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.

Cable railways

The cabins of cable and hanging railways are manufactured to a large extent from aluminium because it combines light weight with adequate strength.

Casting

Aluminium castings are made using different processes depending on the requirements. Compared with the casting of metals of higher density, benefits are high dimensional accuracy and large weight savings.

Chronology

A selection of inventions and developments covering the extraction, processing and application of aluminium in chronological order.

Civil engineering

The skeletons of buildings and supporting structures are usually made out of steel or, where corrosion resistance and low weight are important, high-strength aluminium alloys.

Coating

The application of adherent layers of other materials to aluminium or vice versa, using a multitude of processes. The purpose is to improve the surface properties of the base material.

Collection systems

Collection of aluminium by industry and households makes sense because the metal can be recycled in an energy-saving manner.

Composite materials

Metal or plastic layers tightly bonded to aluminium plate, rod and bar, and foil, for example for thermally insulating sandwich panels.

Construction

Thanks to their lightness and good strength, aluminium and its alloys are suitable for use in economical lightweight construction, for example of rail vehicles.

Corrosion resistance

Thanks to a thin oxide layer that is always present, aluminium is protected against corrosive attack by oxygen, water and many chemicals. The protection can be improved in a controlled manner by alloying or surface treatment.