Aluminum is the only metal that can be used in so many ways across a variety of domains such as, in the home, in transport, on land, sea, air and also in a variety of industries. Aluminum is widely used in industries such as the gun industry, commercial lighting & stage lighting, Kayak/boating, health & fitness, vending, heating/cooling refrigeration, displays/signs & partitions, doors/window framing and also the medical industry. The main characteristics of aluminum which make it one of the top products used in these industries includes corrosion resistance, low density, ductility, electrical conductivity and strength in alloys.

Aluminum forms an oxide coating that is protective and non destructive, thus taking on a natural resistance to corrosion. Due to this layer of protection, it is commonly used for the packaging of drinking cans, foil wrapping, bottle tops, etc. This characteristic of aluminum safely helps to protect food/drinks from changes in the local environment that could be harmful if consumed. Aluminum is also impermeable, non-toxic and odorless which makes it a perfect packaging material for food and/or beverages. Aluminum’s resistance to corrosion is also a beneficial metal to use in buildings and construction because there is no future need to maintain the building’s presence. Aluminum is also extremely light weight at about 1/3 the weight of copper or steel. This low density of aluminum makes it excellent for the use in the transportation industry because the low weight helps to produce high fuel efficiency and then therefore cutting costs. Aluminum is also used for long distance power lines due to its light weight as well as its electrical conductivity. It transmits conducted heat and reflects radiant heat making it an excellent medium from which to produce cooking utensils, radiators and building insulation. Pure aluminum is soft enough to carve and shape when heat treated, but when mixed with other alloys, it can provide the strength of steel but only at 1/3 of the weight!

Aluminum is also 100% recyclable which saves about 95% of the energy needed for primary production!

As one of the largest value-added aluminum extruders in the country, Unique Extrusions, Inc. offers high-quality aluminum products and services nationwide.