Aluminium is a light metal but resistant, has a specific weight of approximately one third of the weight of steel, or copper; it is malleable, ductile and can be worked easily. It has an excellent resistance to corrosion and durability. Moreover it is not magnetic and does not produce sparks.
Many aluminium alloys can be welded with normal MIG, TIG and braze welding techniques, others, in particular those containing copper, cannot be welded. In any case the welding process must be carried out with the use of inert gases or pastes, which produce ionised gases, to avoid the formation of alumina.