Aluminum Types Explained: Extrusion, Cast, Sheet, & Cans (Your Guide to Higher Payouts!)

Aluminum Types Explained: Extrusion, Cast, Sheet, & Cans (Your Guide to Higher Payouts!)

Welcome back to The Scrap Master's Knowledge Base! You know aluminum is a valuable non-ferrous metal. But just like copper, not all aluminum is treated equally at the scrap yard. Different types of aluminum yield different prices per pound.

Understanding these distinctions is key to maximizing your profit. This guide will help you identify the most common types of aluminum you'll encounter.

Why Aluminum Types Matter for Your Profit

Aluminum is universally non-magnetic and lightweight. However, its value at the scrap yard depends heavily on its alloy composition and form. Yards have different markets for different aluminum types, and knowing the difference ensures you get paid for the exact grade you bring in.

The Common Aluminum Types: What to Look For

1. Aluminum Cans (UBC - Used Beverage Cans)

• Characteristics: Very lightweight, thin-walled, often crushed. These are pure aluminum alloy specifically designed for cans.

• Condition: Ideally, rinse them out. Some yards might require them to be relatively clean and free of excessive liquid or debris.

• Common Sources: Soda cans, beer cans.

• Value: These are sold as a separate commodity, often yielding a good price per pound due to their high volume and relatively clean nature, but less than extrusion or cast.

2. Aluminum Extrusion (Your High-Value Find! 💰)

• Characteristics: Often rigid, structural pieces with uniform thickness and shape. They look like they've been pushed through a die. Can be painted or anodized.

• Common Sources:

  • Window frames (especially older ones)

  • Storm door frames

  • Ladders

  • Tent poles

  • Guttering (often painted)

  • Shower door frames

• Condition: "Clean Extrusion" is highly valuable. This means completely free of steel screws, plastic end caps, rubber seals, or glass. "Dirty Extrusion" (with these contaminants still attached) will be paid at a much lower rate.

• Value: This is one of the highest-paying types of aluminum due to its purity and consistent alloy.

3. Cast Aluminum

• Characteristics: Often thicker, rougher, and has a more granular or "sandy" texture than other aluminum types. It's formed by pouring molten aluminum into a mold. It's brittle and will break (not bend) under heavy impact.

• Common Sources:

  • Automotive parts (engine blocks, transmission housings, intake manifolds, pistons, water pumps)

  • Old outdoor furniture bases (heavy, decorative pieces)

  • Grill lids

  • Some older cooking pots/pans

• Condition: Should be relatively clean of steel bolts, oil, or non-metal parts.

• Value: Less than clean extrusion, but still a solid earner.

4. Sheet Aluminum

• Characteristics: Thin, flat sheets. Can be flexible.

• Common Sources:

  • Aluminum siding from houses

  • Some roofing materials

  • License plates

  • Thin appliance backings (though many appliance skins are light iron)

  • Guttering (unextruded sections)

• Condition: Should be relatively clean, free of wood, plastic backing, or excessive paint.

• Value: Typically paid at a lower rate than extrusion or cast, but higher than UBC due to density.

5. Aluminum Copper Radiators (Special Category - High Value!)

• Characteristics: Found in vehicles (A/C condensers) and some appliances. They consist of aluminum fins with copper tubing running through them.

• Value: These are priced significantly higher than pure aluminum because of the valuable copper content. They are generally priced as a distinct category by the yard.

• Condition: Free of excessive steel brackets or other contaminants.

Common Mistakes That Cost You Money:

• Mixing Types: Throwing cast aluminum in with extrusion, or any aluminum with cans. You'll get paid the lowest common denominator.

• Leaving Contaminants: Steel screws in aluminum window frames, rubber seals, plastic caps, or wood backing will downgrade your "clean" aluminum significantly.

• Not Using Your Magnet! Always confirm it's aluminum and not a cheaper, similar-looking metal like galvanized steel (which is magnetic).

The Scrap Master's Payoff:

Knowing the difference between these aluminum types and sorting them accordingly is crucial. A little bit of knowledge and effort in separating your aluminum can add significant dollars to your payout for every haul!

Ready to dive deeper into all types of metal identification and master the art of maximizing your scrap profits?

Explore our comprehensive courses at The Scrap Masters University and learn to spot every valuable detail!

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