What is bare aluminum, and why is it more profitable?

Krommenhoek Metals is the place to go to turn in all your scrap metal, from copper and zinc to aluminum. One of the most valuable types of aluminum is bright aluminum. In this article, we’ll explain exactly what bright aluminum is, how to recognize it, and why it fetches a higher price than other types of aluminum when you turn it in.

What is bare aluminum?

Bare aluminum is clean, untreated aluminum free of lacquer, paint, plastic, rubber, or steel residue. It often consists of aluminum profiles or sheets that come directly from construction, industry, or demolition and are still in their original, raw form.

Because the material is free of coatings and contaminants, scrap processors consider it to be of high quality. In the industry, it is also referred to as “bare profile,” particularly in the case of extruded profiles such as window frame and curtain wall systems made from the popular 6063 alloy.

Uncoated aluminum versus anodized aluminum: What's the difference?

Many people wonder what the difference is between bare and anodized aluminum. Anodized aluminum has an electrochemically applied oxide layer that provides the material with extra protection against corrosion and wear. This treatment results in a shiny, uniform finish and is often used in architectural and design applications.

Uncoated aluminum, on the other hand, has no surface treatment and retains its natural metallic luster. It is less expensive to produce and is primarily used for structural and technical applications. Important to know: there is also uncoated anodized aluminum, in which the material is anodized but without a dye, allowing it to retain its natural appearance.

Why does bare aluminum fetch a higher price?

At Krommenhoek Metals, bare aluminum commands a higher price than painted or anodized aluminum. There are three main reasons for this:

Higher purity

Pure aluminum contains no coatings or impurities. As a result, more pure metal remains after remelting, which results in a higher net yield per kilogram for the recycler.

Lower processing costs

Since there is no need to remove paint, rubber, or steel, recycling bare aluminum takes less time and energy. Those savings are passed on to you—the person turning it in—in the form of a higher purchase price.

Predictable alloy

Much of the bare aluminum consists of extruded profiles made from 6063 alloy, a highly sought-after grade that is easy to re-extrude or anodize. Recyclers are willing to pay more for this homogeneous, reusable metal stream.

How to Identify Bare Aluminum

Would you like to know if your aluminum can be returned in its raw state? Use this checklist:

• No varnish, paint, or powder coating on the surface
• No plastic or rubber seals
• No steel or other metals attached
• A single type of aluminum, not mixed with cast parts or rims

The cleaner the aluminum you turn in, the higher your return per kilogram.

What is the price of bare aluminum?

The price of uncoated aluminum fluctuates daily, depending on the current metal market (LME price), the quantity, and the purity of the material. As a general rule, the purer the aluminum, the higher the price per kilogram.

Would you like to know the current value of bare aluminum? Check out our current aluminum scrap prices on our website. There, you’ll also find the price differences between bare profiles, painted profiles, and cast aluminum.

Sustainable Aluminum Recycling at Krommenhoek Metals

Aluminum is highly recyclable: remelting scrap aluminum requires 95% less energy than producing new metal from bauxite. By turning in your bare aluminum to Krommenhoek Metals, you’re contributing to a circular metals industry and receiving a fair price for your material.