Melting Point of Aluminium: Temperature Properties & Applications
Aluminum is a typical metal which is valued for its strength and malleability. The melting point of aluminum is considered an important physical property of aluminum. Knowing the melting point of aluminum can allow for detecting impurities in the metal or unknown materials. Let's take a look at what temperature aluminum begins to melt and some factors that impact the melting process.
Understanding the Melting Point of Aluminium
Aluminum has a lower melting point in relation to metals such as copper, iron, and brass. The melting point of aluminum in its pure form is about 660 degrees Celsius, or 1220 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the common industry reference point for aluminum melting temperatures.
Why is it important to know the aluminium melting point?
The aluminium melting point is an important physical property because it can be used to detect potential or known impurities in the metal or unknown materials. When recycling aluminum, a melting temperature range of broad degrees indicates impurities; while a narrow range indicates high purity. The melting range/purity relationship is an important aspect to consider for quality purposes in aluminum processing, in order to achieve the desired melting point temperature of aluminum in applications.
Factors Affecting the Melting Point of Aluminium
The melting point of aluminium is not exactly the same, and it can be impacted by several major factors:
- The primary factor is the alloy composition. Pure aluminium will melt at about 660°C but then introducing another metal or metals such as copper, magnesium, or silicon can change the melting temperatures. Depending on the elements in the alloy, some will melt in lower temperature ranges and some in higher temperature ranges.
- The second factor is impurities. If the aluminium includes odd pieces of other materials, the arrangements of the atoms will change, causing changes to the melting temperature either with a lower point or melting range. This is why recycled aluminium many times is melted at different temperature ranges than pure aluminium that has never been melted.
- Then the processing conditions are a huge factor as well. Any application of pressure, or reduction in pressure can shift the melting point up or down. For example, with greater pressure, there is more heat required due to the greater force being applied. The rate in which the material is heated will also change the melting temperature. Generally, slow heating will provide a more finite range when it is melted and quick heating will increase the melting range, thereby looking like the melting temperature goes up.
- Finally, the crystalline structure of the aluminum is important. The atoms in aluminum are in crystals, and depending on if these are large crystals or small crystals, the melting behavior will be different. The smaller grain sizes will often result in a lower melting point due to the increased number of grain boundaries acting like weak points and melting first.
Understanding the Aluminium Boiling Point
Aluminum is considered to have a boiling point of roughly 2467 degrees Celsius, which is significantly higher than its melting point. It is crucial to know the aluminium boiling point because it identifies the temperature that aluminum transitions state from liquid to gas and is especially relevant to high-temperature industrial processes and material recovery techniques. Both the aluminium melting point and the boiling point are important to be aware of, especially because aluminum is known for having a degree of recyclability. The temperature of the aluminium melting point is crucial to the recycling process because it allows the metal to be melted, reformed, and reused with minimal wastage.
Aluminum oxides have much higher melting points than aluminum metal, contrary to the assumption of most people who would assume otherwise, as aluminum oxide has a melting point temperature close to 2072°C (3762°F). This is also the reason why aluminum is extracted using electrolysis to purify it, before melting it into any shape. Thus, the melting point of aluminum is fully dependent on the form it takes.
Examples of common aluminium alloys and their melting ranges
| Aluminum Alloy | Melting Point Range (°C) |
|---|---|
| 6061 Aluminum | 582°C to 651°C |
| Cast Aluminum | 570°C to 660°C |
| Aluminum Foil | 660°C (1220°F) |
| 3003 Aluminum | 644°C to 654°C |
| 4043 Aluminum | 574°C to 632°C |
| 6063 Aluminum | 600°C to 655°C |
| 7075 Aluminum | 477°C to 635°C |
| A356 Aluminum | 555°C to 615°C |
| 5052 Aluminum | 607°C to 649°C |
| Aluminum Oxide | 2072°C |
Practical Applications & Implications of Aluminium Melting Point Temperature
Establishing the correct melting temperature for aluminum is primarily dependent upon the specific aluminum form and its usage. For example, if you are welding or soldering, it is critical to ensure you select an alloy with a relatively higher melting point temperature to guarantee the integrity and performance of the joint. Alternatively manufacturing thin aluminum sheets and foils will require using either pure aluminum or oxide with a low melting temperature to achieve the desired formability without excessive energy use.
Selecting the appropriate melting point temperature can have a direct impact on product quality over energy usage and overall manufacturing processes. Melting aluminum at temperatures that are too high or too low can significantly impact the metal properties, mechanical strength and operational expenses. So it is important to recognize the aluminum melting point temperature and the variations based on its alloys to optimize both performance and costs.
Trusted Supplier for Quality Aluminium Products
Amardeep Steel Centre is a trusted manufacturer and supplier of high-quality aluminium products. We supply a variety of aluminium alloys, including pipes, tubes, plates, sheets, rods, and extrusions, all constructed to rigorous industry specifications. We apply state-of-the-art production technology and have stringent policies for quality assurance following delivery to assure consistent, reliable and long-lasting aluminium products for their various arrays of application across different industries.
Contact Amardeep Steel Centre today to discuss your specifications for aluminium and to experience full delivery of premium products in the timelines committed by yours truly.