The great majority (about 90%) of aluminium oxide is converted to metallic aluminium. Being a very hard material (Mohs hardness 9), alumina is widely used as an abrasive; being extraordinarily chemically inert, it is useful in highly reactive environments such as high pressure sodium lamps. Aluminium oxide is commonly used as a catalyst for industrial processes; e.g. the Claus process to convert hydrogen sulfide to sulfur in refineries and to alkylate amines. Many industrial catalysts are supported by alumina, meaning that the expensive catalyst material is dispersed over a surface of the inert alumina. Another principal use is as a drying agent or absorbent.

Aluminum comes in three basic types: 1100, 3003, and 6061. The grade of the aluminum will determine the end-use application and price point

The 3mm aluminium sheet we stock is 1050A grade. This is a popular grade of aluminium for general sheet metal work where moderate strength is required. This 1050 alloy is known for its excellent corrosion resistance, high ductility and highly reflective finish blue/silver apperance.