331314 - Secondary Smelting and Alloying of Aluminum
Introduction
In the vast world of manufacturing, NAICS Code 331314 holds a vital place for the aluminum industry. Known as Secondary Smelting and Alloying of Aluminum, this classification is crucial for businesses involved in recycling and transforming aluminum scrap into valuable new products. Understanding this NAICS code not only helps manufacturers and suppliers identify their market segment but also assists government contractors and analysts in evaluating industry trends.
What is NAICS Code 331314?
NAICS Code 331314 covers establishments primarily engaged in secondary smelting and alloying of aluminum. This process involves melting aluminum scrap and dross (residual material from primary aluminum production) to produce various aluminum alloys and ingots. The key purpose is recycling aluminum materials to extend metal lifecycle and reduce waste, making it an essential player in sustainable manufacturing.
Key Activities Included:
- Alloying purchased aluminum metals
- Producing aluminum alloys from scrap or dross
- Manufacturing aluminum billets and ingots, including extrusion ingots
- Creating aluminum flakes, powders, and pastes from purchased aluminum
- Refining aluminum through secondary processes
Sector and Typical Business Activities
Sector: Manufacturing
Secondary smelting and alloying of aluminum is classified under the manufacturing sector, emphasizing heavy industrial processes that convert raw or recycled aluminum materials into usable metal forms for various applications.
Typical Business Types Under NAICS 331314:
- Aluminum recycling plants
- Secondary aluminum smelters
- Aluminum alloy producers
These businesses focus primarily on transforming discarded aluminum products, scrap, or dross into new aluminum alloys and ingots that can be further processed and used in diverse industries like automotive, aerospace, and construction.
Size Standards and Eligibility
According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), a typical business under NAICS 331314 is considered small if it employs 750 or fewer employees. This size standard determines eligibility for certain government contracting programs, assisting smaller manufacturers to compete and grow in this specialized segment.
Detailed Code Activities Table
| Activity Description | Included in NAICS 331314? |
|---|---|
| Alloying purchased aluminum metals | Yes |
| Aluminum alloys made from scrap or dross | Yes |
| Aluminum billet made from purchased aluminum | Yes |
| Aluminum billet made in integrated secondary smelting mills | Yes |
| Aluminum extrusion ingot (secondary billet) | Yes |
| Aluminum flakes made from purchased aluminum | Yes |
| Aluminum ingot made from purchased aluminum | Yes |
| Aluminum ingot, secondary smelting and manufacturing | Yes |
| Aluminum ingot, secondary manufacturing | Yes |
| Aluminum recovering from scrap and making ingot and billet | Yes |
| Aluminum smelting, secondary and making ingot and billet | Yes |
| Flakes made from purchased aluminum | Yes |
| Metal powder and flake made from purchased aluminum | Yes |
| Paste made from purchased aluminum | Yes |
| Powder made from purchased aluminum | Yes |
| Refining aluminum, secondary | Yes |
Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 331314
- Aluminum Recycling Plants: Facilities that collect and process aluminum scrap into reusable raw materials.
- Secondary Aluminum Smelters: Companies specializing in melting and refining scrap aluminum to make billets or ingots.
- Aluminum Alloy Producers: Firms producing specialized aluminum alloys by blending and melting recycled aluminum materials.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the primary focus of NAICS 331314?
The main focus is the secondary smelting and alloying of aluminum, recycling aluminum scrap and dross to produce aluminum alloys and ingots.
Is NAICS 331314 part of the manufacturing sector?
Yes, it falls under the manufacturing sector, specifically metal manufacturing.
What size qualifies a business as small under this NAICS code?
Businesses with 750 or fewer employees qualify as small for government contracting purposes.
Can primary aluminum production fall under this code?
No, this code only covers secondary, or recycled, aluminum smelting and alloying, not primary aluminum production.
What kinds of products result from operations under NAICS 331314?
Products include aluminum alloys, billets, ingots, flakes, powders, and pastes made primarily from recycled aluminum.
Conclusion
NAICS Code 331314 - Secondary Smelting and Alloying of Aluminum plays a critical role in the aluminum manufacturing supply chain by promoting sustainability through recycling. Whether you are a supplier, manufacturer, or contractor, understanding this NAICS classification helps navigate industry regulations, market opportunities, and government contracting eligibility. With a workforce size up to 750 employees, businesses under this code contribute significantly to the manufacturing and recycling economy by turning scrap into valuable aluminum products.
Optimize your manufacturing business presence by aligning with NAICS 331314 and tapping into the lucrative secondary aluminum market.
