Discover why aluminium is essential to modern industry – from its unique properties to its infinite recyclability.
Aluminium (or aluminum) is a silvery-white, lightweight metal. It is the most abundant metallic element in Earth's crust and the second most used metal globally after steel. Its combination of low density, high corrosion resistance, and excellent electrical and thermal conductivity makes it indispensable in transportation, construction, packaging, electronics, and many other fields.
Aluminium is 100% recyclable without any loss of its natural properties – a key advantage in the circular economy.
Density of 2.7 g/cm³ – about one‑third that of steel or copper.
Forms a protective oxide layer that self‑repairs in air.
Excellent electrical (≈62% IACS) and thermal conductor.
Can be recycled repeatedly without quality degradation.
Aluminium was first isolated in 1825 by Danish physicist Hans Christian Ørsted. Initially it was a precious metal – more valuable than gold – because of the difficulty of extraction. In 1886, Charles Martin Hall (USA) and Paul Héroult (France) independently developed the electrolytic Hall‑Héroult process, making aluminium affordable. Today, global production exceeds 60 million tonnes per year.
The Hall‑Héroult process and the later Bayer process for refining bauxite remain the foundation of primary aluminium production.
Pure aluminium is often alloyed with elements like silicon, magnesium, copper, manganese, or zinc to enhance strength, castability, or other properties. The main families are:
≥99% Al – electrical, chemical
Al‑Cu – aerospace, high strength
Al‑Mn – beverage cans, roofing
Al‑Si – welding wire, brazing
Al‑Mg – marine, automotive
Al‑Mg‑Si – structural, extrusions
Al‑Zn – aerospace, high performance
Die‑casting alloys (e.g. ADC12, LM6)
SSAM specialises in ADC12, LM6, and Al 98% ingots. Custom compositions are available on request.
From aircraft fuselages to smartphone bodies, from window frames to electric vehicle battery housings – aluminium’s versatility is unmatched. Key sectors include:
Recycling aluminium saves 95% of the energy needed for primary production. It avoids bauxite mining, reduces CO₂ emissions, and preserves natural resources. SSAM is proud to contribute by converting post‑industrial and post‑consumer scrap into high‑quality ingots. Learn more on our Sustainability page.
Visit our composition reference page for JIS and BS standard tables.
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