Tag: aluminum profile Philippines

February 20, 2020

How Aluminum is Strengthened

What are the best ways of strengthening aluminum?

Cold working
Heat treatment
Alloying aluminum
Natural aging

Aluminum is one of the most abundant substances on the planet. People encounter this element most frequently at grocery stores as one of the most widely-used types of beverage containers. The food industry has been taking advantage of aluminum’s highly-malleable properties, and in turn, the consumer also largely benefits from it. There are many ways of strengthening aluminum to make it more useful in various types of manufacturing processes outside of the food industry. It can be molded and transformed into a material that can be used for architectural, or transportation implements. The list below will hopefully provide you with brief information on the various ways present to strengthen this highly-versatile material.

Cold working

The average person knows that one of the ways by which malleable types of metals are shaped is through the application of heat. A popular image that might cross people’s minds involves that of a blacksmith pounding heavily on his anvil, in order to shape a particular material into the desired figure.

There is, however, another type of way by which metals are transformed in order for them to acquire highly-desirable properties, and this is called cold working.

The process of cold working is most commonly used for steel, aluminum, and copper. Instead of subjecting the metal to high levels of heat, cold working aluminum involves exposing it to temperatures that are far below the recrystallization point of the metal. In its simplest sense, the recrystallization point, or temperature, is the point below the metal or material’s melting point. Exposing aluminum to such temperature levels alters its crystalline structure, thereby strengthening it.

The downside of cold working aluminum is that it inevitably reduces the rate at which it is able to change shape before breaking. Despite this, however, its properties remain considerably stronger than before the conduction of the process.

Heat treatment

Strengthening aluminum by the application of heat is perhaps one of the most common processes to achieve the goal. This application of heat, however, is not simply the mere exposure of aluminum to a furnace, or a stove. Every single element of the heat-treatment process must be meticulously examined and monitored, in order to strengthen aluminum successfully. There are various ways of heat-treating aluminum such as homogenizing, annealing, and precipitation, just to name a few.

Homogenizing aluminum involves the redistribution of precipitating alloying elements. Simply put, a precipitate is an insoluble solid emerging from a liquid solution. This process involves three stages, namely heating-up, soaking, and cool down. Usually, this process is conducted through the application of heat in temperatures ranging from 450 to 600 degrees Celsius.

On the other hand, annealing is a process that is conducted usually after a metal has undergone cold-working. Through this process, the metal’s ability to deform without getting fractured increases. The hardness of aluminum is also reduced after undergoing this stage. Annealing has another benefit which improves a tool’s machinability. This is especially useful, particularly for tools like aluminum hammers, in that the tool’s wear and tear might be significantly reduced.

Lastly, the precipitation process involves the complete precipitation of dissolved elements, at temperatures ranging from 240 to 460 degrees Fahrenheit. This process will enable aluminum to reach its maximum hardness.

Alloying aluminum

The concept of combining two or more metals in order to produce a stronger metal is not a foreign concept. This process has been existing for around 5000 years, wherein these metals are first melted before dissolving them into each other. Following this logic, combining aluminum with the right type of metal can strengthen it, exposing itself to further possibilities with regards to its industrial usages.

Some of the most common metals by which aluminum is frequently alloyed with are silicon, zinc, magnesium, and copper.

An aluminum-zinc alloy will produce a tool useful in the construction industry, called the brazing rod. Similar to welding, brazing is a type of metal-joining technique. Through this process, the pure aluminum alloy has been repurposed, to become more useful in the field of construction.

Natural aging

You might be wondering how exactly leaving an aluminum alloy by itself would strengthen it, but this process is also related to precipitation. Briefly, once more, precipitation involves the dissolution of elements at certain temperatures. Naturally aging a metal, on the other hand, does not require any heat intervention.

This process usually occurs at room temperatures and takes just a little under a week for the aluminum to reach its full strength. Essentially, allowing the elements within the metal naturally dissolve over a given period of time would strengthen the aluminum.

If you’re someone looking to cut down costs on expending energy, this process would be the best fit for you, as it does not require too many complex tools and processes.

Key Takeaway

There are unlimited ways of strengthening aluminum. Just some of the most important factors to consider are the availability of tools, the complexity of the process, and the available time period. This guide has hopefully given you an idea of the various ways to improve aluminum and to make it more useful in a variety of other processes.

February 12, 2020

The Role of Aluminum in Heat Transfer Processes

What does aluminum do for heat transfer processes?

The basics of heat transfer
Aluminum has two key qualities that make it optimal for heat transfer
How hot is too hot?

The miracle metal, aluminum, is one of the most used materials in the world for almost countless purposes. While you might know of its importance in the aviation and automotive manufacturing industries, one lesser-known purpose that aluminum is best at is in heat transfer or exchange.

The thermal conductivity of aluminum, as one of its best-known properties, makes it all happen — but there are other factors that enable this metal. Continue reading to learn more because this can potentially help you with your heat transfer issues or endeavors.

The basics of heat transfer

If you want to understand why aluminum is one of the best materials for heat transfer processes, a basic understanding of heat transfer itself is required. In the context of industrial processes, heat transfer would refer to the exchange of heat generated by a device to a different medium like a liquid coolant or air. This exchange disperses the generated heat and helps the device maintain a certain or desired level of temperature.

While it may seem complicated, you can see this being employed in the many appliances you have at home. As long as there is unwanted heat being generated and/or temperature regulation is required, you can be sure that heat transfer is present and almost always involving a heat exchanger. Common examples of heat exchangers include engine coolants, radiators, condensers, and heat sinks.

Using a heat sink as an example, there are several important factors that will affect its overall performance and efficiency: air velocity, the material it is made off, the design of its protrusion, and the surface treatment. This is where aluminum comes into the picture because its properties make it one of the best materials for effective heat transfer.

Aluminum has two key qualities that make it optimal for heat transfer

In terms of its specific properties, there are two standout characteristics that make it almost perfect for heat transfer applications: thermal conductivity and malleability.

The thermal conductivity of aluminum is only second to copper in terms of the most common metals used for industrial purposes, but aluminum is lighter and more cost-effective and that gives it a competitive edge. To top it all off, aluminum is also a good reflector of heat and that makes it an even better material for heat exchangers and/or heat shields.

Aside from its excellent thermal conductivity, aluminum alloys are also very malleable. From complex shapes and dimensions to high-volume applications like foils, sheets, and fins, manufacturers can make heat sink designs that are tailored to a given client’s needs or requests. Complementing this malleable property is aluminum’s low melting temperature that makes it easier to process without sacrificing any structural integrity.

When you factor in its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and affordability, aluminum has the right combination of properties that make it the optimal material for heat exchanges.

How hot is too hot?

Since we are on the subject of heat, one question begging to be asked is how hot is too hot for aluminum? You might readily assume that good thermal conductivity translates to immunity to melting, but that is not the case. Metals, aluminum or otherwise, will still deform and even melt when exposed to a high enough temperature and for extended periods of time.

This means that it’s essential that you know your material’s melting point and how much heat it can withstand before using it in an application. Aluminum has a melting point of 660.3°C, but that only applies to pure aluminum. Alloys that incorporate other elements like copper, scandium, and magnesium can have a melting point of up to 690.5°C.

Key Takeaway

Understanding why aluminum is the best material for your heat exchangers is important because other materials simply do not give you the same utility and performance. It has all the characteristics you would want for heat transfers and to top it all off, aluminum is affordable and versatile. Given all the amazing properties that aluminum has, don’t miss out on the chance to use it for your heat exchange endeavors.

February 11, 2020February 12, 2020

What Manufacturers Need to Know About Forming Aluminum

What do manufacturers need to know when it comes to forming aluminum?

There are many challenges that come with forming aluminum
Choosing the right forming methods is crucial
The type of aluminum alloy is also important

Aluminum is one of the most used metal alloys in the world. Given its widespread use and popularity, you might be thinking that it is easy to use, manufacture, and form. However, that is simply not true and many people who are inexperienced with aluminum almost always turn to other materials like stainless steel once they understand the difficulty of forming aluminum. This shouldn’t be the case because people are going to miss out on the amazing lightweight, malleable, and corrosion-resistant properties of aluminum.

If you are thinking of getting into metal manufacturing or simply want to be in the know regarding the nitty-gritty behind aluminum forming, then continue reading.

There are many challenges that come with forming aluminum

As stated above, forming aluminum is not the simplest thing to do in the world. There are many challenges that come with doing this because, unlike other popular metals, elasticity is not one of aluminum’s best properties or strong suits.

Elasticity refers to the ability of a metal to elongate or stretch and return back to its normal shape without deformation, akin to rubber. This deficiency in elasticity that aluminum has can be seen in aluminum foil wherein it forms wrinkles when used and leaves little room for reusability.

When applied to forming aluminum profiles, not using the right methods or alloys can also result in wrinkling and this is something that should be avoided. Aside from elasticity, not using a lubricant while forming aluminum can cause adhesive wear on both the metal and the forming tools you are using. Adhesive wear is when there is material transfer or loss between two solid surfaces that are in direct contact by way of localized bonding. Put simply, this will greatly affect the surface quality of what you are trying to form, so you should also pay attention to some small details you might overlook like using a lubricant.

Choosing the right forming methods is crucial

Now that you know of the common challenges that aluminum forming entail, you should also do well to know that there are ways to work around them. The first thing you should think about is the type of forming method you are going to use. There are many ways to form aluminum like rolling or ‘compressive forming’, tensile forming, and bending. These are all very common, but are susceptible to the common pitfalls aluminum forming like wrinkling and mismanagement of the metal’s spring back — especially if you are trying to form complex shapes.

Hydroforming

Instead of the aforementioned methods, when given the chance, you can try to use ‘hydroforming’. This method has been more popular for forming steel alloys, but aluminum is slowly rising in popularity as a feed material because manufacturers are beginning to discover that hydroforming eliminates the possibility of wrinkling, while being a cost-effective option for the manufacturing of aluminum components, particularly hollow sections.

This process would entail placing an aluminum hollow section into a die or cast. Once the die is closed, the hollow section is sealed using axial cylinders. Only after this will the water or water emulsion fill the hollow section. Immense pressure is applied until the hollow section takes the form of the die. The reason aluminum manufacturers are turning to hydroforming is because the process is simple, yet effective. Aside from that, there are varying degrees of hydroforming (i.e. deep draw hydroforming and fluid cell forming), depending on how complex or deep the resulting aluminum component has to be.

Regardless of which method you choose, the most important thing is that you are knowledgeable on the proper way of forming aluminum through your preferred method.

The type of aluminum alloy is also important

Aside from the specific forming methods, you should also pay attention to the type of alloy you are going to use. Some types of aluminum alloys respond better to forming than others, so choose an appropriate one for your purposes. To do that, it is important to remember that aluminum alloys are generally grouped into different ‘families’ or series that have a designated 4-digit identification number.

As a general rule of thumb, the best series of aluminum alloys to use for forming are the 1-series (i.e. 1xxx) and the 8-series (8xxx). The 3, 4, and 5-series are all also relatively formable. Avoid using the 2 and 7-series of aluminum alloys because they are not very formable, but are better used for machining. If it seems confusing, just remember the first digit of the aluminum identification code and, as always, do extensive research.

Key Takeaway

Now that you have some important information regarding aluminum forming you are better prepared to form aluminum the proper way. As you have probably surmised from what you have read, forming aluminum is very complex so equip yourself with the right knowledge regarding this process and ensure a successful time forming your desired aluminum component or object.

February 10, 2020February 12, 2020

An In-Depth Look at Aluminum’s Strength

What are some important information regarding aluminum’s strength?

There are many classifications of strength
Aluminum can still be one of the strongest materials on earth
High-strength aluminum is everywhere

How strong is aluminum? This is a question that may or may not have popped up in your mind at some point. Perhaps the most common way you see it in your life is in the form of aluminum foil that you use for cooking and/or food storage. If you base your answer to the question on just aluminum foil, then you might not be getting the most accurate representation of aluminum’s strength.

Aluminum is actually stronger than one might think. Continue reading to learn more about it because it can potentially be helpful for you and your future production, manufacturing, or construction endeavors.

There are many classifications of strength

To understand the degrees of aluminum’s strength, you have to consider that there are many classifications that describe given metal’s strength and this can make it hard for people to evaluate how strong a metal truly is.

Here’s a short breakdown:

Compressive strength – this measures how well a metal can resist being compressed or otherwise compacted.
Impact strength – based on the name alone, this measures how much force a given metal can absorb from an object before shattering or breaking.
Tensile strength – this measures how well a metal can resist being pulled apart
Yield strength – finally, this measures the resistance of a metal to being bent or reshaped.

All these things can be measured through checking exactly how much pressure a metal can take before being compacted, broken/shattered, pulled apart, or bent. Another interesting thing to note here is that, when one metal excels at one kind of strength test, it tends to do poor or just average at a different kind of strength test.

Going back to aluminum, it probably will not come as a shock to you to find out that aluminum is not the best in class when compared to other metals like stainless steel or even regular steel when it comes to pure strength. Despite this, aluminum is not by any means considered to be ‘weak’ and is still one of the most used materials in the world, as you would come to read.

Aluminum can still be one of the strongest materials on earth

You would do well to know that ‘pure’ strength alone still doesn’t give you the most accurate picture of a given metal’s strength. Steel may be a stronger material under ideal conditions, but it tends to become brittle in cold temperatures. In contrast, aluminum isn’t bothered by changes in temperature, making it the more versatile material.

The ‘true’ strength of aluminum begins to show when you take its already decent tensile, impact, and compressive strength and factor in how malleable it is. In fact, the balance between aluminum’s malleability and strength is the reason why manufacturers prefer it over other materials — it can be shaped and formed according to specifications without losing strength or durability

Aside from that, aluminum’s shortcomings in pure strength can be remedied. This is done by combining pure aluminum with other elements like magnesium and silicon to form stronger alloys. Done properly, aluminum can be engineered to be equally strong if not stronger than some steel alloys.

High-strength aluminum is everywhere

As a testament to aluminum’s strength, it can be found virtually everywhere you go, even in the very machines you use to get to places. It is the second-most used material by car manufacturers. Planes and spacecraft are also reliant on aluminum. Skyscrapers are able to be built taller than ever thanks to aluminum, and if it were weak, then that can never be possible.

Aluminum alloys are also strong enough to protect you from shark attacks as it is the metal of choice for underwater cages that allow divers to observe sharks up close.

Key Takeaway

To recap what’s been said above, aluminum is comparably weaker than the strongest metals, but still decent in its own right. It also has other properties (e.g. malleability and unreactive to temperature) that more than make up for a relative lack of pure strength. Aside from that, really high-strength aluminum can be created by making new alloys and is found in products, machines, and structures almost everywhere you go.

Make sure you remember all these things the next time you start wondering how strong aluminum is. For everything related to aluminum and other industrial materials, click here.

September 27, 2018

10 Benefits of Aluminum

What are the benefits that aluminum can provide?

Lightweight
Strong and durable
Resilient and malleable
Thermal conductivity
Electric conductivity
Non-combustible
Non-magnetic
Non-corrosive
Recyclable
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

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!

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

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

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!

September 18, 2018

How Aluminum Profiles Can Help in Philippine Engineering

How can aluminum profiles help in Philippine engineering?

Easier formation products
Helps ensure the strength of structures being built
Aluminum profiles undergo a safe and strict process before being used
Ensure that metallic structures are resistant to rust and corrosion
Aluminum is one of the most affordable metals

Aluminum is one of the most valuable metals in the world! It has many uses, mainly when it comes to the engineering, construction, and industrial world. In fact, numerous aluminum profiles in Philippine engineering are used for various projects, especially for the construction of upscale and high-end properties. Either way, aluminum profiles can be a great asset that every engineer would want to get ahold of!

So now, you’re probably thinking, how exactly can aluminum profiles help in Philippine engineering? Luckily for you, aluminum profiles in the Philippines can help a lot! Here are some of the best examples of such:

Using Aluminum Makes It Easier to Form Products

One thing that most people don’t really know about aluminum is that it is actually malleable. With that kind of quality that a metal like an aluminum can possess, it makes construction easier to handle as this makes them easier to form into various products! This is also especially true for those that are wondering if aluminum can be easily pressed for work, which is done by heating aluminum up.

This is especially essential for the engineering world as it helps make their projects easier to handle. Using aluminum profiles for construction projects can also be a great way to practice efficiency as they can make great metals to use for practically anything they have in mind, therefore widening their options!

Another thing to take note of is that this can be great to use for any project that engineering has to offer! Various aluminum products such as rods, profiles, sheets, foil, and many more have proven to be extremely useful in times of innovation, even for projects outside of engineering!

Aluminum Profiles Can Help Ensure the Strength of Structures Being Built

Of course, another thing to note about aluminum is that it is one of the strongest metals to use for anything, especially engineering. Most industries test their products before putting them to use to ensure that the quality is up to par and meets the standards of those who need it, making it more assuring that their establishments, mechanisms, products, and structures will stand against the elements and through the tests of time!

When it comes to engineering in general, strength and durability are two of the most important things to ever come into the picture! With them in play, most structures are able to become as recognizable as they are today!

Aluminum Profiles Undergo a Safe and Strict Process Before Being Used

Aluminum profiles are great for numerous projects in mind, especially with the first two paragraphs that have been written about the product! What many can be assured with when it comes to using aluminum profiles is that they undergo a safe and strict process before being used for anything, making them more effective and efficient to use!

In case this hasn’t been mentioned before, aluminum is one of the most malleable metals to be used for any project in mind, which involves it being heated and pressed to form them into certain products. With this process in mind, industries that entail the use of aluminum profiles can be more likely availed for any engineering projects there is! Plus, it simply shows that the qualities that this metal can possess are not to be disregarded easily!

Aluminum Can Help Ensure that Metallic Structures Are Resistant to Rust and Corrosion

Rust and corrosion are two things that most engineers and creators avoid for their products, especially when it comes aluminum. Luckily, aluminum profiles used in Philippine engineering projects are guaranteed to be resistant to rust!

With that being said, no one would ever have to worry about rust affecting their structures anymore! Although it is important to note that corrosion resistance varies, ultimately, it all depends on the certain grade of aluminum that can definitely last longer against corrosion.

Aluminum is One of the Most Affordable Metals

Of course, last but not least, one of the most important things when it comes to dealing with using aluminum profiles for Philippine engineering projects is none other than cost—and fortunately, aluminum doesn’t cost that much to buy and use!

Far from the times when aluminum was regarded as one of the most expensive metals in the world, aluminum has now been regarded as one of the most affordable metals that one can avail for anything, especially for engineering—and with that to consider, aluminum profiles in the Philippines can really be pragmatic!

Key Takeaway

Aluminum is surely a great asset for each and every engineer to have, especially with these 5 points to take into consideration! Aluminum profiles in the Philippines have certainly cemented themselves as one of the most effective engineering materials there is—and if you’re considering using them for your own projects, don’t hesitate to give them a try!

August 23, 2018

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?

Safe lifting techniques
Proper material handling
Heat and fire protection
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

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

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.

August 16, 2018

How to Choose a Trusted Aluminum Profile Supplier in the Philippines

What are the characteristics of a trusted aluminum profile supplier in the Philippines?

Knows the product well
Provides competitive prices
Professional and quick to respond
Uses up-to-date equipment
Has low rejection rates

Having the right materials at the right time is critical for any business. This is especially true for builders and manufacturers who rely on having high-quality tools materials like aluminum profiles to produce favorable results for their own clients. Finding the right aluminum profile supplier in the Philippines and other key materials or tools can mean the difference between being able to work efficiently and having to suffer through constant reworks and delays.

So how do you find the right materials provider that meets the needs of your business? Here are a few things you should look out for in a trusted aluminum profile supplier in the Philippines:

Knows the Product Well

It is also important for you to find an aluminum profile supplier that has a good understanding of their own product.

Perhaps even more important than finding a supplier that provides competitive prices, finding a supplier with an in-depth knowledge of aluminum and its products means that they will be able to provide their customers expert advice on all things aluminum.

In addition, suppliers that know their products will also know how to pack and transport aluminum without damaging it.

Provides Competitive Prices

Just because a supplier offers the lowest prices doesn’t mean that you should go with them. If a supplier is quoting prices that are far lower than market prices, then there is a good chance that they are selling you a low-quality product.

Most aluminum and other material suppliers are required by law to be transparent and provide the necessary details on how they came up with their pricing. This includes information like the cost of raw aluminum, packaging, processing, and shipping. So, the only way they can further reduce their prices is by compromising the quality of their product.

There are even suppliers that will not hesitate to quote impossibly low prices and make guarantees that they have no intention of honoring. An example of this would be suppliers that are selling recycled aluminum without actually providing a certification of purity. In this case, you have no one else to blame but yourself if you make a purchase from them.

Paying slightly more for your aluminum profiles and other products makes complete business and financial sense if you need it for your project now or simply because it is convenient. If you are buying in bulk for mass manufacturing, however, then the higher price is probably not worth it.

Professional and Quick to Respond

Always find a responsible supplier that conducts themselves and their business in a professional manner. This is good advice no matter what products they provide because a good supplier will always make deliveries without errors and on time. The last thing your business needs is to receive a shipment of materials that don’t meet your requirements.

A trusted supplier should also take the effort to inform you of any delay in shipment in a timely manner. They should respond to any question that you might have honestly and quickly. It shows that your supplier takes their customers seriously when they provide excellent customer service.

Your supplier should also understand the nature of your business and be able to recommend the right product that you need without upselling anything unnecessary.

Uses Up-to-Date Equipment

A supplier that has the right tools for the right job can help you consistently achieve top-notch results. So when you are looking at potential aluminum profile suppliers, find out if the equipment they use to process their products is up-to-date.

For instance, if a supplier still heavily relies on manual methods for shaping and processing aluminum metal, then they might have a hard time producing consistent results on a timely basis. On the other hand, if your supplier makes use of advanced equipment that makes manufacturing aluminum profiles fast and easy, then you can expect consistent results from them.

Find an aluminum supplier that has the right tools for the right job because they will be better equipped to meet your production tolerances and handle your needs.

Low Rejection Rates

Obviously, a consistent production process and a fast, reliable delivery won’t mean much if a supplier provides low-quality products and shoddy materials which you will only end up rejecting. Sometimes, low-quality aluminum profiles and parts that do not meet your requirements can be worse than not having the products at all.

Having products that do not follow your production tolerances pose a greater risk of damaging the rest of your manufacturing equipment and products. So when considering an aluminum profile supplier for your company, check out their history to see if they have an alarmingly high amount of claims against them for materials rejected for delivery or parts that are not working.

Key Takeaway

Choosing a good, trusted aluminum profile supplier in the Philippines is an important step that will not only reduce your costs but also ensure smooth operations. Procuring high-quality aluminum profiles will also result in better products if you are a manufacturer.

Low-quality materials mean low-quality products, and low-quality products make your company less competitive and may even damage its reputation permanently. Consider the things listed above before you purchase from a supplier.

August 3, 2018

The 4 Industries That Benefit from Aluminum the Most

Which industries benefit from aluminum the most?

Building and construction
Automotive
Aerospace
Food and beverage canning

Aluminum, as a material, is integral to our modern life. This versatile material can be found in almost everything, from beverage cans to aircraft to window frames made from aluminum profiles in the Philippines. When it comes to its variety of uses, no other metal can come close to aluminum.

Professionals and experts in different industries consider aluminum as their top choice of metal for different kinds of manufacturing purposes. In fact, there are even uses for aluminum that might not be immediately obvious at first; for instance, did you know that aluminum is a key part of glass manufacturing?

The reason that aluminum is widely used in all kinds of industries is due in part to its high strength, low density, and corrosion-resistant properties. Aluminum is also non-toxic which makes it perfect for almost any application that involves the packaging of food items. In addition to these, here are the top four industries that benefit from aluminum the most:

Building and Construction

The 1920s first saw aluminum being widely used for construction and building purposes. The applications then were primarily focused on art deco structures and decorative detailing. The breakthrough, however, came in 1930 as the builders of the Empire State Building in New York City chose to use aluminum for the major structures within it such as the famous spire as well as the interior structures.

Today, aluminum is considered one of the most sustainable and energy-efficient construction materials. It is estimated that the amount of recycled content in aluminum building materials used today is somewhere between 50 and 85 percent. Certain LEED-certified buildings that are intensely focused on aluminum have won numerous awards for sustainability all over the world for it.

Aluminum structures can weigh up to 35 to 65 percent less than steel while providing the same amount of strength. In other words, any modern skyscraper would be impossible to build without the use of this metal.

Automotive

Simply put, aluminum builds a better vehicle. The use of aluminum in various automotive and commercial vehicles continues to grow because it offers the safest, fastest, and most cost-effective and environmentally-friendly way to increase the performance of the product.

Aluminum does all of these while also reducing emissions and boosting fuel economy which maintains and even improves the durability and safety of the vehicle. Thanks to its environmental advantages, aluminum is increasingly becoming the “material of choice” for various automakers, from mass-market vehicles like the Ford F-150 to luxury cars such as Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi.

The benefits of aluminum in the transportation industry have also been demonstrated by the Aluminum Associations’ Aluminum Transport Group or ATG through research programs and related outreach activities.

Aerospace

Did you know that the advancement of rocket and aircraft technology can be directly tied to the advancement and production of aluminum alloys? Aluminum has always created the potential for mankind to fly both around the earth and into outer space—from the Wright Brothers’ use of aluminum in the engine of the first airplane to the use of an aluminum-lithium alloy in the new Orion spacecraft of NASA.

By weight, the airframe of an average modern commercial transport aircraft is composed of 80 percent aluminum. For the other parts of commercial airliners and military cargo or transport aircraft such as the wings, fuselage, and supporting structures, aluminum alloys are the preferred choice.

For space structures of all types, aluminum has always been the overwhelming choice ever since the launch of the Sputnik more than 50 years ago. Aluminum has also been used on the Apollo spacecraft, the Skylab, the space shuttles, and the International Space Station because of its ability to withstand the stresses that occur during launch and operation in space and its lightweight.

Food and Beverage Canning

Many of your favorite beverages are probably found under a pull tab or a screw top which is why aluminum cans hold a special place in the hearts of the people. The use of aluminum cans was first pioneered by Coors in 1959, and from then on, it has been increasingly used by other beverages such as sodas, sparkling waters, energy drinks, and even craft brew beers.

Because they are infinitely recyclable, aluminum cans are one of the most sustainable beverage packages. They can chill the contents quickly, provide a better metal canvas for printing, and perhaps most importantly, protect the integrity and the flavor of your favorite drinks!

Aluminum cans can provide long-term food quality preservation benefits because they can offer 100 percent protection against light, moisture, oxygen, and other contaminants. They are resistant to corrosion and do not rust which means they have one of the longest shelf lives of any type of packaging.

Key Takeaway

As technology continues to advance, expect to see the diversification of aluminum in many other industries besides the ones that have been mentioned here.

The importance of aluminum profiles in the Philippines and all around the world is steadily growing, so make sure that all of your demands are going to be satisfied by a trusted supplier.

July 18, 2018

Everything You Ought to Know About Aluminum Profiles in the Philippines

What are the things you ought to know about aluminum profiles in the Philippines?

Types of aluminum profiles
Types of surfaces
Advantages of aluminum profiles
Uses of aluminum profiles

An aluminum profile, also known as an aluminum frame or an aluminum extrusion, is a building material that can be commonly found in windows and doors.

In countries like the Philippines, aluminum profiles are formed using a process called bulk plastic deformation which sees a billet of aluminum first heated to a specific temperature that is still comfortably below the melting point of the material which ensures the plastic flow of the metal. The heated billet of aluminum is then forced through a tooling die that is designed to form and shape the material into a specific profile cross-section.

While it might seem like the process of creating aluminum profiles takes a lot of effort, it has a lot of advantages. Aluminum profiles are actually lighter, stronger, cheaper, and uses less material than its solid counterparts. Profiles can come in a wide variety of shapes so you can always find a suitable one for your specific case.

Now that you are somewhat familiar with how aluminum profiles are made and why it’s important, here are the other important things you need to know about it:

Types of Aluminum Profiles

Aluminum profiles can be fabricated in a wide variety of types and thicknesses. These profiles can also feature a wide range of intricate, hollow spaces that can be specified according to the end use application. Having different types of aluminum profiles as well as internal voids allows you to satisfy a variety of needs and applications and any performance or weight requirements.

The most common type of aluminum profile is the hollow beam profile which is simply a variation of the square aluminum profile. There are also other profile types such as single-radius, L-shaped, and triangular profiles.

Types of Surfaces

One of the byproducts of the extrusion process is that sometimes, there can be small and barely visible lines present on the surfaces of the aluminum profiles. These marks on the surfaces of aluminum profiles are the result of the tools used for the extrusion process.

If you need these lines removed, though, the aluminum profile needs to undergo additional surface treatments. There are also a few secondary surface processing operations such as face milling that can be done after the primary extrusion forming process of aluminum profiles in order to improve its surface finish.

These post-processing operations can even be customized according to the specifications of the customers in order to improve the geometry of the surface. By reducing the overall surface roughness of the aluminum profile, the finished part itself can also be improved.

Additional surface processing is usually specified in applications where the parts are required to be positioned precisely or where mating surfaces must be controlled tightly. Treating the surface can also improve the hardness of the profile, add electrical insulation to the intrusions, and add corrosion resistance.

Advantages of Aluminum Profiles

Aluminum is the material of choice for profiles, shapes, and extrusions because it has the necessary mechanical properties and characteristics that make it ideal for shaping and forming. Because aluminum metal has high malleability, it can be readily shaped into a variety of sections without using much energy on the forming or tooling process.

In addition, the melting point of aluminum is typically half that of steel which means that the entire process of aluminum extrusion expends a relatively low amount of energy. This translates into low manufacturing and tooling costs, as well as reduced carbon footprints.

Lastly, because aluminum also has a high strength-to-weight ratio, it makes an excellent material for industrial applications.

Uses of Aluminum Profiles

Aluminum profiles are typically used in industrial automation applications such as the production lines used in the manufacturing industry. This material is certainly strong, but it is also light enough that any products that make use of it can be easily assembled and used without the need for power tools or heavy equipment. Because of the specific tolerances that are present in the manufacturing of aluminum profiles, it can also be built and assembled into an almost endless number of configurations as necessitated by the structure.

There is also an increasing demand for aluminum profiles and structures because it now being specified in the weight reduction efforts of different industries. More specifically, aluminum profiles are now being used as frames in other end-consumer products such as environmentally-aware building projects and advanced automobiles.

The uses of aluminum profiles continue to expand into new areas as more advanced surface coating techniques and alloys are developed.

Key Takeaway

Aluminum profiles are used in the Philippines because it is versatile and it is an ideal building material for automated applications. Because aluminum itself is an excellent structural material, it lends itself perfectly to be used for profiles and extrusions.

No matter what the applications you have in mind are, there is a great chance that there is an aluminum profile that is perfectly tailored to the specific situation.

July 13, 2018

4 Ways Aluminum Production Is Becoming Better for the Environment

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

Reduced energy usage
Reduced water usage
Minimal land disruption
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

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

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.

July 10, 2018

4 DIY Projects You Can Do with Aluminum

What DIY projects can you do with aluminum?

Felt-tip markers
Solid aluminum ingots
Dual rack towel holder
Roof shingles

Despite being available for many years now, aluminum has only recently been gaining widespread popularity as a material for DIY projects. Designers and DIYers are drawn to aluminum because they can be formed into all kinds of shapes and sizes and they are easy to customize and join together. Aluminum products supplied by One Sky Aluminum can be joined in various configurations and shapes; all it needs are simple processes like tapping, bolting, or drilling.

Aluminum products are desired by DIYers and hobbyists alike because of a large number of shapes and sizes that are available for the material. When there is a need to create a custom project or structure without spending a lot of money on fabrication, aluminum is almost always the material of choice. Also, because of the way aluminum parts and products are assembled, builders are able to rework its design while it is still in the manufacturing phase.

If you are new to DIY aluminum projects or if you just want to do an easy project to get your feet wet, here are four projects you can do yourself using aluminum.

Felt-Tip Markers

Also known as sharpies or magic markers, felt pens are staple supplies in the office. Usually, though, they are only sold in forms that are made from cheap plastic which makes them hardly worth keeping once the ink has run out.

Using the right power tools such as a lathe and a drill, you can actually make your own felt pen out of aluminum. Using aluminum for the body of the pen makes it sturdier and more durable, so it can be reused countless times. When you choose to make your own felt marker, you are also reducing the amount of waste you produce because instead of buying a whole new pen when your old one dries out, you just have to buy the ink cartridge because you already have the body.

Solid Aluminum Ingots

If you are willing to push your limits when it comes to DIY, you can also try casting your own aluminum ingots. Before you begin, however, you should know that this project deals with metals that are heated at a high temperature, so make sure that you are wearing the correct protective and safety gear.

For this project, you are going to need access to a high-powered furnace, but if that isn’t an option for you, there are a lot of resources online that teaches you how to make your own backyard furnace. Now, all you need is a few aluminum scraps you might have collected as well as any aluminum beverage cans you have lying about, and a metal muffin tray to pour the liquid metal into.

Dual Rack Towel Holder

This basic DIY project uses aluminum profiles and extrusions to create a simple rack for hanging or drying your towels. The great thing about using aluminum profiles is that you can add or change the components of the towel rack as you see fit, potentially providing you with almost limitless customization choices.

For the sake of simplicity, try and use the same components throughout the project as much as possible so you can easily modify the design. The assembly of the project is pretty straightforward: lay out the parts in the shape of an “H,” take your screws and T-nuts, and connect the horizontal towel holders to the vertical rails.

Roof Shingles

If you or any of your family members have kennels, chicken coops, or sheds that are in desperate need of shielding from the harsh elements, you can actually do so using discarded aluminum cans. It is possible to make DIY roof shingles that are effective and fully waterproof using just a few common beer or soda cans.

You can do this project using just everyday tools you probably already have at home like a hammer, scissors or tin snips, and a circular saw. Cut both ends of an aluminum can and cut it down the middle using your scissors or tin snips to form a flat, rectangular piece of aluminum. Then, lay the flat piece of aluminum into a forming die and press it by hitting it with a hammer or stomping on it.

While making these DIY roof shingles can be tedious, the end result can be extremely satisfying because you are giving old cans a second life. Depending on the area of your roof as well as the style of the shingles you use, you can expect to use 900-1,250 cans per 10’x10’ roof surface area.

Key Takeaway

In our modern world, aluminum is a material that is being used almost everywhere. It is used in everything, from computer parts to pipelines, and even as a building material.

Malleability, extreme recyclability, and durability are just a few of the benefits you can expect when you use aluminum from suppliers like One Sky Aluminum, so the next time you end up with a decent piece of aluminum to work with, remember these unique DIY projects and let them be your inspiration.

June 26, 2018

The Different Industries that Utilize Aluminum

What are the different industries that utilize aluminum?

Construction
Electrical engineering
Transport
Consumer goods
Packaging

Aluminum is one of the, if not the most, versatile materials available in the world. Aside from this, it is widely available and makes up almost a tenth of the earth’s crust. It can be found everywhere and is only second to iron in being the most used metal in the world.

There are many kinds and types of aluminum profiles in the Philippines, and each and every one of them as a specific and ideal use. Nothing goes to waste. Due to its qualities, properties, and diversity, aluminum has become an integral part of modern life. It’s not an understatement to say that the world will find it hard to function once it is lost.

If every trace of aluminum was wiped from the face of the planet, several establishments and organizations are going to suffer. These are the industries that make a living off of aluminum and would cease to function without the material. All of them will be listed below.

Construction

The construction industry uses approximately 25% of the aluminum produced in the world. It has brought about many changes and innovations in the industry.

The continuously changing image of towns and cities, the functional, economic, and environmental qualities of modern-day megalopolises, and the countless skyscrapers that attract numerous tourists—all these were made possible with the use of aluminum in construction.

Its qualities are what makes it stand out from all the other construction materials. There aren’t many that are as lightweight, strong, resistant to corrosion, durable, and moldable as aluminum. In the hands of a master architect that has unlimited creativity, aluminum can be shaped into any shape and form to create structures that would be impossible to build using other materials.

Electrical Engineering

Electricity is what sets everything in motion. Without it, many industries will end. Even the aluminum manufacturing industry itself would cease to function, which is why we should be extremely grateful that aluminum was discovered.

Aluminum isn’t just a universal structural material, it can also be used in the field of electrical or power engineering. Along with copper, aluminum is considered to be one of the best electrical conductors.

In some cases, it beats copper off the top spot. Weight is one of the most important factors for high-voltage power lines. These are the ones that transmit electricity over long distances like overhead power lines. For these applications, aluminum is preferred because it is light-weight.

Transportation

The transport or transportation industry accounts for 27% of aluminum consumption—the largest share across all industries—and it is expected to grow over the following years.

Think of all the different types of transportation available worldwide. Airplanes, bikes, cars, trains, even space shuttles; all these are made from aluminum. Although not purely made from aluminum, you can bet that they’re at least 50% composed of the material.

Aluminum is a favorite in the transport industry for the same reasons architects use the material. It is lightweight, easily formed to various shapes, durable, resistant to elements, and can withstand different weather climates and conditions.

Consumer Goods

We weren’t kidding when we said that aluminum has become an integral part of modern life. Most of the things you use in your everyday life are made from aluminum. Furniture, home appliances, machines, mirrors, equipment, and gadgets.

Manufacturers love to use aluminum for its affordability that is partnered with a perfect blend of beauty and practicality. These qualities are what made aluminum a success in the consumer goods industry. Gadgets can look reliable and sophisticated and remain light and robust. The same goes for aluminum furniture. Creators can make them look absolutely stunning with little effort because of the natural qualities of the material.

In recent years, aluminum has replaced former favorites like steel and plastic and the trend will only continue in the many years to come.

Packaging

There are two main things that make aluminum the best packaging material in the world.

First is it’s non-toxic. This quality removes the risk of poisoning and contamination regardless of the product or food being packaged and where it is shipped to. Second is its recyclability. Year after year, millions of aluminum cans are used and thrown. If aluminum weren’t such a recyclable product, we’d now be buried in decades-worth of aluminum waste. Luckily, aluminum is a unique material in that it can be recycled an infinite number of times.

On top of this, aluminum can be pressed into the thinnest sheets but still be able to protect goods from the harmful effects of bacteria, liquid, and light, ultimately allowing longer shelf life.

Key Takeaway

All these industries make use of different kinds of aluminum profiles in the Philippines. Without this miracle material, the construction, transportation, electrical engineering, consumer goods, and packaging industry would still be stuck in their old ways using materials that are not as effective and are far less efficient. Not only can this possibly lower quality, it can even increase prices.

June 8, 2018

Aluminum Recycling: Why Should You Do It?

Why is it so important to recycle aluminum?

It saves energy
It lowers the impacts of mining
It reduces carbon emissions
It helps satisfy increasing demand

Aluminum is one of the most widely used material in the world. All grades and aluminum profiles in the Philippines have specific uses and not a single piece is deemed useless. Industries like construction, architecture, aerospace, and aviation make use of it every single day. Us, too, actually. We use aluminum all the time, but we barely notice. It’s on our phones, laptops, homes, and even in our food.

Part of the reason it is so widely used is its abundance. Of all metals that can be found in the earth’s crust, aluminum is the most abundant and subsequently the third most abundant element as it makes up about 8% of the crust. Another reason is its affordability and many amazing properties that make it such an ideal material for production.

Naturally, with use comes waste. And with that comes waste management, which loosely translates to recycling. Now, why should we exert so much energy in recycling this common metal when it’s so cheap and easy to make and when there are other things like plastic and paper recycling that should obviously take precedence? That’s exactly what we’ll tell you today, so keep on reading to find out why you should recycle aluminum!

It Saves Energy

Aluminum may be cheap and affordable now, but it wasn’t like that back in the early days of its discovery. It was an elite material then that was only used for ornaments and luxury items. If not for technological advancements and scientific discoveries, aluminum would still have the same value as gold or silver, even more.

However, despite being able to lower the production cost of aluminum, manufacturers still need to use a considerable amount of energy to make it. But this is a problem that can be solved through recycling.

Recycling and re-casting old aluminum cans into new ones require 95% less energy than producing one from scratch. Put into perspective, the energy saved is enough to power your television for three hours, and that’s just one can.

It Lowers the Impacts of Mining

Aluminum cannot be found purely in nature, it must be extracted from bauxite ore—an ore that can be obtained by mining. Miners must dig huge pits into the ground—a process called stripping—just to gain access to the bauxite ore. Afterward, these pits are left as they are making them essentially useless.

Negative impacts like this can be prevented through recycling. If we continue to recycle aluminum, there will be little need to dig through the surface of our planet just to get a hold of bauxite ores. This not only saves our planet for further damage, it also prevents depletion of this valuable commodity.

In fact, each year approximately 5% of the total bauxite ore in the world is preserved through recycling.

It Reduces Carbon Emissions

The process with which aluminum is created is called the Hall-Heroult process, and it is one that releases carbon dioxide as a by-product. According to estimates, aluminum and carbon dioxide are produced in a 1:1 ratio—an equal proportion—to the ton. When you take into consideration how much aluminum is made on a daily basis around the globe, then you start to see the problem.

Now, we are all aware of how much damage carbon dioxide can do to our atmosphere especially in large quantities. It is among the root causes of global warming. So in order to avoid such large production of this detrimental gas, we have to start properly recycling our aluminum products.

When compared to the Hall-Heroult process, recycling only releases 5% of the same gas. Though it there is still carbon dioxide production, it is significantly less thus not as harmful.

It Helps Satisfy Increasing Demand

We can’t deny the fact that our overall population continues to increase year after year. And as the population grows, so does the demand for aluminum products. Increased demand means continuous production which also means constant mining of bauxite ore.

Aside from the many negative impacts of mining on our environment, it simply isn’t sufficient enough to satisfy the demand for this material. A gap between supply and demand is then formed and the only way to close it is through recycling.

Most manufacturers today already utilize recycled aluminum as they use 35% recycled aluminum and 65% natural aluminum to create their products and meet demand.

Key Takeaway

Aluminum is a rare metal due to the fact that it is infinitely recyclable, which means it can be recycled over and over and over again without ever losing its natural qualities. No matter the type, grade or aluminum profile, the Philippines must find a way to take advantage of this property and recycle aluminum.

At this point, it’s not just an option, it is a necessity that must be done in order to meet demands, save energy, reduce gas emissions, lower mining impact, and ultimately protect the environment.