Why are aluminums metallurgical properties significant for metalworking?
Aluminum’s unique metallurgical properties make it suitable for multiple applications. Corrosion Resistance. Aluminum has very high corrosion resistance mainly because of a thin protective layer of oxide formed almost instantaneously when the metal is exposed to air or any oxidizing medium. Light Weight (low density). Aluminum’s specific gravity is 2.7 compared to 7.8 for steel and 8.8 for copper. Alloying or cold-working the metal can achieve high strengths. The combination of low density and high strength gives aluminum a unique, high strength-to-weight ratio. Thermal and Electrical Conductance. Aluminum is a suitable replacement for copper in thermal and electrical applications because of its high conductivity and low density. By weight, its electrical conductivity is nearly twice that of copper’s, yet aluminum is currently priced at about half that of copper. Aluminum is highly reflective of radiant energy. It is nonmagnetic, making it suitable for electronic and electric industrie
