“U.S. production of primary aluminum declined 47% in 2016 to the lowest level since 1951. During the year, three primary smelters were shut down. High power prices, low aluminum prices, and technical issues were cited for shutdowns,” according to the USGS Mineral Resources Mineral Commodity Summary 2017.
Data from the same report show that apparent U.S. consumption of aluminum decreased 7% in 2016 and imports grew from 11% in 2012 to 52% in 2016 with Canada being the largest U.S. supplier. From 2012 – 2016, U.S. aluminum imports and consumption increased while exports and production trended down.
The Aluminum Association publication, Aluminum Standards and Data US Customary – 2017 is the most comprehensive guide for producers and users of aluminum. It makes aluminum standards more accessible and understandable for people in the aluminum industry and those sourcing or specifying. Changes to the 2017 version, which supersedes the previous 2013 edition include:
- Updated illustrations that are clearer, more precise and easier to understand
- Clarified usage of non-bilateral tolerances
- Additions to the color code list for aluminum mill products
- Latest popular alloy additions
- New and modified definitions
- Latest ANSI H35.1, H35.2 and H35.4 updates
The Aluminum Association is a trade association for the aluminum production, fabrication and recycling industries, and their suppliers. The Aluminum Association is the secretariat for ANSI Accredited Standards Committee H35. Aluminum Association standards are available through the ANSI webstore for immediate download, and are widely used and referenced. Consult this list of international aluminum associations for more resources, news and information.
Primary Uses of Aluminum in the U.S.
consumption, the remainder was used in packaging, 20%; building, 15%; electrical, 8%; machinery, 7%; consumer
durables, 6%; and other, 3%”, according to the USGS Mineral Resources Mineral Commodity Summary 2017.
Aluminum’s Role in Aviation, Aerospace and Vehicles
Aluminum finds wide application in transportation where its light weight and many other properties are advantageous. The Wright brothers powered Flyer 1, with a 13 HP motor with an aluminum crankcase because of its light weight. The Smithsonian describes the design of the engine as having no spark plugs, no fuel pump and no carburetor. Sputnik was constructed of aluminum, and the Shinkansen bullet train also makes extensive use of aluminum as do many modern rail cars, aircraft, trucks and automobiles. The aluminum-intensive 2018 Lincoln Navigator was named Truck of the Year and the 2018 Honda Accord was named Car of the Year in the North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year (NACTOY) Awards, announced Monday, Jan. 15 at the 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).
