FAQs

I have a technical question regarding the use of aluminium.

Please refer to the Technical Questions tab. Alternatively, the AAC provides a technical support hotline. Please call 1800 642 230 and we will do our best to answer your question.

We are interested in buying or selling bauxite, alumina or aluminium.

Due to the non-commercial nature of our organisation we are unable to help with commercial enquiries. Please allow us to redirect you to our website Member’s links page. We would suggest that you contact the relevant company who may be able to help you further.

I am looking for a supplier.

The Australian Aluminium Council itself is not a supplier of any bauxite, alumina or aluminium products. However, below we have listed various businesses that may be able to provide what you are after:

Extrusions

There are a number of extruders in Australia. The links below are directed to companies sales contact information.

Distributors

There are a number of aluminium product distributors in Australia. The links below are directed to companies sales contact information.

Bauxite

There are five bauxite mines in Australia, the link below is directed to our member company’s sales contact information.

Alumina

There are six alumina refineries in Australia, the links below are directed to our member companies sales contact information.

Member Extruders

Aluminium

There are four aluminium smelters in Australia, the links below are directed to our member companies sales contact information.

What publications can I use to find general information about aluminium, such as: typical physical properties, mechanical properties, tolerances etc.?

The Aluminum Association publication Aluminum Standards and Data 2017 Metric SI is the go-to resource for key information on aluminium properties. This publication is available from the Aluminum Association bookstore.

Can you give me more information on recycling aluminium cans?

We suggest you take a look at the following websites on recycling aluminium cans:

Does recycling of aluminium save energy?

Yes, recycling aluminium only requires 5% of the energy required to produce aluminium from bauxite ore.

How many aluminium smelters are there in Australia?

There are four primary aluminium smelters in Australia, namely Bell Bay (Tasmania), Boyne Island (QLD), Portland (VIC) and Tomago (NSW). Hydro’s Kurri Kurri smelter (NSW) closed in 2012 and Alcoa’s Point Henry smelter (VIC) closed in 2014. More information on Australian Aluminium.

How much aluminium is still in use today?

It is estimated that around 75% of the aluminium produced since 1886 is still in use today. This is due to the fact that aluminium is 100% recyclable – and can be infinitely recycled without any loss of its unique properties.

How much does an average aluminium can weigh today?

Today, aluminium cans are about 30% lighter than they were 25 years ago. Thinner, stronger sections are now being used with less metal, less energy and more savings in weight. An average aluminium can (without its contents, of course) weighed 16.55 grams in 1992. By 2001 the aluminium can weighed about 14.9 grams. Aluminium beverage cans come in different shapes and sizes. The standard volume is 375 ml.

I am looking for recent pricing trends in the aluminium industry.

For such we suggest you contact the London Metal Exchange. For a list of other helpful organisations please see the IAI’s website links page.

I want to know more about the production process of aluminium foil.

We would recommend that you contact the European Aluminium Foil Association for the information you require.

Where does aluminium come from?

Aluminium is derived from the ore bauxite. First bauxite is mined from typically shallow deposits, and then it is refined into alumina (alumina hydroxide – Al2O3) using the Bayer process at an alumina refinery. The alumina, a powdery white substance, is then sent to an aluminium smelter where it subjected to electrolysis (Hall/Héroult process) which separates out the aluminium metal.

Why is aluminium sought after as a material?

Aluminium is a malleable, light weight (about one-third the density of steel), strong and durable material. Aluminium resists corrosion and has a variety of surface finishes depending on the alloy and application of the product. Aluminium is the most used non-ferrous metal.

Please tell me more about aluminium used in consumer products

Today’s consumers expect their products to be safe – and they expect to be provided with full information on the ingredients in them, so they can make wise, informed and healthy choices. The International Aluminium Institute has prepared a set of information sheets on the use of aluminium in some common consumer products. These outline why aluminium is used, and review the scientific evidence that shows us it is safe in these products. The information sheets also address some common misconceptions about aluminium, explaining how recent science has overturned these myths. IAI Aluminium and Health

Does aluminium burn/is it combustible?

Like most metals, aluminium (except in powder form) does not burn and does not support combustion. This is really self-evident when we consider what we do with aluminium products such as welding, melting for castings, cookware. Aluminium will melt at temperatures above 660 degrees Celsius.

What is the fire rating of aluminium?

There is no single answer to the question, what is the fire rating of aluminium as fire ratings relates to a building element such as a door, window etc where all components of that element contribute to the rating in terms of temperature and time.

Why is aluminium composite associated with fire risk?

Aluminium composite panel (ACP) is made up of two thin aluminium sheets bonded to a polymer core. It is the polymer core that makes this product dangerous in a fire. For more information please refer to the Victorian Government Factsheet.

I am looking for a supplier.

The Australian Aluminium Council itself is not a supplier of any bauxite, alumina or aluminium products. However, below we have listed various businesses that may be able to provide what you are after:

Extrusions

There are a number of extruders in Australia. The links below are directed to companies sales contact information.

Distributors

There are a number of aluminium product distributors in Australia. The links below are directed to companies sales contact information.

Bauxite

There are five bauxite mines in Australia, the link below is directed to our member company’s sales contact information.

Member Bauxite Mines

Alumina

There are six alumina refineries in Australia, the links below are directed to our member companies sales contact information.

Aluminium

There are four aluminium smelters in Australia, the links below are directed to our member companies sales contact information.

Can I use aluminium in an elevated temperature application?

Aluminium and its alloys have a relatively low melting point (approximately 600ºC – 660ºC) and they lose strength as the temperature rises. The rate of loss of strength increases markedly at above 150ºC.

I am looking for the specifications/properties of certain aluminium alloys/grades.

The Material Properties Data website is very useful for finding specifications of Aluminium. At the search page you use the Non Ferrous Metals box, click on the arrow and choose the series number you are searching and all the Alloy numbers are listed.

I have been told that I should not use alloy 5083 at elevated temperatures. Why is that?

The 5000 series alloys with a magnesium content greater than 3% are susceptible, when held within the temperature range 66ºC to 230ºC, to the risk of creating a sensitive metallurgical structure that can result in stress corrosion. The length of time at temperature is a critical factor in determining the degree of sensitization.

I need to know what you mean by aluminium being resistant to corrosion does this mean that eventually it will rust and how long does this take, under what conditions?

Aluminium does not rust. Under normal circumstances a thin layer of oxide forms on the surface of aluminium metal on contact with air protecting the metal beneath from further corrosion. In adverse weather conditions or due to other environmental factors the corrosion pattern of aluminium is more complex. Without more information it is not possible to put a time on this process. For more information on aluminium corrosion we would suggest you contact a technical body such as a metallurgical department of a university.

I want to know more about the production process of aluminium foil.

We would recommend that you contact the European Aluminium Foil Association for the information you require.

In the electrolytic pot smelting operation is the power AC or DC and at what voltage?

In electrolytic pot smelting the power is DC at low voltage 4 – 5V and high current 50,000 – 280,000 Amperes (150 KA owe).

The mechanical properties of alloys 6060-T5 and 6082-T5,T6 are not shown in the Australian Standard AS1664 (The Structural Use of Aluminium). What should I do?

The guaranteed minimum mechanical properties of 6060-T5 are the same as for the alloy 6063-T5. Therefore use the 6063-T5 data in AS1664 for alloy 6060-T5. With regard to alloy 6082 it has a chemical composition which overlaps that of alloy 6351 and the guaranteed mechanical properties are essentially the same. Therefore use the 6351 data in AS1664 for alloy 6082.

What alloys does the term ‘marine grade’ refer to?

Originally it referred to the 5000 series alloys particularly 5052 and 5251 used in the small boat market. The 5000 series are essentially sheet and plate alloys and the extrusions used in conjunction with these products for the marine industry are the 6000 series alloys. Whilst not originally given the ‘marine grade’ title the 6000 series have been used in the marine industry for over 50 years.

What Australian Standards cover aluminium products?

The main standards covering aluminium are:

  • AS/NZS 1866 Extruded rod, bar, solid and hollow shape
  • AS/NZS 1867 Drawn tubes
  • AS/NZS 1865 Drawn wire, rod, bar and strip
  • AS/NZS 1734 Flat sheet, coiled sheet and plate
  • AS1874 Ingots and castings
  • AS2848.1 Compositions and designations
  • AS1231 Anodic oxidation coatings
  • AS3715 Thermoset powder coating for architectural applications
  • AS1664 Structural use of aluminium
  • AS1665 Welding of aluminium structures

What do I need to do if I am embedding an aluminium post in concrete?

In many situations it is possible to embed aluminium in concrete without any protection. However, if corrosive components have been added to the concrete or if the assembly is in a particularly corrosive environment then some protection is necessary. This protection can be by way of a suitable paint finish such as zinc molybdate primer, an alkali resistant bituminous paint or suitable plastic wrapping.

What fasteners can I use to join aluminium?

Aluminium blind rivets (commonly called ‘Pop’ rivets), 300 series stainless steel screws and bolts and hot-dipped galvanized steel bolts are commonly used. The actual material and joint design depends on the severity of the environment.

What is food grade aluminium?

There is no Australian Standard covering ‘food grade’ aluminium however alloys 1200, 3003 and 5005 have been widely used in the food industry for decades.

What is galvanic corrosion?

Galvanic or dissimilar metal corrosion is the corrosion that takes place when different metals or alloys are coupled together in the presence of an electrolyte. The position of the dissimilar metals in the galvanic series, the conductivity of the electrolyte and the ratio of the surface areas of the dissimilar metals are factors which affect the severity of the corrosion. Aluminium and copper are a long way apart in the galvanic series and using them together in a marine environment is not good practice.

Does aluminium burn/is it combustible?

Like most metals, aluminium (except in powder form) does not burn and does not support combustion. This is really self-evident when we consider what we do with aluminium products such as welding, melting for castings, cookware. Aluminium will melt at temperatures above 660 degrees Celsius0

What is the fire rating of aluminium?

There is no single answer to the question, what is the fire rating of aluminium as fire ratings relates to a building element such as a door, window etc where all components of that element contribute to the rating in terms of temperature and time.

Why is aluminium composite associated with fire risk?

Aluminium composite panel (ACP) is made up of two thin aluminium sheets bonded to a polymer core. It is the polymer core that makes this product dangerous in a fire. For more information please refer to the Victorian Government Factsheet.

I have a technical question regarding the use of aluminium which isn't answered on this page.

The AAC provides a technical support hotline. Please call 1800 642 230 and we will do our best to answer your question.