Tag: aluminum profile supplier philippines

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The History of Aluminum in Aircraft

The History Of Aluminum In Aircrafts

What was the history of aluminum in aircraft?

  1. The First Airplane
  2. World War I
  3. The Golden Age of Flight
  4. World War II
  5. Modern Era

 

Unbeknownst to many, aluminum is still being used and regarded as the best material for aircraft production. Usually, aluminum is known as a material that is used for cars, bikes, and other household materials.

Aluminum profile suppliers in the Philippines help create aluminum frames for various uses. Companies such as One Sky in the Philippines, provide aluminum as raw materials. But not many know that aluminum is king in the production of aircraft. Let’s take a brief look at how they were used throughout the course of airplane history.

 

The First Airplane

In 1903, the first airplane to ever take to the sky was created by the Wright brothers. Their aircraft design was primarily made up of wood. The fuselage, wings, and tail were all crafted from wood.

The only thing that was made from aluminum was its engine block. This was done to shed some weight due to the low power delivery of modern automobile engines of the time. The special aluminum block the Wright brothers created had increased the power to weight ratio of their wooden framed aircraft which was enough for it to take flight.

At the time, aluminum was extremely expensive and it was not widely produced as it is today. The Wright brothers had to make use of spruce wood and bamboo to keep the weight as light as possible and strong enough to carry some load.

 

World War I

World War I

It wasn’t until World War I when aircrafts started to use metal as a vital component, specifically on December 12, 1915. German aircraft designer Hugo Junkers built the first ever full metal aircraft, the J1 monoplane. At the time, everyone disliked the idea of using metal as a main component for aircraft as they thought of them as “too heavy” and impossible to take flight. But the men behind the creation of the J1 had to process 0.1 to 0.1 millimeters of steel sheets in order to achieve the desired weight needed to fly. In 1917, Hugo Junkers changed the landscape of aircraft design with his great innovation of incorporating the use of aluminum in building the fuselage of his new J7 aircraft.

 

The 1920s

The 1920s was the start of the Golden Age of Flight. It was the era when Americans and Europeans began competing in airplane racing. People were crazy about aircraft during the 20s until the next decade. These lead aircraft designers to stretch the edge of aerodynamics in aircraft performance. The 20s saw the extinction of the production of biplanes and the popularization of monoplanes. The more streamlined design made a transition from all metal frames to the use of aluminum alloys and other lightweight metals.

Aircraft was used for racing, breaking world distance and speed records, business travel, and exploration. The Golden Age of Flight also saw dozens of aircraft innovations. From Henry Ford’s 4-AT Tri-Motor to the Lockheed Sirius, the 20s to the 30s saw the dawn of streamlined aircraft, aircraft with multiple engines, retracting landing gear, stressed-skin aluminum construction, and variable-pitch propellers.

 

World War II

World War Ii

From 1939 to 1945, the demand for aluminum greatly increased for various military applications, mainly for the production of aircraft. This soaring demand for aluminum brought about around 296,000 U.S. aircraft produced. In 1942, American radio station WOR-NYC broadcasted a radio show called “Aluminum for Defense” to encourage Americans to contribute aluminum scraps to help in the country’s war efforts. They would offer free movie tickets in exchange for aluminum.

This was a time when aircraft technology took a rapid evolution. Most aircraft engines were supercharged and designs were sleeker than ever before. This resulted in planes that reached speeds previously unchartered by pilots. An increase of firepower and various armaments were equipped to many of the fighter, bomber, and reconnaissance planes. The greatest planes of the time that took to the skies were the iconic German BF109, British Spitfire, and the American P-51 Mustang.

The British, American, and German military started experimenting with a totally new powertrain for these aircrafts to gain a significant advantage on the sky. Jet-powered technology was on its way during World War 2. On August 27, 1940, the Germans have developed the first jet-powered aircraft, the Heinkel He 178. The radical new design had planes with no propellers and a more air-cutting slipstreamed design. These new jet-powered aircraft still made use of aluminum alloys as the main component of their fuselage.

 

Modern Era

Aluminum became a key component in the construction of aircraft. After the war, the availability of aluminum increased. The composition of aluminum alloys has improved, leading to better aircraft developments. Today, 80% of what a modern aircraft is composed of is aluminum.

Due to its light weight, ability to carry heavy loads, malleability, and corrosion resistance, it is still the ideal aircraft material. Many commercial planes make use of an aluminum fuselage, wing, flaps, rudder, and engine turbine.

 

Key Takeaway

Aluminum has been very important for the development of aircraft and aviation as a whole. Today, we have an abundance of the materials and you can find tons of aluminum profile suppliers in the Philippines and companies such as One Sky Philippines, that provide aluminum for various uses.

Aircraft manufacturers can turn to their suppliers to develop the latest aircraft. There is no longer a scarcity and high-cost to this amazing metal. The rich history of these machines could not have been possible without the use of aluminum.

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6 Ways Aluminum Is Used in Everyday Life

6 Ways Aluminum Is Used In Everyday Life

What are the ways aluminum is used in everyday life?

  1. Packaging for food
  2. Daily transportation
  3. Construction work
  4. Kitchen tools
  5. Electrical power
  6. Sturdy furniture

 

When it comes to aluminum profiles, suppliers in the Philippines rely on the amazing attributes of the material for the many products that they distribute. Aluminum has a multitude of applications in the industrial field as well as every household. In many palpable ways, the material opened up new dimensions for simplifying and increasing the quality of our daily lives.

Oftentimes, we use aluminum almost every single day and we don’t really realize it as much. Let’s discuss some of the common applications of aluminum in everyday life:

 

Packaging for Food

Packaging For Food

One example is aluminum foil. Aluminum foil remains in constant use. It consists of very thin sheets. From processed meats and sandwiches to dairy products stored in the fridge, aluminum foil is used in the packaging and preservation of food because it serves as a barrier against oxygen and water. Along with baking soda and hot water, it also helps in cleaning silverware.

Aluminum is also widely seen in a lot of cans; it can easily support the carbonation pressure of sodas. And it is by far, the most recycled beverage container. They’re also lightweight and easily stacked. In this way, it provides storage and shipping efficiencies that limit overall transportation carbon emissions with logistics and supply chains.

 

Daily Transportation

By all means of air, land, or sea transport, we use aluminum to some degree not only for external materials but also for mechanical components. The best example is that of airplanes where it is preferred due to its cost and relatively low weight.

Having a car is considered a necessity in today’s world and the identification of these vehicles means a license plate. Aluminum plates can be made easily and it is also recycled into other products with ease.

Apart from license plates and vehicles, aluminum materials are used along with other metals to form an alloy wheel. They are lighter, have better strength and better conduction of heat which is why the material is also used in the rims.

 

Construction Work

Construction Work

Companies like One Sky Philippines can attest to the fact that aluminum is necessary for construction work due to its flexible and malleable nature. It is a suitable material for supporting structures when properly combined with other components. Air tightness is one of the primary benefits of using aluminum in construction work. It does not suffer the same deterioration that plagues materials such as wood and steel. Aluminum is easier to work with as opposed to most other materials. This ultimately leads to a great deal of cost savings during the construction process.

 

Kitchen Tools

Aluminum is a common presence in the kitchen because of its good conductivity to heat. From serving utensils like spoons, forks, and knives to saucepans, aluminum utensils are sturdy pieces of material that can last a long time. Aluminum heats and cools down quickly, making it popular with short-order cooks in fast food chains who need to work quickly and efficiently. Compared to other materials, aluminum is less expensive which appeals to a lot of restaurateurs on a budget. Lastly, it has low toxicity and is a safer, more hygienic choice than any other metal.

 

Electrical Power

Electrical Power

Aluminum has several advantages over other metal materials like silver, gold, and copper mainly because of its low cost and weight. Aluminum is used for high voltage towers wherein the power line should be light, flexible, and as economical as possible.

The material itself has high resistance to corrosion and is easy to weld which makes electric installations more durable and easier to repair. With the material’s superior conductivity, it is now used for wiring in residences, buildings, and other appliances.

 

Sturdy Furniture

Aluminum is often used in furniture designs because it is both strong and durable and won’t rust when exposed to harmful outdoor elements. In spite of its strength, it’s a light metal so other types of furniture won’t be that difficult to move around if you want to position it inside or out under the sun.

Aluminum is also used in windows frames as it is cheaper, lighter, and resistant to corrosion which makes it ideal for outdoor use when they are continuously exposed to moisture and humidity in the environment. Unlike other materials that require special care, aluminum simply needs soap and water for cleaning. The great thing about using aluminum outdoor furniture is that it comes in a variety of styles and finishes that are able to suit your style.

 

Key Takeaway

Most aluminum profile suppliers in the Philippines will tell you that aluminum makes a great material for everyday use. Today, companies like One Sky Philippines are dependent on this metal.

Aluminum is used on a bigger scale in a larger picture, whether being used as an electrical conductor, for transportation, the conservation of food, or in constructing the framework of buildings and other structures. The objects we use every day are made simpler and easier with aluminum.

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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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How to Choose a Trusted Aluminum Profile Supplier in the Philippines

How to Choose a Trusted Aluminum Profile Supplier in the Philippines

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

  1. Knows the product well
  2. Provides competitive prices
  3. Professional and quick to respond
  4. Uses up-to-date equipment
  5. 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.

 

 

Competitive Pricing

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

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.

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6 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Aluminum

6 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Aluminum

What are the things that you probably didn’t know about aluminum?

  1. It is the most abundant metal in the earth’s crust
  2. It used to be considered more precious than gold
  3. It takes a long time to decompose
  4. It can be recycled an almost unlimited number of times
  5. It was highly prevalent during World War II
  6. Other interesting facts

 

 

Aluminum was discovered during the early 1800s, but did you know that it wasn’t until 1825 that it was finally fabricated as a usable material? In fact, it took until the middle of the 19th century before the first production process for aluminum was established.

Experts in the industry, as well as aluminum profile suppliers in the Philippines and other countries, consider this metal as one of the “youngest,” but in reality, aluminum silicates were used as early as 5,300 B.C. Ancient Persians used aluminum silicates to make their cooking vessels and even made use of aluminum oxide clays for first aid, to dye fabric, and to tan hides.

In addition to these facts, here are six more things you probably didn’t know about aluminum:

 

 

It Is the Most Abundant Metal in the Earth’s Crust

According to the University of Wisconsin, aluminum is the most abundant metal in the earth’s crust, accounting for about eight percent of its total weight! In addition, it is also the third most abundant element in the earth’s crust after oxygen and silicon.

While aluminum is indeed abundant, it is rarely found in its true form. Instead, it is usually found in combination with other materials in the form of an ore called bauxite. And despite the overwhelming amount of aluminum that is present on Earth, there are no known life forms that make use of it for their biological function.

 

 

It Used to Be Considered More Precious Than Gold

It Used to Be Considered More Precious Than Gold

During the mid-19th century, aluminum was considered a precious metal. In fact, because there was still no established way to extract pure aluminum from the earth, it was said to be even more precious than gold!

As the story goes, Emperor Napoleon III had aluminum plates and cutlery that were reserved for his most honored guests, leaving his lesser important guests to eat on “lowly” gold dinnerware. In addition, the capstone of the famous Washington Monument is actually made of solid aluminum; it was even the largest amount of aluminum ever cast at the time of its construction.

 

 

It Takes a Long Time to Decompose

One thing about aluminum that many people probably don’t know is that it takes a long time to decompose. Aluminum is a metal, and just like many other metals and metal alloys, it only starts to decompose after a minimum of 80 to 100 years. Usually, though, aluminum cans and other aluminum products will only fully degrade after a few hundred years.

 

 

It Can Be Recycled an Almost Unlimited Number of Times

Aluminum does not have any limitations as to how many times you can recycle it which makes it the perfect material to reuse and recycle. Because aluminum is recycled by melting it down into a liquid form and then cast and molded into new objects, it allows the metal to be melted down again and again without fail.

At the end of every recycling process, the aluminum metal that is produced will be good as new again. Through this highly-efficient recycling process, even if mines and processing plants were to suddenly stop making new aluminum, there will still probably be enough of it to supply the worldwide demand.

 

 

It Was Highly Prevalent During World War II

It Was Highly Prevalent During World War II

This valuable metal was used in the construction of ship infrastructure, aircraft, and millions of mess kits during World War II. There were even “aluminum foil drives” implemented in the United States during this time in order to contribute to the war effort. This included an offer of free movie tickets in exchange for aluminum foil balls.

 

 

Other Interesting Facts About Aluminum

Aside from those already mentioned above, here are some things about aluminum that are fascinating to know about!

  • In his 1865 science-fiction novel, Journey to the Moon, writer Jules Verne describe a space rocket made with aluminum.
  • A single Boeing-747 can contain up to 147,000 pounds of aluminum.
  • Space shuttles were launched in the 1980s with rocket boosters that used aluminum oxide.
  • On its own, aluminum is quite weak so it is combined with other metals to give it more strength. And out of the hundreds of aluminum alloys available, seven are most commonly used in the manufacturing of the metal.

 

 

Key Takeaway

Aluminum has become one of the most widely used and abundant metals today. Thanks to the various advancements in its production process, it has become an important component of numerous items, from soda cans to truck frames and aircraft parts.

So now that you are all caught up with all of these interesting aluminum facts, hopefully  you have gained a better insight about this revolutionary material the next time you drop by your aluminum profile supplier here in the Philippines for your next projects.

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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.