The Aluminum Association describes how there are more than 530 registered active compositions of aluminum alloys and that number continues to grow. They're also available in various formats including sheet, plate, tube, and bar.
Given widespread applications across industries, selecting the right aluminum alloy type for a specific end-use is crucial. Just slight differences in chemical properties can drastically alter strength, workability, corrosion resistance, and electrical conductivity of the alloy.
1100
With a purity of 99.0% or greater, 1100 is often called commercially pure aluminum. It is the softest of the common alloys.
1100 aluminum is non-heat treatable, extremely malleable and shows excellent corrosive resistance. Though 1100 aluminum has great weldability, it also has a rather narrow melting range to consider.
Good machinability when hard tempered.
1100 aluminum is frequently used for electrical work, food and chemical handling, dials and name plates, spun hollow ware, lighting, HVAC, heat insulators and license plates.
3003
3003 aluminum is the best known and most widely used of the common alloys. 3003 aluminum is non-heat treatable. With about 20% more strength than 1100, 3003 is a practical general-purpose aluminum for moderate strength applications.
Alloyed with manganese, 3003 aluminum demonstrates good formability, workability and drawing characteristics.
It's inexpensive, can be welded and brazed by all methods, excellent corrosion resistance, and has a uniform appearance.
You'll find 3003 aluminum in everyday products like cooking utensils, food containers, hardware, and cabinets. Other common applications include: chemical equipment, pressure vessels, piping, awning slats, trailer and truck panels, and general sheet metal fabrication.
3004
3004 aluminum is very similar to 3003 aluminum in its composition and end-uses. However, 3004 shows more strength due to a 1% addition of magnesium.
As with all 3xxx aluminum alloy series, 3004 aluminum is non-heat treatable.
Just a slight addition of magnesium gives 3004 strength approaching that of 5052 aluminum.
Storage tanks, pressure valves, and cookware are all appropriate end-uses.
3105
Though 3105 is non-heat treatable, it can be annealed during cold working.
3105 aluminum has slightly higher strength than 3003 aluminum, others properties are similar to 3003 aluminum alloy.
3105 aluminum's corrosion resistance, formability and welding characteristics are excellent.
Less critical building applications, such as roofing, siding, flashing and duct-work are more common for 3105.
5052
5052 is the strongest non-heat treatable sheet and plate in common use. Versatility and strong value make it one of the most serviceable alloys.
Alloyed with magnesium, 5052 aluminum can be anodized. It shows good welding characteristics, and demonstrates moderate-to-good strength. It has good drawing properties and a high rate of work hardening.
5052 aluminum is resistant to saltwater corrosion, making it appropriate for many marine applications.
Applications range from fuel tanks to marine applications, fans, fan blades, fencing, small boats, truck trailers, architectural panels, and some non-critical automotive parts.
6061
6061 is one of the strongest aluminum alloys. It is considered the least expensive and most versatile of the heat treatable alloys. Though less formable, it is commonly extruded.
Alloyed with magnesium and silicon, 6061 aluminum is heat treatable, can be anodized, and hardened after forming. After heat treatment, its strength is equal to low carbon steel.
Outstanding surface quality, better corrosion resistance than steel, and a high strength to weight ratio.
You'll see 6061 applied in architecture and construction. Additional applications include: structural framing, moldings, fire ladders, welded assemblies, sail boats, electronic parts, bridge components, piping, valves, and fasteners.
6063
6063 aluminum is mainly an extrusion alloy used almost exclusively by the architectural applicators. It is heat treatable for strengthening.
Like 6061 aluminum, 6063 is alloyed with magnesium for added strength, and silicon to reduce melting temperature. This makes it excellent for anodizing.
With similar composition and mechanical properties to 6061, two of the main differentiators of 6063 aluminum is its superior surface finish and poor strength-to-weight ratio.
Common applications include: electrical components and conduit, pipe and tube for irrigation systems, door frames, railings, furniture, appliances, boats, and motor vehicles.
