5 uses for aluminium sheets

Sheet is the most widely used form of aluminium and its versatility makes it ideal for a range of applications.

Aluminium is light and ductile, meaning it can easily be worked into new shapes. It’s also resistant to corrosion and can be recycled without losing any of its fundamental properties.

We explore some common uses for aluminium sheets.

Packaging

Aluminium sheets are commonly used by the food and beverage industry for packaging. Aluminium is an ideal metal for canned goods as it’s malleable and allows for ease of manufacture. It’s used for both food cans and thinner, more lightweight drinks cans. One of the many advantages of using aluminium for food and drinks packaging is that it doesn’t rust. Use of aluminium in cans began in 1957.

Vehicle bodies

Sheet aluminium is commonly used in vehicle manufacturing for automobile bodies and panelling. Aluminium has become more popular than steel in modern car manufacturing because of its lightweight properties. Every kilogram of aluminium used in a car reduces the overall weight by one kilogram. Because of this, more and more car parts are being made from aluminium, including engine radiators, wheels, bumpers and suspension parts. The first mass produced car with a full aluminium body was the Audi A8 in 1994.

Appliances

Because of its light weight, structural strength and thermal characteristics, aluminium is a popular choice for a range of home appliances, including washing machines, dryers and refrigerators. Devices such as laptops and phones are also commonly made from aluminium.

Aluminium revolutionised the modern refrigerator, as its thermal conductivity facilitates the cooling process and guarantees highly efficient refrigeration.

Cookware

Because of its durability and lightweight properties, aluminium is a popular choice for a range of cookware. It’s also a great conductor of heat, making it ideal for saucepans and cookware where an even distribution of heat is essential.

Construction

Aluminium sheets have a wide range of applications within the construction and housing industry. Some of the many uses of aluminium include gutters, siding, roofing and cladding. After steel, aluminium is the second most used metal in buildings.

At Clickmetal, we specialise in the online supply of nonferrous metals. To find out more about our range of sheet metal and other aluminium products, get in touch with us today.