{"id":2914,"date":"2019-04-30T13:19:42","date_gmt":"2019-04-30T10:19:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fractory.com\/?p=2914"},"modified":"2024-01-26T17:21:23","modified_gmt":"2024-01-26T15:21:23","slug":"aluminium-grades","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fractory.com\/aluminium-grades\/","title":{"rendered":"Aluminium Grades 1050, 5052, 5083 and 5754"},"content":{"rendered":"

Different aluminium grades see a lot of use in engineering. While steel is more common, aluminium has cemented its place for many applications. Even though aluminium laser cutting<\/a> is a little more complex.<\/p>\n

The reason for its success is in the mechanical properties of the material<\/a> – they are resistant to corrosion and heat, good electric conductors, non-magnetic metals<\/a>, lightweight while being relatively strong and inexpensive.<\/p>\n

Many of these qualities vary between the aluminium grades, though. Therefore, it is important to make a distinction between each one before making a selection to fit your needs.<\/p>\n

Aluminium Alloy Grade Series<\/h2>\n

You have probably seen aluminium 5083 or aluminium 1050 grades. Those two belong to separate grade classes. Let’s take a closer look what values does each of them bring to an engineer’s table. Note that all of those are AW aluminium grades. AW stands for aluminium (A) that is deformable (W for wrought), as opposed to cast iron. We only concentrate on AW because it find more use in the engineering world.<\/p>\n

1xxx Aluminium Grade Series<\/h3>\n

Main alloying element:<\/strong> Nothing. Pure aluminium (99% or above).<\/p>\n

Material properties:<\/strong> Excellent corrosion resistance and workability. High thermal and electrical conductivity. Low strength.<\/p>\n

Uses:<\/strong> Commonly in chemical and food processing industries for the corrosion resistance qualities. Also, parts have difficult bends or need excellent electrical conductivity<\/p>\n

Heat-treatability:<\/strong> No<\/p>\n

2xxx Aluminium Grade Series<\/h3>\n
\"Aluminium
Aircraft aluminium in use<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Main alloying element:<\/strong> Copper<\/p>\n

Material properties:<\/strong> Needs heat treatment for best properties. High strength combined with toughness. Also known as duraluminium<\/a>. Aluminium corrosion<\/a> is a possibility here and not as great workability.<\/p>\n

Uses:<\/strong> Often known as aircraft-grade aluminium, some uses include aircraft structures and propellers but also automotive parts and screw fittings. Great for high strength-to-weight ratio structures.<\/p>\n

Heat-treatability:<\/strong> Yes<\/p>\n

3xxx Aluminium Grade Series<\/h3>\n
\"Aluminium
Aluminium heat sink<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Main alloying element:<\/strong> Manganese<\/p>\n

Material properties:<\/strong> About 20% stronger than 1xxx series. Moderate strength, good corrosion resistance and workability properties.<\/p>\n

Uses:<\/strong> Widely used general-purpose alloy for moderate-strength applications that require good workability. Heat exchangers, cooking utensils.<\/p>\n

Heat-treatability:<\/strong> No<\/p>\n

4xxx Aluminium Grade Series<\/h3>\n

Main alloying element:<\/strong> Silicon<\/p>\n

Material properties:<\/strong> Silicon brings down the melting point of this aluminium alloy grade without causing brittleness. Higher wear resistance.<\/p>\n

Uses:<\/strong> Mostly used for brazing<\/a> and welding aluminium<\/a> constructions because the melting point is lower than the base metal’s. Also used in architectural applications due to its dark grey colour after anodising<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Heat-treatability:<\/strong> No<\/p>\n

5xxx Aluminium Grade Series<\/h3>\n
\"Aluminium
One of aluminium grade 5xxx uses<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Main alloying element:<\/strong> Magnesium<\/p>\n

Material properties:<\/strong> Moderate to high strength, good weldability and corrosion resistance in marine environments. Hence, it’s also known as marine-grade aluminium.<\/p>\n

Uses:<\/strong> Very wide range of uses because of great qualities – constructions, storage tanks and pressure vessels, electronics and beverage cans.<\/p>\n

Heat-treatability:<\/strong> No<\/p>\n

6xxx Aluminium Grade Series<\/h3>\n

Main alloying elements:<\/strong> Silicon and magnesium<\/p>\n

Material properties:<\/strong> High formability, machinability and weldability. Medium strength (lower than 2xxx and 7xxx) and good corrosion protection.<\/p>\n

Uses:<\/strong> Most versatile of the heat-treatable aluminium alloys. Used in aircraft, automotive and marine applications.\u00a0 Also architectural applications as a structural material.<\/p>\n

Heat-treatability:<\/strong> Yes<\/p>\n

7xxx Aluminium Grade Series<\/h3>\n

Main alloying elements:<\/strong> Zinc and magnesium<\/p>\n

Material properties:<\/strong> Highest strength when heat treated. Good corrosion resistance. Mediocre weldability and formability.<\/p>\n

Uses:<\/strong> Aircraft structures<\/a>, mobile and hydraulic equipment and other high-stress parts.<\/p>\n

Heat-treatability:<\/strong> Yes<\/p>\n

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