Aluminium encyclopaedia

Weber’s ‘Aluminium Pocket Encyclopaedia’ contains the most important technical terms used in the aluminium industry and provides interesting information about aluminium, from A for Alloys through to Z for Zeppelin. It is intended to provide an introduction to the metal.

Bauxite / bauxite mining

Different forms of aluminium ore with aluminium hydroxides as the main constituent. Deposits worldwide, especially in the tropical belt. Total reserves are several hundred times the quantity currently being mined annually.

Bayer process

Predominant process worldwide for producing aluminium oxide, the starting material for the extraction of aluminium from bauxite.

Bayer, Karl Joseph

Austrian chemist, patented a process in 1887 and 1892 that is still the basis for the extraction of aluminium from bauxite today.

Bright-finish alloys

Aluminium-based materials with very smooth surfaces, which are therefore very good conductors of light and heat, used for mirrors and the reflectors of lights and searchlights.

Building construction

The construction of residential, office, administrative and industrial buildings is one of the most important areas of application of aluminium - from façades and roofing to conservatories and including windows and supporting structures.