Author: Scott Bredemann | Updated: 02/11/2025
Aluminum, also sometimes spelled aluminium, is everywhere in modern manufacturing—and for good reason. It’s strong, lightweight, and naturally resistant to corrosion, making it a go-to material across industries like aerospace, automotive, electronics, and construction. Whether it’s in aircraft frames, precision-machined components, or even the packaging that keeps products fresh, aluminum plays a critical role in keeping industries moving.
But what makes aluminum so useful? And how do different alloys and processing methods impact its performance in industrial applications? In this article, we’ll explore aluminum’s key properties, common uses, and why it continues to be one of the most valuable materials in manufacturing today.
What Is Aluminum?
It is one of the most abundant metals on Earth, making up about 8% of the planet’s crust. But in its natural state, you won’t find it lying around in pure form. Instead, it’s locked up in minerals like bauxite ore, which is refined and processed into the aluminum we use in manufacturing.
What makes aluminum stand out is its unique combination of properties. It’s lightweight—about a third the weight of steel—but still strong enough to handle heavy loads. It doesn’t rust like iron because it forms a natural oxide layer that protects it from corrosion. It’s also one of the best metals for conducting heat and electricity, which is why you’ll find it in everything from electrical wiring to heat sinks in electronics.
Symbol, and Atomic Weight
On the periodic table, it is represented by the symbol Al and has an atomic number of 13. It’s classified as a post-transition metal, meaning it has properties of both metals and metalloids. Aluminum’s atomic weight is 26.98 atomic mass units (amu), making it one of the lighter industrial metals—an important factor in its widespread use in aerospace, automotive, and other weight-sensitive applications.
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 660.3°C (1220.5°F) |
| Boiling Point | 2519°C (4566°F) |
| Electronegativity | 1.61 (Pauling scale) |
| Thermal Conductivity | 237 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | 37.7 × 10⁶ S/m |
| Crystal Structure | Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) |
| Reactivity | Highly reactive but forms a protective oxide layer |
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
| Appearance | Silvery-white, metallic |
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 660.3°C (1220.5°F) |
| Boiling Point | 2519°C (4566°F) |
| Hardness | 2.75 (Mohs scale) |
| Tensile Strength | 40-50 MPa (pure aluminum) |
| Yield Strength | 10-20 MPa (pure aluminum) |
| Elastic Modulus | 69 GPa (10,000 ksi) |
| Thermal Expansion | 23.1 × 10⁻⁶ /°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 237 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | 37.7 × 10⁶ S/m |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 0.90 J/g·K |
| Magnetism | Non-magnetic |
| Corrosion Resistance | High (due to oxide layer) |
Types of Aluminum Alloys in Manufacturing
Different alloys offer varying levels of strength, corrosion resistance, and workability:
- Wrought vs. Cast Aluminum – Wrought aluminum is worked into shapes through rolling, forging, or extrusion, while cast aluminum is melted and poured into molds.
- Aluminum Series Overview:
- 1000 Series – Pure aluminum, highly corrosion-resistant, used in electrical applications.
- 2000 Series – Copper alloyed, stronger but less corrosion-resistant, used in aerospace.
- 3000 Series – Manganese alloyed, good corrosion resistance, used in roofing and beverage cans.
- 5000 Series – Magnesium alloyed, excellent corrosion resistance, common in marine and automotive applications.
- 6000 Series – Magnesium and silicon alloyed, versatile and widely used in construction and automotive.
- 7000 Series – Zinc alloyed, extremely strong, primarily used in aerospace.
- Surface Treatments & Coatings – Anodizing, powder coating, and other treatments enhance aluminum’s durability and aesthetics.
Applications within Manufacturing
- Aerospace & Automotive – Aircraft fuselages, car bodies, engine components, and lightweight structures improve fuel efficiency and performance.
- Construction & Infrastructure – Used in building facades, structural components, window frames, and roofing due to its corrosion resistance and strength.
- Electronics & Electrical – Found in heat sinks, circuit boards, wiring, and enclosures to ensure efficient thermal management.
- Machinery & Industrial Equipment – Used in frames, machine parts, robotic arms, and conveyors for manufacturing due to its machinability.
- Packaging – Aluminum cans, foils, and containers provide lightweight, durable, and recyclable packaging solutions.
Explore MISUMI USA's full range of aluminum extrusions and browse our extensive catalog of standard and custom aluminum parts at us.misumi-ec.com. Need something tailored to your exact specifications? Visit our Rapid Design page to easily configure and customize parts for your project. Have questions? Contact our product experts for assistance in selecting the best aluminum solutions for your application. Get the precision, flexibility, and reliability you need—only at MISUMI USA.