At Wasatch Steel, we’re proud to be a supplier of numerous vital metals for your next big project. One such metal is aluminum, the third-most abundant element on the planet and one that has a wide variety of uses.

What are some of the most common areas where our aluminum tread brite and other aluminum products might be used? Let’s look at these, right after we break down some basic benefits of using aluminum.

Aluminum Qualities

Aluminum is perhaps the most versatile metal on earth, with numerous uses. It has several qualities that make it so popular, including:

• Light in weight
• Strong
• Durable and ductile
• Resistant to corrosion
• Conductive
• Malleable
• No odor
• Theoretically 100 percent recyclable, with no loss of natural properties

Now, let’s go over some of the most common areas in which you’ll see aluminum used.

Construction Uses

Aluminum is great for buildings, as it’s fully corrosion resistant and also thermally efficient for warmth and cooling concerns. It can be cut and welded into any shape desired, and has a simple, easy finish. Many buildings that would simply be impossible to create using wood or plastic can be made using aluminum. The Empire State Building in New York, built in 1931, was the first building where aluminum was regularly used, and it has only skyrocketed in popularity since.

Transportation Uses

Aluminum also has a fantastic strength-to-weight ratio, and this makes it a staple of the transportation industry. Less force is needed to move a given vehicle when it’s made of aluminum, and it can be infused with other metals to increase strength. The drive to increase fuel efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions has led to major increases in the use of aluminum.

Consumer Goods

Aluminum is also great for appearance, meaning it’s used in plenty of consumer good applications. Things like smartphones, tablets, laptops and other forms of technology are increasingly being made of aluminum, as it’s lightweight and aesthetically pleasing. It also helps with speedy heat dissipation, which is perfect for electronic devices that may overheat.

Electrical Uses

Aluminum has low density, which makes it a great option for long-distance power lines. It’s more ductile than copper, which lets it be easily formed into wires, and its corrosion resistant properties protect wires from various elements. Aluminum is used in power lines, cables, motors, power systems and various appliances for this reason.

For more on aluminum, or to learn about any of our steel supplier services, speak to the pros at Wasatch Steel today.