Aluminum has a wide range of commercial applications due to its unique combination of good corrosion resistance, light weight, good mechanical properties, ease of fabrication and acceptable cost. Its density of ~2.7 g/cm3 makes it the lightest commercial metal other than magnesium (~1.74 g/cm3) and beryllium (~1.85 g/cm3). But, Al and its alloys have more versatility, fewer problems, and cost less than Mg or Be alloys. The range of melting points for both Al and Mg alloys are fairly similar, ~565 to 640°C (~1050 to 1185°F) for Al casting alloys and ~593 to 648°C (~1100 to 1198°F) for Mg casting alloys.
