AEROSPACE ALUMINUM

Apart from anodizing for the different iridescent finishes, the surface of aluminum may be changed by mechanical finishing and embossing, etching, and electroplating. Machining of aluminum is possible with great ease and speed. It can be easily joined by riveting, welding, brazing, or soldering.

The pound-for-pound strength aluminum possesses at least equals, if not exceeds, that of other metals. Greater strength can be gained by cold working. Further strengthening and hardening can be achieved by heat treatments-these combinations being known as tempers. Aluminum and its alloys may lose some strength at elevated-temperatures, but its strength increases at low temperatures.