Aluminium window frames are becoming increasingly more popular, particularly when it comes to bi-folding doors. But what is aluminium? 

What Is It? 

Aluminium comes from a mineral found in the Earth’s crust. In the 1800s, a French geologist found bauxite. Later that century, electrolysis was invented as a cheap production method of alumen, as it was known back then.  

In 1900, over 6000 tonnes were produced worldwide. Furthermore, that figure has risen over the past 100 years to over 35 million tonnes. 

Nowadays, creating drinks cans, chairs, trains and cars, bins, ski-poles – and of course, window frames – involve using this metal. 

Will We Ever Run Out Of Aluminium?

Despite aluminium’s usage being worldwide, there is no shortage. Bauxite makes up 8% of the Earth’s crust, making it the third most abundant element of the crust – with only oxygen and silicon topping it. 

It’s simple to mine too. We just dig it out from the surface of the Earth. Bauxite is a red dirt and clay mixture found in the likes of Australia and Brazil. It then gets refined to reveal a white powder that resembles thick chalk. 

Moreover, if we continue to use the metal at the same rate, we will have enough bauxite to make aluminium for 1200 more years. 

What’s So Good About It? 

The main selling point of aluminium is that it’s fully recyclable. It can be re-melted and reused, making it eco-friendly and cheaper than most other metals. Recycling is one way we can save the planet and control climate change. 

With it being recyclable, the supply we have left will not be exhausted in the next 1200 years because we can keep reusing what we have. 

Furthermore, it is lightweight and durable, as well as being a strong material. Aluminium is a good heat conductor too.