Description

Pure or alloyed aluminum ingot (alloyed aluminum is produced by adding elements such as magnesium, manganese, silicon, etc. during casting) is a non-ferrous product containing 98% aluminum, which is produced by casting molten aluminum into special molds, which is the cast product in the form of an ingot, and then the final product is obtained using various methods such as rolling or extrusion. Aluminum ingot is the most widely used metal in terms of quality and value worldwide after iron, which has many applications in various industries. The purity of aluminum is an important factor in its conductivity, as high-purity aluminum shows better electrical conductivity, and the presence of impurities such as iron and silicon can significantly reduce conductivity.

Alloying of pure aluminum ingots is often done to increase their mechanical properties, but the presence of other elements can affect electrical conductivity. For example:

• Adding copper can improve strength but reduce conductivity to some extent.
• Adding magnesium can also increase corrosion resistance but slightly affect conductivity.

The two common methods for casting aluminum ingots are as follows, which play a significant role in their conductivity:

• Continuous casting: achieves a structure with a uniform grain size that improves conductivity.
• Sand casting: may introduce porosity and impurities that can reduce conductivity.

* 1xxx series ingots are usually available in the market starting from 99% purity ingots and up to 99.85% purity. For example:

*1350 aluminum ingot with 99.50% aluminum purity is one of the most widely used in the electrical industry for the production of cables, wires and electrically conductive plates.

*1100 alloy aluminum ingot with 99% aluminum purity is mostly used in the decorative, plating and decorative anodizing industries used in interior decoration or in the manufacture of kitchen utensils.

*Aluminum alloys are divided into two categories, casting and rolled, and the most important of them will be briefly mentioned below:

1- Casting aluminum alloys:

1-1- Alloy A360 The melting point of this alloy is 596-557 degrees Celsius, which is used to make tool boxes, boat engine parts.

2-1- Alloy A413 The melting point of this alloy is 582-574 degrees Celsius, which is used to make pistons for outboard engines.

2- Rolled aluminum alloys:

2-1- Alloy 2024 with a melting point of about 635-500 degrees Celsius is used to increase the strength of the fuselage, fins, gears, engine parts and shafts of aircraft.

2-2- Alloy 5052 with a melting point of about 650-605 degrees Celsius is used in pressure vessels, marine equipment, railings and household appliances.

2-3- Alloy 6061 with a melting point of about 650-580 degrees Celsius is used in the manufacture of construction products, automotive parts, plumbing, furniture, bicycle bodies, railway carriages.

2-4- Alloy 7075 with a melting point of about 635-475 degrees Celsius is used in missile parts, gears and various shafts such as worm gears, wings and aircraft fuselages.

Advantages of aluminum ingot:

• High strength-to-weight ratio
• Low melting point
• Corrosion resistance in humid and corrosive environments
• Recyclability
• High formability
• Ability to weld and connect to other equipment
• Relatively high thermal and electrical conductivity
• Cost-effectiveness

Aluminum ingot applications: 

• Transportation industries for the production of parts for aircraft, automobiles, trucks. (due to aluminum’s high strength-to-weight ratio, its cost-effectiveness, and reduction of environmental pollution (because reducing the weight of the vehicle reduces fuel consumption).
• Production of castings, especially in the automotive industry for the production of engine blocks, cylinder heads, and transmission boxes
• Packaging industries such as cans, foil.
• Construction industries for the production of doors and windows and the production of wall coverings (due to its high resistance to weather changes)
• Used in the manufacture of electrical and kitchen appliances
• Electrical and thermal industries for heat sinks, conductors, and electrical cables
• Simulation industries
• Manufacturing of various products such as aluminum sheet, profiles, and rebar