Non Ferrous

Non Ferrous

In engineering terms, a very special and important metal. May not be so useful in everyday applications because of the price but its combination of low weight and great machinability make it the go-to metal in yachts, planes and many automotive parts.

Aluminium is also the base metal in many alloys. The best-known aluminium grades are probably duralumin, Y-alloy and magnalium.

Aluminium properties include:

• Corrosion resistant
• Good conductor of heat and electricity (but less than copper) – in combination with ductility and malleability replaces copper in some instances
• High ductility and lightweight
• Becomes hard after cold working, so needs annealing