Aluminium

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The Foundation of Lightweight Performance

While Aluminium is a global industrial staple, its true potential is unlocked through advanced alloying. Less Common Metals (LCM) specialises in the Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM) of Aluminium-based master alloys and complex chemical compositions that standard foundries cannot achieve.

By integrating rare earth elements (REEs) and transition metals, we produce Aluminium alloys with enhanced thermal stability, superior strength-to-weight ratios, and refined microstructures. Our UK-based facility in Ellesmere Port provides a secure, high-purity supply chain for the most demanding aerospace, automotive, and additive manufacturing (3D printing) requirements.

Aluminium Capabilities & Technical Grades

We offer bespoke manufacturing for Aluminium alloys, ranging from R&D-scale 5kg melts to 600kg industrial batches. Our capabilities focus on three primary technical grades:

  • Master Alloys: Concentrated alloys used as precursors for further melt dilution.
  • Additive Manufacturing Grades: High-purity cast forms suitable for atomisation into 3D printing powders.
  • Specialty Ingots: Custom-cast shapes with tight tolerances on interstitial impurities (O, N, C).

Available Casting Forms

  • Cast Ingots: Traditional forms for secondary melting or forging.
  • Cast Shapes: Tailored geometries to reduce downstream machining.
  • Strip Cast Flake: Rapidly solidified material (on request for specific Al-RE families) to ensure fine grain distribution.
Alloy System Key Technical Benefits Primary Applications
AlSc (Aluminium Scandium) Dramatically increases recrystallisation temperature; enhances weldability and fatigue resistance. Aerospace frames, high-end sports equipment, 3D printing.
AlCe & AlCe-X Systems Exceptional high-temperature stability (up to 300°C) and improved corrosion resistance. High-stress engine components, heat exchangers.
AlZr / AlZrMn Prevents grain growth during high-temperature processing; maintains electrical conductivity. Power transmission lines, automotive powertrain.
Al-Ni-Co / Al-Ni-La High-strength systems with superior oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures. Industrial turbines, structural aerospace components.
Al-Cu-Nd / Al-Cu-Li Combines the strength of copper-series aluminium with the microstructural refinement of rare earths. Advanced structural aerospace, cryogenic tanks.
AlY (Aluminium Yttrium) Enhances overall toughness and oxidation resistance in harsh environments. Marine engineering, chemical processing.

Comprehensive Chemical Capability

We regularly produce the following complex compositions to strict customer specifications:

  • Binary & Ternary Systems: AlCe, AlCuTi, AlNiLa, AlSc, AlY.
  • High-Complexity Alloys:
    • AlCuGaBCoFeCe: A multi-element system designed for extreme thermal stability.
    • AlNiGdScZr: Engineered for maximum mechanical properties and high-temperature ductility.
    • AlMgErMnZr: Combining magnesium for strength with Erbium/Zirconium for grain refinement.
    • AlTiMnVCr: A high-wear resistance alloy for industrial tooling and mechanical components.

 

At LCM, we understand that for aerospace and automotive OEMs, consistency is non-negotiable. Our Aluminium cast products undergo rigorous testing to ensure:

  • Homogeneity: Uniform elemental distribution across the entire melt.
  • Impurity Control: Minimal levels of iron, silicon, and dissolved gases.
  • Documentation: Full chemical analysis and traceability provided for every batch.
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general@lesscommonmetals.com

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