Conclusion
Aluminium

Discovered relatively late and long reserved—due to its cost—for goldsmithing and luxury goods, aluminum has become, in just over a century, the leading non-ferrous metal and the second most widely used metal overall, behind steel. This rise is due to a combination of unparalleled properties: low density, natural corrosion resistance thanks to its alumina layer, and the ability—through alloying followed by heat or mechanical treatments—to achieve strengths comparable to those of hardened steels.

The value of this article lies precisely in this adaptability. The interplay of the eight alloy families, supply conditions, and hardening treatments allows for the precise tailoring of the metal’s characteristics to each application, ranging from construction and transportation to aerospace and cryogenics. In addition to this metallurgical flexibility, there is a wide variety...