Tag: aluminum production environment

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10 Benefits of Aluminum

10 Benefits Of Aluminum

What are the benefits that aluminum can provide?

  1. Lightweight
  2. Strong and durable
  3. Resilient and malleable
  4. Thermal conductivity
  5. Electric conductivity
  6. Non-combustible
  7. Non-magnetic
  8. Non-corrosive
  9. Recyclable
  10. Cost

 

If you were to look for products such as aluminum profiles in the Philippines, you would eventually find a lot of other aluminum products are used for construction and a lot of other applications in various industries. This material is one of the most suitable building materials because of its high strength-to-weight ratio. But that is not the only thing that makes aluminum such a good material.

On its own, aluminum extrusions are extremely versatile. Its properties make it one of the most used materials in the world. Aluminum products are known for a number of benefits that make it stand out from the rest as one of, if not the most suitable building material for almost any application.

Listed in this article are the numerous benefits that aluminum provides!

 

 

Lightweight

Lightweight

Aluminum is one of the lightest metals out there. Comparing it with the likes of iron, steel, and copper, it would weigh only 1/3rd of their weight! This makes aluminum easier to handle, transport, and less expensive to move around!

 

 

Strong and Durable

In the Philippines, aluminum profiles are made to be as strong as needed in various applications. Its lightweight does not pose any downside when it comes to how strong it is. Another thing worth considering is that aluminum applications in cold environments provide an advantage—as the temperature gets lower, aluminum becomes stronger!

 

 

Resilient And Malleable

Resilience and Malleability

Along with being strong and lightweight, aluminum is also one of the more flexible metals. Its flexibility can let it bend from heavy loads but go back to its normal state afterward! It can also spring back from the shock of a relatively strong impact.

Aside from absorbing impacts, aluminum is also known for its high malleability. It is way more elastic than steel, giving it more versatility—specifically in the shapes that it’s able to be formed into. Aluminum is fairly easy to cut and form to different shapes and sizes, making it one of the more workable metals in use.

 

 

Thermal Conductivity

Aluminum is considered one of the most ideal metals for applications that require it to exchange heat. Aluminum ranks only second to copper when it comes to which metal has the highest thermal conductivity. It is most commonly used as a heat sink material because of it being cheaper than copper.

 

 

Electric Conductivity

Along with aluminum being lightweight and resistant to rust, it is also a very good conductor of electricity! This makes it one of the premier materials that are used in high-voltage overhead power lines that go through long distances.

 

 

Non-Combustible

Aluminum as a material does not burn. In extremely high temperatures, it becomes more elastic and malleable and it also does not exude any kind of toxic fumes.

 

 

Non-Magnetic

Aluminum does not have a magnetic charge. This makes it useful for high-voltage applications, particularly in electronics where magnetic fields are utilized and/or sensitive magnetic devices are included.

 

 

Non Corrosive

Non-Corrosive

Aluminum is one of the metals that is protected by its own naturally occurring oxide films— making it unable to rust. This protective measure can be enhanced even further by the process of anodizing or any other kind of finishing technique.

 

 

Recyclability

Just like steel, aluminum is a material that can be recycled again and again, without losing its characteristics. This gives aluminum a very high scrap value. Not only that—its recyclability also pins it as one of the options for sustainable development and construction!

 

 

Cost

Cost

In most cases, aluminum alloys and products should be a lot cheaper than steel. Although both of them boast recyclability and sustainability as a construction material, aluminum retains its position as the less expensive metal because of its strength to weight ratio.

 

 

Why Aluminum is Such a Good Material

With all of the benefits that aluminum provides, it’s no wonder that aluminum is one of the most popular building material. It doesn’t stop there however because it’s also used in many various industries!

One of the most popular industries where it is applied in the automotive industry. The great strength to weight ratio of aluminum makes it ideal as either frame or as doors and hoods of most cars! Other than the automotive industry, the aeronautic industry also utilizes aluminum to its utmost limits! Focusing on its lightweight and incredibly durable properties, aluminum makes up some of the key components of airplanes, enabling it to fly.

But the one thing that would probably propel aluminum as one of the best materials out there, is the fact that it is incredibly sustainable. Even though numerous cycles of recycling, it will still retain the characteristics that make it unique and versatile while also not causing damage to the environment.

In other words, being a material that is perfect for sustainable construction and development is the best benefit that it has!

 

 

Key Takeaway

Aluminum is one of the most versatile materials in the world. Its uses extend from your typical construction projects to cars, airplanes, and a whole lot of other industries that look to utilize its many benefits!

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Safety First: What You Need to Know When Working with Aluminum Profiles in the Philippines

Safety First What You Need to Know When Working with Aluminum Profiles in the Philippines

What safety precautions should you know when working with aluminum profiles?

  1. Safe lifting techniques
  2. Proper material handling
  3. Heat and fire protection
  4. Beware of dust clouds

 

 

The aluminum industry, as well as the Aluminum Association, all agree that the safety of the workers and all the consumers that use their products should always come as the top priority. The data about illness and injury gathered by the Aluminum Association seem to indicate that manufacturing plants for aluminum profiles in the Philippines and in other countries are relatively safe spaces to work in.

Every day, millions of pounds of aluminum are all safely melted, cast, or extruded in foundries, casthouses, recycling, and reclamation plant all around the world. Just like any manufacturing process. However, there are still hazards and risks that are inherently involved in the fabrication and production of this metal.

But these hazards can be minimized or even eliminated entirely as long as careful attention is given to safe handling practices. Here is some general information on the safety precautions you should know when handling aluminum profiles:

 

 

Safe Lifting Techniques

The process of manufacturing aluminum profiles makes use of equipment such as fixed dummy blocks, extrusion tooling, and other similar heavy components. People that work with aluminum profiles, therefore, need to handle these items, often with great difficulty. Lifting using awkward positions create a constant risk of injuries.

In order to prevent these injuries, familiarize and train yourself in the correct lifting procedures. Use the appropriate back support belts whenever lifting anything heavy. Take a moment to find the best spot as well as the best way to lift a particular object to minimize the time you need actually lifting. Lastly, heavy lifting of the aluminum profiles should be done not with the back but with the legs. Avoid twisting and jerking your body when getting the item off of the ground.

 

 

Proper Material Handling

Proper Material Handling

Many aluminum fabrication and manufacturing plants have reported that the highest frequency of injuries happens when moving tools, profiles, and other items through the plant.

When using an overhead crane to move around aluminum profiles, make sure that the operator has received the proper training and certifications. If you are the one operating the machine, avoid sudden stops and starts which may cause you to drop the load. Do not stand near or under a load suspended from a crane even if the rack is empty. Move out of the way immediately if a load is coming toward you.

One of the more frequent injuries in an aluminum profile plant is to the hands. So avoid handling heavy, awkward tools especially if you aren’t using the proper lifting equipment. Keep your fingers away from puller teeth or jaws and stretcher jaw as to not injure them. The cut ends of aluminum profiles are also extremely sharp so exercise extreme caution.

 

 

Heat and Fire Protection

The temperatures required in the process of extruding aluminum are very high, making it hazardous to human contact. However, the outward appearance of aluminum metal usually gives no warning when it is hot. Certain parts of the press, tooling, and other equipment also experience similar high temperatures.

Make sure that any exposed workers, personnel, and even visitors to the work area should be properly informed in avoiding hot metals and other materials. Correct procedures should also be implemented to help avoid accidental contact.

Because most aluminum profile presses operate at relatively high pressures using mineral oil hydraulic systems, there is a high potential for fire. A leak in a hose, pipe, or fitting can cause the extremely flammable hydraulic oil to spray out. And since the process of making aluminum profiles is a highly thermal one, there are many sources of ignitions.

 

 

Beware of Dust Clouds

Beware of Dust Clouds

Working with aluminum requires performing activities such as polishing, grinding, cutting, sanding, sawing, and scratch brushing. This generates fine particles of aluminum, more commonly known as powder, fines, or dust, which can be potentially explosive.

In the case of making aluminum profiles, an explosion can result when ignition happens while the particles are suspended in the air as a dust cloud because the burning can extend from one particle to another very quickly. Welding equipment, matches, faulty electrical equipment, static electrical charges, cigarettes, cutting torches, and open flames are all potential sources of ignition in an aluminum profile manufacturing plant.

Qualified personnel in a fabrication plant should determine the degree of hazard presented by dust clouds by conducting laboratory testing. Dust collection systems, whether it is the wet or dry type, allows you to safely collect potentially explosive aluminum dust. Ensure that your facility has exhaust hoods or enclosures which can efficiently pick-up the dust from equipment and machines.

 

 

Key Takeaway

If you ever need to work with aluminum profiles in the Philippines, consider these safety precautions and wear the proper protective equipment such as safety masks and goggles to prevent small metal parts from getting into your body.

Wear protective gloves to protect your hands from the sharp edges and corners of aluminum profiles as well as being contaminated. Last but not least, avoid working with aluminum profiles if you are already experiencing health issues and heart problems.

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4 Ways Aluminum Production Is Becoming Better for the Environment

4 Ways Aluminum Production Is Becoming Better for the Environment

What are the ways aluminum production is becoming better for the environment?

  1. Reduced energy usage
  2. Reduced water usage
  3. Minimal land disruption
  4. Reduced waste output

 

 

In recent years, improved recycling of aluminum, advances in technology, and continued discoveries of new ore reserves have largely lessened the fears of the production process of the material harming the environment. However, even though the mining and processing of products like aluminum profiles in the Philippines can be done in a relatively small area, the pollution and infrastructure associated with these activities have the potential to affect the long-term health of ecosystems.

Mining and processing activities can also reduce the ability of ecosystems to provide the services and goods necessary for environmental and human well-being. These services might include the decomposition of waste materials and the purification of water an air. When a high level of pollution is present, these services can be compromised. One of the important pillars of sustainable aluminum production is ensuring a healthy environment will be available to future generations.

Aluminum mining and production operations are now being done in a manner that reduces their impact on the environment and their surroundings in order to become more sustainable. These operations are also making an effort to leave their mining sites in an acceptable state so they can be reused by the local people or ecosystems. Here are four ways aluminum production is becoming better for the environment.

 

 

Reduced Energy Usage

Mining and processing aluminum can be a very energy-intensive activity. During this process, for example, the excavators and trucks consume diesel fuel when mining the bauxite ore while electricity is needed to grid the ore and refine the aluminum. Finally, in order to smelt the bauxite ore and make aluminum, coal is required.

This is also without taking into account the environmental impacts of the extraction of fossil fuels like oil, gas, and coal and the construction of infrastructure required to generate this energy. This includes increased risks of contaminating the environment along the supply route of the energy and the production of greenhouse gases.

This is why aluminum mines and processing sites have made the effort to reduce their energy consumption in order to also curb their emission of greenhouse gases and extend the life of fossil fuel reserves. In addition, this can also reduce their costs of operations which then also reduces the price of the aluminum being mined.

 

 

Reduced Water Usage

Reduced Water Usage

Water is used in a variety of different applications at aluminum mining and processing sites. However, when groundwater is pumped and surface water is diverted, aluminum mining operations can both reduce the quality and quantity of water they need for their production. This leaves more water available downstream for aquatic ecosystems and other municipal and industrial water users, especially in areas where water may be scarce.

In order to reduce their consumption of water, especially in regions where water might not be readily available, a number of aluminum mining and processing operations are developing and implementing new and innovative water conservation practices to reduce water use.

 

 

Minimal Land Disruption

Currently, aluminum mining and processing sites disturb only a small fraction of the total land surface of the Earth. Because these mining and processing activities use land at every stage of production, it can potentially lead to deforestation and loss of habitat for native fauna.

The mining cycle typically involves exploration, construction, operation, closure, and post-closure. Vegetation needs to be cleared in order to construct roads, power lines, and buildings. Tunnels or open pits need to be dug in order to gain access to the bauxite ore and waste storage facilities such as tailings ponds need to be expanded over the course of the operation.

There are a few ways aluminum mining and processing sites have reduced their impact on land use including minimizing the amount of waste produced and stored, culturing or transplanting any endangered plants that can be found on site in order to maintain biodiversity and reducing the overall footprint of the mining area.

 

Reduced Waste Output

Reduced Waste Output

Waste produced in mines include mine water, particles in the air, and solid waste. While the composition of all of these waste can vary, they still have the potential for environmental contamination.

In response to this, aluminum mining and processing sites have implemented waste management plans in order to design and choose the best storage facilities for the large volume of waste they usually produce.

Aluminum mining and production sites today realize that it is more economical and more effective to reduce their impact on the environment rather than cleaning it up later on.

 

 

Key Takeaway

The mining and processing of products like aluminum profiles in the Philippines and in other countries have increasingly become more sustainable thanks to the development and integration of practices that reduce their impact on the environment.

Because of such practices as minimizing land disturbance, reducing water and energy consumption, preventing pollution at production sites, etc. the damage done to the ecosystems can be reduced to a minimum.