Aluminum Alloy Aluminum is a metal with the chemical symbol Al. Aluminum is produced from bauxite ore. Unlike iron, copper, and other metals used throughout human history, aluminum production is highly energy intensive. Pure aluminum was first produced in 1824 and the first industrial process for producing aluminum was presented in 1854. Aluminum has a low density compared to other metals and, as such, was critical to the development of airplanes in the early 1900s and satellites in the 1950s. Aluminum alloys are used in construction to take advantage of their light weight. Aluminum alloy has many benefits when used as a compressed air piping material. Aluminum alloy is rigid and does not sag like plastic piping. Aluminum is easier to install than other metal pipes, since other metals require connections that are threaded and welded or soldered, whereas aluminum alloys can be connected using compression fittings. Compressed air plays a crucial role in the process of producing aluminum. Right from the mines to the operating pneumatic components of mining equipment and even the casting process for operating specialized equipment and actuators, all require compressed air. Different types of ELGi air compressors have been increasingly used in this industry, from small private smelters to government-owned integrated aluminum companies.