Aluminium can be alloyed with other materials to make an array of metals with different properties. The main alloying ingredients are iron, silicon, zinc, copper and magnesium. Other materials are also used.

Aluminium can be rolled into plate, sheets, or wafer thin foils the thickness of a human hair. The rolling process changes the characteristics of the metal, making it less brittle and more ductile.

Aluminium can be cast into an infinite variety of shapes. The statue of Eros in London's Piccadilly Circus erected in 1893 is cast aluminium.

Aluminium can be extruded by heating it to around 500ºC and pushing it through a die at great pressure to form intricate shapes and sections.

Aluminium can be forged by hammering to make stress-bearing parts for aircraft and internal combustion engines.

Aluminium can be joined by welding, adhesive bonding, riveting or screwing. It can be formed by bending or superplastic moulding. It can be milled or turned on a lathe.

The properties of the metal can be modified through heat treatment or mechanical working.

The appearance can be modified by surface treatments such as anodising or powder coating.

Aluminium powder, flake and paste are formed by blowing gas under pressure at molten aluminium. This process forms droplets of different sizes. These aluminium products are used in explosives, rocket fuel, metallurgy, chemicals, inks, and decorative materials.

Aluminium Chemicals are important in water treatment, papermaking, fire retardants, fillers and pharmaceuticals.