Materials Development Technology GUOYAO develops new alloys that enhance and extend functions and properties to meet the multifaceted demands for aluminum materials, such as strength, corrosion resistance, reliability and fabrication. 1.1.1Aluminum Alloys Aluminum for industrial use having a purity of 99.0% or higher is considered pure aluminum and aluminum to which various elements have been added are known as aluminum alloys. Here we present the special characteristics and applications of the rolled metal-use alloys used in products such as sheet, rod, and forged products.

Light, Strong and Beautiful The specific gravity of aluminum is 2.7, approximately one-third of the specific gravity of iron (7.8) or that of copper (8.9). The light weight of aluminum products offers various benefits. Because of its high specific tensile strength (strength per unit), aluminum is used in structural materials. Aluminum materials can be painted, anodized, or even coated with functional resin film. Such treatment makes it possible to manufacture highly functional products that are attractive.

Aluminum for industrial use having a purity of 99.0% or higher is considered pure aluminum and aluminum to which various elements have been added are known as aluminum alloys. Here we present the special characteristics and applications of the rolled metal-use alloys used in products such as sheet, rod, and forged products. Markings in the 1000 series indicate pure aluminum for industrial use. For instance, 1050 shows that the purity is 99.5%; 1100, and 1200 indicate that the purity is 99.0%. Trace amounts of Fe and Si are added to this aluminum depending upon their desired characteristics. Aluminum in the 1000 series offers excellent processability, corrosion resistance, weldability, electric conductivity and thermal conductivity. It is therefore used for containers, radiation materials and other products.

Forming (pressing, bending, drawing, etc.) Aluminum can be bent easily for use in various applications. One forming method employs a press/die and a punch. Plates and extruded structural angles are formed through various bending methods -- pure bending, guide-bending, or wind-bending. In these methods, the material to be drawn is placed on a die and then drawn into its hole with a punch.

Using sophisticated large-scale production facilities, we offer manufacturing unparalleled by competitors. GUOYAO is the world's leading comprehensive aluminum manufacturer. The source of our competitiveness is the manufacturing capability we derive from our diverse lineup of advanced production facilities.　We use our industry-leading large-scale production facilities to make large-sized products unavailable elsewhere, covering everything from hot- and cold-rolling to extrusion, casting and forging. Our mass production capacity offers an unparalleled level of efficiency.

Plate is produced by flat rolling—a processing method in pair of parallel rollers is rotated to turn an aluminum ingot, called a slab, into a thinner product, a plate. Products and applications that utilize flat rolled aluminum are ubiquitous, including packages, caps, cans, household utensils, roofs, building interiors and exteriors, outer packages, freezing, refrigeration, home electric appliances, aircrafts, subways, and bullet train cars. We have purchased state-of-the-art computerized production equipment for automatic flatness control (AFC), automatic board thickness control (AGC), and other advanced features. Such equipment enables us to respond to increasingly diverse and sophisticated customer needs. By significantly expanding our production range and employing advanced produciton technology, we are striving to improve the quality and precision of aluminum products and ensure their stable supply.

Extrusion is used to manufacture products that have different cross sections. Aluminum ingots, called billets, are extruded at high pressure and temperatures of 350°C to 550°C through dies of different shapes to manufacture products. 7.1 Manufacturing Process for Aluminum Extruded Material Extruded aluminum products are used in various applications ranging from radiator heat exchangers for air conditioners, automobile air conditioners and other daily-use products to leisure goods and aircraft materials. Therefore, products are actively being developed. We have developed free-machined alloys, which substantially improve machining efficiency. These developments have led to the rationalization of parts used in audiovisual products and cameras, among others. Our development of welding structures has helped to reduce the weight of rolling stock. With our recent deployment of state-of-the-art equipment, we are manufacturing aircraft and other high-quality products. Through such technological innovations, we are earning the strong confidence of our customers.

Surface Treatment Aluminum naturally has an attractive surface and superior corrosion resistance. Various surface treatments can enhance these characteristics or provide additional characteristics. Typical aluminum surface treatment methods include anodic oxide coating, coloration, coating, mechanical surface treatment, chemical film coating, bright anodic oxide coating (gloss treatment), enamel coating, and plating.