Key physical properties of aluminium
Aluminium (Al) is a chemical element in the metal group, with an atomic number of 13. It is one of the most common elements on Earth, making up around 8% of the Earth's crust by weight. Its low density (2.7 g/cm³) makes it three times lighter than steel, which is one of the key characteristics that make it so versatile.
Pure aluminium is relatively soft, so most applications use aluminium alloys, which have a much higher mechanical strength.
With the addition of alloying elements such as magnesium, copper, zinc or silicon, alloys can reach tensile strengths of even more than 500 MPa
(e.g. 7000 series alloys, such as EN AW-7075, used in aviation).
Pure aluminium is relatively soft, so most applications use aluminium alloys, which have a much higher mechanical strength.
With the addition of alloying elements such as magnesium, copper, zinc or silicon, alloys can reach tensile strengths of even more than 500 MPa
(e.g. 7000 series alloys, such as EN AW-7075, used in aviation).
We use the following alloys for our columns:
EN AW-6060: This is an aluminium alloy with excellent ductility and the greatest anodising properties. We use it for columns where ease of forming and an aesthetic finish are key.
EN AW-5754: This aluminium alloy has maximum corrosion resistance, especially in aggressive environments, making it ideal for applications exposed to harsh weather conditions. It is used to create pillar bases.
EN AW-5754: This aluminium alloy has maximum corrosion resistance, especially in aggressive environments, making it ideal for applications exposed to harsh weather conditions. It is used to create pillar bases.
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Pure aluminium is mainly used where lightness, ductility and corrosion resistance are important, but high mechanical properties are not required.
For example, in aluminium foils, packaging, electrical cables or household appliances.
Pure aluminium is mainly used where lightness, ductility and corrosion resistance are important, but high mechanical properties are not required.
For example, in aluminium foils, packaging, electrical cables or household appliances.
Corrosion resistance
Aluminium naturally forms an oxide layer on its surface, which provides protection against corrosion. However, this process is relatively slow - in the open air, an oxide layer of 0.1 micron forms within 1-2 years, meaning that a newly manufactured column is not immediately fully resistant to atmospheric agents such as rain, snow, moisture or road salt.
The anodising process enhances the natural property of aluminium, providing full corrosion protection for the refined columns. This technology, based on an electrochemical process, increases the protection against corrosion by up to 100-200 times, which translates into a significant increase in the service life of the products. For more on the durability of columns, see the dedicated article.
The anodising process enhances the natural property of aluminium, providing full corrosion protection for the refined columns. This technology, based on an electrochemical process, increases the protection against corrosion by up to 100-200 times, which translates into a significant increase in the service life of the products. For more on the durability of columns, see the dedicated article.
Melting point 660.3°C
The relatively low melting point of aluminium (660.3°C) is important in manufacturing processes such as machining, forming and welding of lighting columns.
The low melting point of aluminium, combined with its ductility, also enables more complex and innovative structures to be created more easily, which retain their strength and durability under a variety of operating conditions.
The low melting point of aluminium, combined with its ductility, also enables more complex and innovative structures to be created more easily, which retain their strength and durability under a variety of operating conditions.
Lightweight
Aluminium is almost three times lighter than steel. Its lightness and ductility offer enormous design possibilities. Lighter materials offer greater design freedom, enabling the creation of interesting, modern forms while maintaining strength. In addition, the low weight greatly facilitates transport, assembly and possible modernisation work.
High aesthetics
The anodising process to which our products are subjected not only makes them even more durable and corrosion-resistant, but also allows them to be given a colour which, unlike painting, does not form an additional layer but becomes an integral part of the material. As a result, the surface is less prone to chipping, scratching and other mechanical damage, and the colour looks aesthetically pleasing - without streaks, bumps or imperfections in the coating. Customers can choose from 10 colours from our palette, allowing the product to be tailored to individual needs and architectural vision.
Recyclable
Aluminium, as a material, fits perfectly into the concept of sustainability. Its ability to be recycled almost infinitely without loss of properties makes it an extremely environmentally friendly and economical material. Only a fraction of the energy used in the recycling process is consumed compared to production from virgin raw materials. It is estimated that around 75% of the aluminium produced is still in use, making it one of the most efficient materials from the point of view of a circular economy.
