Aluminum Alloys

An aluminum alloy is a chemical composition where other elements are added to pure aluminum in order to enhance its properties, primarily to increase its strength. These other elements include iron, silicon, copper, magnesium, manganese, and zinc at levels that combined may make up as much as 15 percent of the alloy by weight. Alloying requires the thorough mixing of aluminum with these other elements while the aluminum is in molten – liquid – form.