To follow is a selection of questions we are frequently asked. If you have a specific question and cannot find the answer here, please use the form below and an industry expert will send you a response shortly.

• We are interested in buying or selling aluminium.

  Due to the international, non-commercial nature of our organisation we are unable to help with commercial enquiries. Please allow us to redirect you to our website links page http://www.world-aluminium.org/About+IAI/Links. We would suggest that you contact your local aluminium association who may be able to help you further.

• I am looking for recent pricing trends in the aluminium industry.

  Unfortunately we do not involve ourselves with the pricing or trading of aluminium. For such we suggest you contact the London Metal Exchange (http://www.lme.co.uk/).For a list of other helpful organizations please see our website links page (http://www.world-aluminium.org/About+IAI/Links).

• Can you give me more information on recycling aluminium cans?

  We suggest you take a look at the following websites on recycling aluminium cans:
  The Packaging Recycling Organization at http://www.alupro.org.uk/
  European Aluminium Foil Association at http://www.alufoil.org/
  Can Makers at http://www.canmakers.co.uk/home.asp Can Central at http://www.cancentral.com/
  

• How much does an average aluminium can weigh today?

  Today, aluminium cans are about 30% lighter than they were 25 years ago. Thinner, stronger sections are now being used with less metal, less energy and more savings in weight. An average aluminium can (without its contents, of course) weighed 16.55 grams in 1992. By 2001 the aluminium can weighed about 14.9 grams. Aluminium beverage cans come in different shapes and sizes. The standard volume is 375 ml.

• Please advise me on how to clean and keep aluminium in a good condition.

  We would suggest you take a look at the following interesting article on the Aluminum Association Website in answer to your question:
  Aluminium Association article

• I need to know what you mean by aluminum being resistant to corrosion does this mean that eventually it will rust and how long does this take, under what conditions.

  Aluminium does not rust. Under normal circumstances a thin layer of oxide forms on the surface of aluminium metal on contact with air protecting the metal beneath from further corrosion. In adverse weather conditions or due to other environmental factors the corrosion pattern of aluminium is more complex. Without more information it is not possible to put a time on this process. For more information on aluminum corrosion we would suggest you contact a technical body such as a metallurgical department of a university.

• I want to know more about the production process of aluminium foil.

  We would recommend that you contact the European Aluminium Foil Association at http://www.alufoil.org/ for the information you require.

• We would like to purchase a map of the World's Bauxite Mines, Alumina Refineries and Primary Aluminium Smelters.

  A paper or laminated plastic version of a map showing the World's Smelters is available through Altech at: http://www.altech.is/

• I would like statistics on production by smelters around the world by company or by country.

  Unfortunately we are unable to provide data for individual countries as data received by the IAI has been aggregated by geographical area to meet the requirement that, in general, company and country data be lost within appropriately aggregated totals.

• Do you have information on Aluminium Consumption?

  Unfortunately the IAI does not collect consumption data. For such information we suggest you contact the World Bureau of Metal Statistics at: http://www.world-bureau.com or maybe one of the alternative statistical sources and/or national associations listed at http://www.world-aluminium.org/About+IAI/Links

• I am looking for the specifications/properties of certain aluminium alloys/grades.

  The Material Properties Data website is very useful for finding specifications of Aluminium. At the search page you use the Non Ferrous Metals box, click on the arrow and choose the series number you are searching and all the Alloy numbers are listed.
  http://www.matweb.com/search/SearchSubcat.asp

• I am looking for international equivalents of certain alloys.

  The following designation chart shows some international equivalents:
  http://aluminium.matter.org.uk/aluselect/16_designations.htm

• In the electrolytic "pot" smelting operation is the power AC or DC and at what voltage?

  In electrolytic pot smelting the power is DC at low voltage 4 - 5V and high current 50,000 - 280,000 Amperes (150 KA owe).

Top of page