Aluminium and its alloys are characterized by their low density and excellent corrosion resistance. These characteristics are exploited in applications where lightweighting is important (e.g. transport industry). One of the first applications in the automotive sector was the aluminium engine built by Karl Benz for a sport car in 1901. Even before that, in the late 19th century, Count Ferdinand Zeppelin used aluminium to build his famous airships.

The mechanical properties of pure aluminium are insufficient for the requirements of most structural applications. It was only in the 1930s when aluminium emerged as a structural material for a wide range of applications. This was possible thanks to advances in alloy design and heat treatment.

Aluminium alloys are classified based on their processing route. Wrought alloys show high strength and find applications in construction and aeronautics. For instance, the 2xxx (Al-Cu) and 7xxx (Al-Zn) series are commonly used for structural components in passenger aircrafts. Cast alloys from the 3xx.x series (Al-Si, Cu/Mg) show excellent fluidity and good corrosion resistance under atmospheric conditions. Cast alloys are mostly based on the Al-Si system, but other systems are also used. For instance, the 2xx.x (Al-Cu) series is used for high-strenght components. 

In addition to the transport sector, aluminium alloys are also important in the construction sector (windows, doors, facades, etc.), electronics and packaging.

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