Aluminum, or aluminium, is one of the most commonly used materials for many purposes. At one stage in history aluminum was even considered more precious than gold! Although aluminum is one of the most commonly occurring metals on the planet it is not usually available in its free form. This means there is a quite a process involved in preparing it for use. Once refined though aluminum has hundreds of uses.
Some of the things that make aluminum such a popular choice of metal are its lightness and conductivity. It is also a very malleable metal and so can be easily cast into forms. Aluminium is often used in boat building not only for its lightness, but also for its durability and resistance to weathering and corrosion.
Aluminum cases remain a popular choice, again for their light weight and also for durability and good looks. A high quality aluminum case will last for years without losing its original looks. Even small scratches can be relatively easily removed.
Aluminums ability to conduct heat evenly is another reason it is used widely. Aluminum pots and pans have continued to be a popular choice in cooking, not to mention the many uses we find in every day aluminum foil. In various forms aluminum foil is also used as a highly efficient reflective material. While aluminum wire is generally not considered quite as valuable as copper wiring, it has similar conductive uses, is just as malleable and is cheaper.
In housing, aluminum windows have become the norm. They are low maintenance and retain their good looks for years. Although aluminum is naturally a grey, or silverfish colour, windows and other aluminum building materials are now available in a variety of colours too.
Aluminum is also used to make high quality wheels, roofing material, and fencing wire. If you look around your home or office you will probably also find many examples of aluminum and aluminum tubing used to make all kinds of furniture and fittings.
Considering the hundreds of uses aluminum has in our day to day existence it probably really is worth its weight in gold!
