1.Light Weight －
Aluminium is a very light metal with a specific weight of 2.7 g/cm3, about a third that of steel. For example, the use of aluminium in vehicles reduces dead-weight and energy consumption while increasing load capacity.
2.Strength to Weight Ratio －
Aluminium has a density around one third that of steel and is used advantageously in applications where high strength and low weight are required. This includes vehicles where low mass results in greater load capacity and reduced fuel consumption.
3.Corrosion Resistance －
Aluminium naturally generates a protective oxide coating and is highly corrosion resistant. Different types of surface treatment such as anodising, painting or lacquering can further improve this property.
4.Machining －
Aluminium is very easy to machine. Ordinary machining equipment can be used such as saws and drills. Aluminium is also suitable for forming in both the hot and the cold condition.
5.Electrical Conductivity －
Aluminium is an excellent electricity conductor and in relation to its weight is almost twice as good a conductor as copper. This has made aluminium the most commonly used material in major power transmission lines.
6.Non magnetic －
Aluminium is not magnetic.
7.Thermal Conductivity －
Aluminium is an excellent heat conductor.
8.Cryogenic Properties －
Unlike most steels, which tend to become brittle at cryogenic temperatures,
aluminum alloys actually get tougher at low temperatures and hence enjoy many cryogenic applications.
9.Reflectivity －
Aluminium is a good reflector of visible light as well as heat, and that together with its low weight, makes it an ideal material for reflectors in, for example, light fittings or rescue blankets.
10.Toxicity －
Aluminium is non-toxic. This makes aluminium suitable for use in packaging for sensitive products such as food or pharmaceuticals where aluminium foil is used.
11.Surface treatment －
This surface treatment oxidizes the top layer of the aluminum, which is then compact and hard and is well-balanced with the basic material. The oxidized layer ensures excellent protection of aluminum against corrosion and wear.
12.Malleability －
Aluminium has a good malleability, a characteristic that is used to the full in extruding. Aluminium can also be cast, drawn and milled.
13.Smelting －
Aluminium can be joined using all the normal methods available such as welding, soldering, adhesive bonding and riveting.
14.Recyclability －
Aluminium is 100% recyclable without any loss of its natural qualities. The re-melting of aluminium requires little energy: only about 5 percent of the energy required to produce the primary metal initially is needed in the recycling process.