Tag: Aluminum in the Philippines

Posted on

How Aluminum Changed the World for Good

How Aluminum Changed The World For Good

How has aluminum changed the world for the better?

  1. Better for all types of transportation
  2. Great material for Architecture
  3. Conductor of Electricity
  4. Easy Recyclability
  5. Creates job opportunities for the people

 

 

Aluminum in the Philippines started as one of the world’s most expensive metals with the two reasons: One, it’s difficult to refine, two, it is made up of eight percent of the world’s crust. As time passes by, it became one of the cheapest materials after mass production was invented in the late 19th century.

You may not know about this but everything we use on a daily basis is made of aluminum. The soda cans that we drink, the furniture installed in the house, the gadgets we use, and even transportation, aluminum is present, leading us to the question: what makes aluminum such a brilliant and useful material? Here are the reasons why Aluminum completely changed the world for good:

 

 

Better For All Types Of Transportation

Better for All Types of Transportation

Aluminum is a third of the weight of steel, which means aluminum would be better for all types of transportation and it provides environmental solutions for it. Transportation takes up nineteen percent of the energy we use and by using lighter materials such as aluminum, energy consumption can be reduced. The aluminum industry is also responsible for researching and producing new body shells for high-speed trains, buses, and airplanes. Using aluminum means lower fuel consumption, reduced emissions and demand for raw materials and makes the low weight of cars the greatest global saving potential.

 

 

Great Material for Architecture

Aluminum has not been a widely used material for architecture since the beginning of the 20th century due to high cost. Afterward, it became a popular metal for structural applications and numerous building components such as doors, windows, sliding, to name a few. Thanks to the new innovative processes by aluminum suppliers from conducting research for mass producing aluminum, architects began experimenting with the material in creating some of the famous buildings we see today as the Empire State Building in New York. The base, interior, lobby, and finishes of the building’s structure were completed with aluminum.

 

 

Conductor Of Electricity

Conductor of Electricity

Aluminum has an electrical conductivity that is high enough to use as an electrical conductor. One-third of its weight can perform twice as much electricity when compared to other metals of the same weight. In electrical conduction, materials can generally be split into two categories, mainly, conductors or materials that allow electrons to move freely when a charge is applied and Insulators meaning electricity flow easily through conductors and not insulators.

Aluminum is a great conductor of electricity when in fact it is the fourth best metal conductor behind gold, copper, and silver. Aluminum foil is a useful conductor for its material electrical properties and an insulator in building construction due to its reflective properties. This creates an electric current in the metal.

 

 

Recyclability

Aluminum offers unique recycling without losing its quality over time. Aluminum suppliers recommend using the metal for a multitude of different products ranging from transportation, window frames, and food packaging like drinking cans. Recycling aluminum materials save enough energy and as well as avoid the mining of Bauxite or the primary ore of aluminum.

Making usable, shiny aluminum from Bauxite that you’ve dug from the ground is a dirty and energy-intensive process. The aluminum industry is keen on recycling aluminum because it’s quicker, cheaper, and easier to melt down as opposed to processing Bauxite. This is the central reason why it’s much better for the environment, due to the simple fact that it saves a huge amount of energy and not to mention, precious resources.

 

 

Creates Job Opportunities For The People

Creates Job Opportunities for the people

Aluminum is a material made suited to meet its needs in the 21st century. From fuel efficiency and reusable packaging to green building products. Aluminum paved its way on the global market, thus, it is greatly used in hundreds of industries especially in the field of transportation, aerospace, building, construction, and even scientific research careers.

It also includes work in the manufacturing sector of primary, secondary, and aluminum alloy production. Workers in the aluminum industry can earn an average annual compensation higher than that of the national average. Aluminum processing jobs are consistently increasing in many areas including the production of sheet, plate, and foil products.

 

 

Key Takeaway

Aluminum in the Philippines is a big deal in today’s society and without it, we wouldn’t have the things we use in our daily lives. Whether in forms of transportation, technology, and the materials we utilize every day in our households.

One lesson we can also learn from the history of aluminum along with its industry is that it is very unique. A metal that is once an expensive yet weak and malleable metal became one of the most popular structural materials heavily used by different industries over the past century.

Aluminum is cheap and affordable but more importantly, a valuable metal that we need to learn how to value more. We should learn to appreciate it more and contribute to its rising development.

Posted on

Do’s and Don’ts When Cleaning Aluminum in the Philippines

Do’s And Don’ts When Cleaning Aluminum In The Philippines

What are the do’s and don’ts of cleaning aluminum?

Do’s:

  1. Rinse the aluminum surface
  2. Use natural cleaning agents
  3. Make an acidic solution
  4. Apply wax after every cleaning

Don’ts:

  1. Use abrasive cleaning materials
  2. Use alcohol
  3. Clean outdoor aluminum on a moderate day
  4. Use acid wash

 

Aluminum is a highly versatile material used for many applications. Whether furniture or cooking pans, cleaning is the most important step in taking care of aluminum in the Philippines. It requires special attention because, over time, it can develop a dark color and lose its shine. The cleaning process of aluminum depends on the procedure and choice of products you’re using when cleaning the material.

There’s a variety of cleaning materials in stores, however, you can make use of materials that can be found within your home. But, do remember that before cleaning you should test to make sure they do not damage the aluminum. Here are the do’s and don’ts when cleaning all of your aluminum items:

 

DO’S

 Rinse The Aluminum Surface

Rinse the Aluminum Surface

The first step in aluminum maintenance is to always clean the interior of a discolored aluminum item. Begin by rinsing the aluminum to remove surface dirt or debris. Use soap and water then use a soft brush to gently scrub the surfaces of an item. It’s okay to use a little pressure but not too vigorously that it can cause scratches. Once you’re done, rinse it well with warm water and use a dry cloth to remove excess water and let it dry completely to avoid streaks and spots.

 

Use Natural Cleaning Agents

Sometimes cleaning with soap and water is not enough. It cannot bring back the natural luster of the aluminum. Natural cleaning agents can be found in your household items like distilled white vinegar and lemon juice are mild cleaners for effective removal of stubborn stains on aluminum. Aluminum suppliers may recommend affordable and gentle aluminum cleaners, but you can also use homemade items that do the same job just as well.

 

Make an Acidic Solution

This helps in reducing discoloration due to oxidation. All you will need is a quart of water then add two tablespoons of cream of tartar, white vinegar, and lemon juice. Never use baking soda or other alkali-based cleaners as it can cause discoloration. This will effectively restore its shine.

 

Apply Wax After Every Cleaning

Now that you’re done cleaning the surfaces of your aluminum items, you may want to coat it with wax to prevent oxidation in the future. Automotive wax works best on surfaces on the bike and car wheels, house siding, and outdoor furniture but never use it on aluminum cookware.

 

DON’TS

 Use Abrasive Cleaning Materials

Use Abrasive Cleaning Materials

Aluminum is a sensitive material. It does not rust but it is susceptible to corrosion. Don’t use steel wool or sandpaper in cleaning the material because they will scratch the surface and make oxidation hard to remove in the future. There are a lot of brushes, polish, and cleaners to choose from. Make sure to use a soft brush with fine bristles. Hard brushes will tend to rub the glossy finish of aluminum.

 

Use Alcohol or Any Harmful Chemicals

Some of the methods in cleaning aluminum way back in the past are considered unsafe. Other people use either chlorine bleach or muriatic acid. Using those can cause damage not only the aluminum but also cause harm to yourself. Alcohol is not a good degreaser and it shouldn’t be used in cleaning aluminum as it will strip off its protective layer. It’s better to use natural acids like lemon juice or distilled white vinegar.

 

Clean Outdoor Aluminum on a Hot Day

This practical piece of advice falls under both convenience and practicality. When it comes to outdoor patio furniture, retaining their pristine quality strictly calls for routine cleaning and even maintenance. With that being said, it is always most ideal to schedule your cleaning when it isn’t too scorching hot outside.  Extreme temperatures can make you feel uncomfortable when working with light metals. Make sure to clean at room temperature to keep your hands from getting burned.

 

Use Acid Wash

Aluminum suppliers will tell you that aluminum doesn’t rust, however, the downside is that it can have oxidation or that dull, yellowish layer that needs regular cleaning. Acid wash will wear down the layers of the aluminum and weaken its material. You may want to avoid that or you’ll end up having ugly streaks both the exterior and interior of the aluminum. If it’s your first time to clean hard aluminum items such as the outdoor furniture, wheels, and welds, ask around for the safest procedure and best tools to use.

 

Key Takeaway

Like any other meals, aluminum in the Philippines requires special attention. Whether using commercially produced products or general household items, with regular cleaning, it can look nice and also avoid corrosion. It can definitely be a challenge in maintaining its color and shiny surface but now that you know how to properly clean you can enjoy using all your aluminum items that look good as new while avoiding serious damage.