Aluminum metal is a staple in our society. There are significant uses of this highly versatile metal, and even more possible applications. When it comes to recycling, it is one of the top most recycled metals in the country. This is partly because it is so easy to do, but also because it can deliver a pleasing profit. There’s nothing better than easy money!
Simply take your items to a local metal recycling center and have your freight weighed and assessed professionally. There are several innovative technologies that these centers use to ensure they evaluate and categorize metal values. For instance, state of the art platform scales and XRF analyzers are two highly effective machines that work well. A reputable center will retain at least one of these professional devices, so be sure to check before accepting an offer.
Different Grades and Applications
To better understand the value of your aluminum, it is helpful to learn about its various grades. Since it is highly versatile, aluminum can be combined with numerous other metals and alloys to produce different qualities and attributes, depending on the intended application. But overall, there are 9 main grades of aluminum that are helpful to know when delving into the recycling industry. Continue reading to learn some facts about each grade, and who to trust for the highest payouts for recycled metal in your town.
Pure Aluminum – Also known as Alloy 1100, this grade is known for its flexibility and softness. It is often used to produce items that involve complex shaping, bending, and forming. Furthermore, it is sought out for its high ductility, resistance to corrosion, and its brilliant color.
Alloy 2011 – This alloy grade is also known as “free machining alloy (FMA)”, and commonly used for machinery applications. This is because Alloy 2011 retains high mechanical strength. It is good for manufacturing intricate and complex machine parts.
Alloy 2014 – Just like Alloy 2011, Alloy 2014 retains high mechanical strength and machining abilities. Its strength coupled with its resistance to corrosion makes it a popular choice for aerospace structural applications.
Alloy 2024 – Because of its incredible strength and fatigue resistance, this alloy is one of the most commonly used. When a project requires good weight to strength ratio, Alloy 2024 is usually the best match.
Alloy 3003 – Alloy 2024 may be one of the most commonly used grades of aluminum, but Alloy 3003 is the most commonly used grade. It retains a nominal amount of magnesium, which makes it up to 20% stronger than pure grade and 2011.
Alloy 5052 – Just like pure grade aluminum, Alloy 5052 is non-heat treatable. But in comparison, it is stronger and more durable. It also has an adequate resistance to salt water, making it a staple in commercial and industrial marine applications.
Alloy 6061 – Also non-heat treatable, Alloy 6061 is highly versatile; in fact, it is the most versatile out of all the non-heat treatable grades. It is also highly resistant to corrosion and retains terrific mechanical properties. In the annealed state, it is extremely malleable and can be welded using several different techniques.
Alloy 6063 – Known as an architectural alloy since it is retains high tensile properties and excellent finishing characteristics, this corrosion-resistant alloy is popular for interior and exterior architectural applications, such as architectural trim and even anodizing.
Alloy 7075 – Alloy 7075 is one of the highest strength aluminum alloys on the market. It is great for projects that require great weight to strength ratios. And just like Alloy 6061, it is better molded and shaped in an annealed condition, and responds well to heart treatments like spot and flash welding.