Aluminum
Aluminum is a versatile and essential metal that has revolutionized modern society with its unique properties. From transportation to construction, packaging to consumer goods, aluminum has found its way into nearly every aspect of our lives. The discovery of aluminum is credited to the Danish chemist Hans Christian Oersted, who produced it in 1825. However, it was not until the 1880s that aluminum became commercially viable with the invention of the Hall-Heroult process, a technique for extracting aluminum from its ore. The process revolutionized the industry, making aluminum more accessible and affordable, leading to its widespread use in modern times. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
Metalmen Sales Inc.
Long Island City, NY | 800-767-9494Metalmen has the largest inventory of Al 1100 plate and bar in North America. We can serve our customers with other Al alloys in foils , sheet, rod, channel, angle, tube and pipe.

Metal Associates
Pompton Plains, NJ | 800-838-1978Our company may have started small, but we quickly grew to handle the largest aluminum orders. Our metals are made from the highest quality materials, and we pledge to offer superior service to all our customers.

Bemex International
San Antonio, TX | 713-589-4826For all your special metal requirements in sheet, plate, structural, pipe, tubing & fittings, try Bemex International. Our strong supplier relationships mean we can offer the best prices on aluminum, carbon & stainless steel, alloys, copper, brass & galvanized material, specializing in all hard to find grades, thicknesses & sizes. We readily supply service centers, other distributors & end users.

Basic Metals, Inc.
Germantown, WI | 800-989-1996Basic Metals, Inc. is an independent metal supplier with a special interest in cut-to-length aluminum sheet, slit aluminum coil, and aluminum circles. When you need aluminum circles, aluminum coil, aluminum sheet or even aluminum extrusions, we are the company to contact. High-quality mill sources provide us the materials we then supply to you. Basic Metals will cut aluminum of .016"-.190" gauge, ...

Aluminum Supply Company, Inc.
Detroit, MI | 800-899-2726Here at Aluminum Supply Company, we recognize that every business has different needs, especially when it comes to storing and shipping your products. Our metal products are designed to meet the needs of businesses in many different industries. we have the capabilities to fabricate metals in different styles and specifications. Please give us a call or visit our website today to learn more!

Aluminum Manufacturers List
Processes for Creating Aluminum
Aluminum is plentiful in the earth’s crust, but it is not found in its pure form. Instead, it is extracted from bauxite, a reddish-brown rock containing aluminum oxide. The Hall-Heroult process is the primary method for producing aluminum. It involves two main steps: refining bauxite into alumina and then processing alumina through an electrolytic cell to extract pure aluminum.
The refining process involves crushing bauxite ore into small pieces and then heating it in a kiln to produce alumina, a white powder. The alumina is then dissolved in molten cryolite, a mineral used as a solvent, and fed into an electrolytic cell. In the cell, an electric current is passed through the molten mixture, causing the aluminum ions to separate from the oxygen and collect at the cathode. The oxygen then combines with the carbon anode to form carbon dioxide, which is released as a gas. The collected aluminum is then cooled and shaped into desired products.
Another process used to create aluminum is the Bayer process. The process involves crushing bauxite into a fine powder and then mixing it with hot caustic soda, a strong alkali solution. The mixture is then filtered and washed to remove impurities, leaving behind pure alumina.

Secondary aluminum production involves recycling scrap aluminum, which is melted down and reused to create new products. This process is known as remelting or recycling. It involves melting scrap aluminum in a furnace and then adding other metals to create alloys, which are then cast into new products. Secondary aluminum production requires less energy and produces fewer emissions than primary production, making it a more sustainable alternative.
Disadvantages of Aluminum
The production of aluminum has a significant environmental impact, including air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and the destruction of natural habitats. Additionally, aluminum exposure has been linked to health risks, including respiratory problems and neurological disorders. Furthermore, recycling and waste management of aluminum can be challenging, and improper disposal can lead to environmental hazards.
Benefits of Aluminum
There are many benefits of aluminum that make it an essential material in modern society. Here are some additional details on the benefits of aluminum:
Lightweight
Aluminum is a lightweight metal, about one-third the weight of steel, making it an ideal material for transportation applications. Its lightweight nature reduces fuel consumption and emissions, making it an environmentally-friendly option.
Corrosion-Resistant
Aluminum is very corrosion resistant, making it an excellent material for outdoor applications such as building facades and roofing. It is also used in marine environments and in the manufacture of food and beverage containers, where corrosion resistance is essential.
Durable
Aluminum is a highly durable material that can withstand extreme temperatures, making it ideal for use in high-temperature applications such as the aerospace industry. It is also a long-lasting material, with a lifespan of up to 100 years.
Conductive
Aluminum conducts heat and electricity extremely well, making it ideal for use in electrical and electronic equipment. It can dissipate heat quickly, which makes it ideal for use in heat sinks and other cooling systems.
Versatile
Aluminum is a versatile material that can be easily processed and formed into a variety of shapes and sizes. It can be cast, forged, extruded, and machined, making it an ideal material for a wide range of applications.

Recyclable
Aluminum is a highly recyclable material, with over 75% of all aluminum ever produced still in use today. Recycling aluminum requires only 5% of the energy needed to produce new aluminum.
Applications of Aluminum
Aluminum’s unique properties have made it a valuable material in many industries. Let’s examine some of these specific applications.
Transportation
Aluminum is commonly used in the transportation industry to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency. It is used in the construction of cars, trucks, and airplanes, as well as in bike frames, wheels, and other components.
Packaging
Aluminum is widely used in packaging due to its lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and recyclable properties. It is used in the production of beverage cans, food containers, and foil, among other applications.
Construction
Aluminum is used in construction due to its strength, durability, and corrosion-resistant properties. It is used in the production of doors, windows, roofing, and siding, as well as in structural components such as beams and columns.
Electrical and Electronic Equipment
Aluminum is an excellent conductor of electricity and is used in the production of electrical wiring, power transmission lines, and heat sinks for electronic equipment.
Machinery and Equipment
Aluminum is used in the production of a wide range of machinery and equipment, including industrial machinery, agricultural equipment, and household appliances.
Consumer Goods
Aluminum is used in the production of a wide range of consumer goods, including furniture, sporting goods, and musical instruments. It is valued for its lightweight, durability, and aesthetic appeal.

Choosing the Right Aluminum Manufacturer
To ensure you have the most positive outcome when purchasing aluminum from an aluminum manufacturer, it is important to compare several companies using our directory of aluminum manufacturers. Each aluminum manufacturer has a business profile page highlighting their areas of experience and capabilities, along with a contact form to communicate with the manufacturer for more information or request a quote. Review each aluminum business website using our patented website previewer to quickly learn what each company specializes in. Then, use our simple RFQ form to contact multiple aluminum companies with the same form.