(I) Physical Properties
Lightweight
Aluminum has a relatively low density of approximately 2.7 g/cm³, which is only about one-third of the density of steel (7.8 g/cm³). This makes aluminum sheets lighter in weight for the same volume. For example, in the aerospace field, using aluminum sheets to make aircraft components can effectively reduce the weight of the aircraft, lower fuel consumption, and improve flight efficiency.
Good thermal conductivity
Aluminum sheets have a relatively high thermal conductivity coefficient of approximately 237 W/(m·K), enabling rapid heat transfer. Therefore, aluminum sheets are often used in the manufacture of heat dissipation devices such as heat sinks. For instance, in computer CPU heat sinks, aluminum sheets can quickly dissipate the heat generated by the CPU to ensure the normal operation of the computer.
Electrical conductivity
Aluminum is a good conductor of electricity. Although its electrical conductivity is not as high as that of copper, it still has certain advantages. In some occasions where the electrical conductivity requirements are not extremely high, aluminum sheets can be used as conductive materials. For example, in some low-voltage power transmission lines, aluminum sheets can be used to make the outer covering layer of wires, playing a role in protection and providing a certain degree of auxiliary conduction.
(II) Chemical Properties
Corrosion resistance
The surface of aluminum sheets will naturally form a dense layer of aluminum oxide film in the air. This film can prevent oxygen and other corrosive substances from further reacting with the aluminum inside the aluminum sheet. Under normal circumstances, aluminum sheets have good corrosion resistance. For example, in building exterior wall decoration, aluminum sheets can resist the erosion of rain, air pollutants, etc., and maintain a good appearance for a long time. However, in strong acidic or alkaline environments, the corrosion resistance of aluminum sheets will be affected.
Chemical stability
Aluminum sheets show good stability in most chemical substances. In addition to being able to resist the erosion of some common chemical substances, it can also coexist stably with other substances under certain temperature and pressure conditions. This makes aluminum sheets have certain applications in the manufacture of some components of chemical equipment. For example, they can be used in the outer protective structure of reaction vessels with high requirements for chemical stability.
(III) Mechanical Properties
Processability
Aluminum sheets have good plasticity. They can be processed into products of various shapes and sizes through multiple processing methods such as rolling, extrusion, forging, and stretching. For example, through rolling, aluminum sheets can be made into plates of different thicknesses and used in automobile manufacturing and electronic product casings. Through extrusion, various aluminum profiles can be made and used in building structures such as door and window frames.
Strength characteristics
The strength of pure aluminum sheets is relatively low, but its strength can be significantly improved by alloying and other methods. For example, after adding alloy elements such as magnesium and silicon, the tensile strength and yield strength of aluminum alloy sheets can be greatly enhanced. In fields such as aerospace and automobile manufacturing, these high-strength aluminum alloy sheets can withstand large loads and ensure the safety and reliability of structures.

II. Applications of Aluminum Sheets
(I) Construction Industry
Exterior wall decoration
Aluminum sheets used in building exterior wall decoration have many advantages. Their surface can be treated in various forms such as anodizing and spraying, presenting rich colors and textures to meet the needs of different architectural styles. For example, on the exterior walls of some modern commercial buildings, the use of aluminum sheets for decoration can create a simple and atmospheric appearance effect. At the same time, the lightweight characteristic of aluminum sheets makes installation convenient and reduces the burden on the main structure of the building.
Roofing materials
Aluminum sheets used as roofing materials have good waterproof and corrosion resistance. They can effectively resist the erosion of rain, snow, etc., and are not prone to rust during long-term use. They are widely used in roofing systems of some large industrial plants and stadiums. For example, the roofs of some factories in coastal areas use aluminum sheets, which can resist the corrosion of salt in sea breeze and sea fog on the roof.
Door and window frames
Door and window frames made of aluminum alloy sheets have light weight, high strength, and good corrosion resistance. Compared with traditional wooden or plastic steel doors and windows, aluminum alloy doors and windows have better stability and durability. Moreover, aluminum alloy doors and windows can be surface-treated through different processes to make their appearance match the overall style of the building.
(II) Transportation Industry
Automobile manufacturing
Aluminum sheets are widely used in aspects such as automobile bodies, engine parts, and interior trim. Using aluminum sheets for car bodies can reduce the weight of the car and thereby lower fuel consumption. At the same time, the strength and plasticity of aluminum alloy sheets can meet the complex styling requirements of car bodies. For example, some high-end car engine hoods, doors and other components are made of aluminum alloy sheets, which not only ensure the strength of the car body but also reduce weight.
Aerospace field
Aluminum sheets are important structural materials for aerospace vehicles such as airplanes and rockets. Its lightweight and high-strength characteristics are fully demonstrated in the aerospace field. For example, parts such as airplane wings and fuselage skins use a large amount of aluminum sheets, which can make the aircraft reduce weight as much as possible while meeting structural strength requirements and improve flight performance and fuel efficiency.
Rail transit
Aluminum sheets are also used in the body and interior of rail transit vehicles such as high-speed rails and subways. Using aluminum sheets for the body can reduce the weight of the vehicle and reduce energy consumption. At the same time, its good corrosion resistance can adapt to different operating environments. For example, the body shell of subway carriages partially uses aluminum sheets, which can resist the corrosion of moisture and chemical substances in the underground environment.
(III) Electronic Industry
Electronic product casings
Due to their good plasticity and aesthetics, aluminum sheets are widely used in making electronic product casings such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. They can be processed into various complex shapes through stamping, die-casting and other processing methods, and can be surface-treated to give the product a good appearance and texture. For example, the casings of some high-end smartphones are made of aluminum alloy sheets, which not only have a beautiful appearance but also have a certain anti-drop performance.
Electronic heat sinks
Because aluminum sheets have good thermal conductivity, they are widely used in the heat dissipation systems of electronic devices. For example, in the heat sinks of computer motherboards and the heat sinks of LED lamps, aluminum sheets can effectively dissipate heat and ensure the normal operation of electronic devices.