was first extracted from Earths core in 1825 by Danish chemist, Hans Christian Oersted.

🌐 It is the most-used non-ferrous metal used in the entire world.

🌐 Australia is the world’s leading aluminum manufacturer.

🌐 It is lightweight; one third the weight of steel and copper.

🌐 It is resistant to corrosion.

🌐 There are hundreds of aluminum alloys; the most common include zinc, copper, silicon, magnesium, and manganese.

🌐 It is found in thousands of products and commodities, from soda cans and cell phones, to cars, airplanes, and more.

🌐 A standard Boeing-747 contains an average of 147,000 pounds of aluminum.

🌐 The top of the Washington Monument is made of an 8.9 inch aluminum cap.

🌐 “White Dross” is the term used for the byproduct produced by producing and reprocessing aluminum.

🌐 It only takes 5% of the energy used to extract new aluminum, to recycle it.

🌐 Aluminum is virtually 100% recyclable!

🌐 Thanks to recycling, virtually 75% of the aluminum ever made is still used to this very day.

Indianapolis Aluminum Recycling

Indianapolis Metal Recycling

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to receive a free quote for your scrap aluminum materials. We pay cash on the spot for all scrap metal and metal-containing commodities, like appliances, vehicles, construction equipment, watercrafts, and more. If you have questions about recycling aluminum cans and bottles, we are the professionals to trust for accurate and honest answers. Call 317-244-0700 to get started today.

8 Grades of Aluminum and their Common Applications

Aluminum Recycling 317-244-0700

Aluminum Recycling 317-244-0700

Aluminum is a low-density, silver-colored metal that can be used in a wide range of commercial and industrial applications. There are eight grades of aluminum, all of which retain unique qualities that differentiate them from one another. It is important to choose the right grade of aluminum for the intended application. Take a look at the several types of aluminum, and see for yourself the many uses they have in today’s manufacturing and construction world.

Pure Aluminum

Commercially pure aluminum is called Alloy 1100, and is soft and malleable. This makes it perfect for applications that call for difficult forming of metal. Although it is non-heat treatable, it can be welded using any other method. It is admired for its corrosion-resistant qualities, as well as, its ductility and color.

Alloy 2011

This grade of aluminum retains high mechanical strength, making it perfect for machining applications. Also referred to as “free machining alloy (FMA)”, this metal is a great choice for any projects that are carried out on automatic lathes, and for production of complex and intricate parts.

Alloy 2014

Also very strong and retaining high machining capabilities, Alloy 2014 is an aluminum grade metal that is commonly used for aerospace structural applications since it is highly resistant to corrosion.

Alloy 2024

This grade of aluminum is the one of the most commonly used aluminum alloys due to its high strength and fatigue resistance. Projects that require good strength to weight ratio are best matched with this grade of aluminum.

Alloy 3003

Alloy 3003 is the most commonly used grade of aluminum. It is commercially pure, but also contains manganese to increase its strength. The added manganese makes this aluminum 20% stronger than allow 1100, or pure aluminum.

Alloy 5052

Out of all the non-heat treatable grades, this grade of aluminum is the strongest, and its fatigue resistance is higher than most other grades as well. Since it has a notable resistance to salt water corrosion, it is commonly used in marine applications.

Alloy 6061

This grade of aluminum is the most versatile out of all the heat treatable aluminum alloys. Not only does it retain an excellence resistance to corrosion, it also has a wide range of useful mechanical properties. In the annealed condition, it has great malleability and can be welded by all methods, including furnace brazed.

Alloy 6063

This is commonly referred to architectural alloy since it is retains high tensile properties and excellent finishing characteristics. Also being very resistant to corrosion, this aluminum grade is a perfect match for interior and exterior architectural applications, architectural trim, and even anodizing applications.

Alloy 7075

As one of the highest strength aluminum alloys on the market, Alloy 7075 also has a great strength to weight ratio. This is why it is perfect for high stress parts. It can be shaped in the annealed condition, and heat treated too. Spot and flash welding are the recommended methods.

Recycle Aluminum in Indianapolis

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to recycle aluminum in Indianapolis, Indiana. We pay cash on the spot for all types of metal, especially aluminum. Aluminum recycling is easy to do when you call us! Recycle cans, sheet metal, and more for a profit. You can also recycle all other types of metals and commodities, including cars, equipment, tools, appliances, and more! Call 317-244-0700 for information about
aluminum recycling services in Indianapolis, IN.