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The processing

How aluminum is combined with other metals to give it its desired properties.

abstract close up image of aluminium

When we have refined the alumina into aluminum, we get a liquid metal that is cast into extrusion ingots, sheet ingots or foundry alloys, all depending on the product. The aluminum is mixed with other materials to give it its desired property, typically copper, magnesium, manganese, silicon, tin or zinc. Depending on the use, we make the aluminum easily malleable or strong and energy absorbing. The metal is then shipped to production facilities, where it’s pressed into sheets or extruded into all shapes and sizes – materializing the ideas of the engineers and designers. 

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Aluminum vocabulary

The world of aluminum is full of technical expressions. But don’t worry, we’ve translated them for you:

Anodizing is an electrochemical process that converts the surface of aluminum into a long-lasting, high-performance alumina oxide finish. Because it is integrated into the metal rather than just applied to the surface, it cannot peel or chip. This protective finish is very hard and durable and enhances the product’s resistance to corrosion, so it can withstand extreme wear and tear. In fact, the anodized finish is the second-hardest substance known to man, exceeded only by the diamond. The metal is also porous, so it can be colored and sealed, or undergo additional processing, if desired.

Aluminium pieces with different finishes

A billet is an aluminum log that is used when extruding the aluminum into parts and products. 

Aluminium billets

Casthouse products are all the products we make in the casthouse, like extrusion ingots, sheet ingots, foundry alloys and high-purity aluminum.

Man woking with liquid aluminium in a casthouse


Close up of aluminium surface

The extrusion process starts by heating a billet of aluminum alloy and then forcing it under high pressure through a special steel die using a hydraulic press or ram. Sort of like squeezing toothpaste out of a tube. The result is a piece of aluminum – an extrusion or profile – that will maintain the specific shape of the die and hence has almost unlimited possibilities for design.

Extruded aluminium pieces

After the profile has been extruded, it can be fabricated into different shapes and fitted with various features, like holes for screws and much more.

Aluminium machinery

There are a variety of techniques to join aluminum, such as fusion welding, friction stir welding, bonding and taping. Features that facilitate easy joining are often incorporated into the design of the extrusions.

Hands holding aluminium pieces

Milling, drilling, cutting, punching and bending are all common methods for shaping aluminum. The energy input during machining is low, meaning a more sustainable final product.

Milling in aluminium

Aluminum is 100% recyclable and does not lose any of its original properties in the process. Using recycled aluminum only consumes 5% of the energy that is used to make primary aluminum. Hydro’s goal is to enable a more circular economy through our remelt facilities. Here we sort and recycle used and scrap aluminum, so the metal can be used again and again.

Crushed scrap aluminium in blocks


The flexible metal

What makes aluminum so versatile is that it can be tailored to fit your exact needs. While pure aluminum is relatively soft, we can add other elements to the mix to change its properties – a process called alloying. 
