Aluminium is an extremely versatile metal with a wealth of applications in a variety of domains, made possible thanks to a range of specialist and technical foundry products that enable them. It is one of the most broadly used metals, second only to iron. This is largely due to its low melting point, malleability at room temperature, and its low density. Aluminium is corrosion resistant and is a good conductor of both electricity and heat.
This blog post will explore some of the main applications and some of the foundry products which are used in aluminium casting and processing.
Building and Construction
Aluminium is used in building and construction frequently, in order to produce roofs, bridges and a variety of other structures. Even though it is difficult to weld, landings, cladding and stairways are also often made using aluminium as it is extremely malleable and can be easily shaped. High rise buildings would not be possible without aluminium due to its high strength to weight ratio.
Power Lines
Power lines often span hundreds of meters between towers, so overhead cables must be cost-effective. Copper wires are frequently used, however, aluminium overhead cables are half the weight of their copper counterparts and six times cheaper whilst still offering the same electrical resistance properties.
Window Frames
Due to its corrosion resistance, aluminium is well-suited to applications in which it comes into contact with the elements such as in window and door frames. Because aluminium is malleable, it is easy to produce into window frames with complex and aesthetically pleasing profiles.
Electronics
Aluminium is frequently used by the electronics industry in the production of capacitor foil, conductor tracks on silicon chips and hard disc drives.
Transport
Aluminium and its alloys are widely used in a range of transport applications as their low density dramatically to reduces vehicle weight and fuel consumption.
Consumer Goods
As aluminium is easy to handle and efficient, it is often used to produce consumer goods such as TVs, smartphones and other household items. It also has good heat conductivity, so it is broadly employed in heatsinks.
Packaging
Aluminium is frequently used in packaging, especially in the food and drink industry thanks to its low weight, corrosion resistance, and simple forming methods, but most importantly the ease by which it can be recycled. Aluminium is the planet’s most recycled material and is widely recognised as one of the most important materials in combating single-use plastic packaging.
Foundry Products for Use With Aluminium
Silicon nitride and sialon advanced ceramic thermocouple protection tubes are used for the temperature sensing of molten aluminium prior to casting. These replaceable specialist foundry products are an advanced ceramic sheath that provides protection to expensive precision temperature measuring equipment.
Silicon nitride and sialon ceramic radiant or immersion heater tubes are foundry products which work alongside riser tubes and stalks in the aluminium and non–ferrous metal casting industries. Fine silicon nitride and sialon foundry products offer unparalleled service life, enhanced process consistency, improved operational efficiency, and are extremely well-priced in relation to other materials.
Silicon nitride and sialon advanced ceramic ladles and crucibles are foundry products which are usually employed for carrying and pouring molten aluminium. Syalon 101 ladles are foundry products which provide enhanced process reliability, longevity and are cost effective.
At International Syalons, we supply a range of foundry products for use in aluminium handling and casting. We are committed to providing industry-leading fine ceramic solutions to all industrial materials requirements, offering wear, corrosion and thermal resistance. To find out more about our foundry products, contact us today for more information.
