Investment casting with aluminum makes it possible for foundries to produce parts with highly desirable characteristics for many uses. Aluminum, atomic number 13, is available in a variety of alloys that also contain various combinations of other elements. Each alloy has properties that are needed or desirable for different parts and applications. For example, aluminum 535 has silicon, beryllium, iron, copper, magnesium, titanium, zinc, manganese and a very small amount of boron. Among the many benefits of aluminum is light weight (about one third the weight of steel), impermeability, conductivity, resistance to corrosion, ductility and sustainability – it is 100% recyclable.