Light Alloys  Manufacturers, Traders, Suppliers

Compared to ferrous materials, such as steel or so-called heavy metals, light metals have a low specific weight.The best known light metal is aluminium. Aluminium was discovered in 1827, but only gained in importance after the invention of the dynamo machine in 1867, since a high energy input is necessary to extract it.This metal does not occur in pure form. However, in compounds, e.g. bauxite, it is the most abundant metal on earth.Magnesium, first extracted in impure form in 1808, is another light metal. Magnesium has a low strength but is also the lightest metal used. For a better idea the following comparison: 1 kg magnesium has about 4.5 times the volume of 1 kg iron.Light and of very high strength is titanium.The three light metals mentioned are usually used as alloys.The purpose of use determines the choice of alloying elements. Important alloying elements for aluminium are copper, silicon, magnesium, manganese and zinc. Magnesium is highly flammable and is therefore only used alloyed with aluminium, manganese or zinc. Titanium is mainly alloyed with aluminum and vanadium.Titanium alloys are used in aircraft and engine construction as well as in engines (connecting rods, valve springs and expansion bolts) due to their excellent properties (light and at the same time highly solid).