How to choose aluminum alloy?
May. 06, 2024
Things to Consider When Choosing an Aluminum Grade
Aluminum is available in an extensive range of alloys, tempers, and products. Because of aluminum’s versatility, the aluminum alloy and product required will vary from project to project. At Howard Precision Metals, we offer an extensive selection of aluminum extrusions, shapes, sheets, plates, alloys, tempers, and sizes commonly used in industrial and commercial applications. As a 100% Aluminum Supply Company and over 90 years in the metals industry, you can rest assured that Howard Precision Metals will provide you with only the very best aluminum products and services.
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A convenient breakdown of aluminum alloys and performance characteristics is given below:
Formability or Workability
Excellent – Alloys 1100, 3003
Good – Alloys 2011, 2024, 5052, 6061, 6063
Poor – Alloy 7075
Weldability
Excellent – Alloys 1100, 3003
Good – Alloys 5052, 6061, 6063
Poor – Alloys 2011, 2024, 7075
Machining
Excellent – Alloys 2011
Good – Alloys 1100 (Best if Hard Temp), 3003, 6061 (T4 and T6 Tempers Only)
Fair – Alloys 2024 (Best in Annealed Condition), 5052 (Best if Hard Temper), 6063, 7075 (Best in Annealed Condition)
Corrosion Resistance
Excellent – Alloys 1100, 5052, 6061
Good – Alloys 3003, 6063
Average – Alloy 7075
Poor – Alloys 2011, 2024
Heat Treating
Is Heat Treatable – Alloys 2011, 2024, 6061, 6063, 7075
Is Not Heat Treatable – Alloys 1100, 3003, 5052
Strength
High Strength – Alloy 2024, 7075
High Mechanical Strength – Alloy 2011
Medium to High Strength – Alloy 5052, 6061
Medium Strength – Alloy 3003, 6063
Not Used for High Strength or High Pressure – Alloy 1100
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Additional Factors to Consider When Choosing an Aluminum Alloy
When selecting an aluminum alloy for your project, it's essential to understand the unique attributes each alloy possesses. Different projects have different demands, and aligning these demands with the right alloy can significantly impact the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and longevity of the application. Below are some additional considerations:
Thermal Conductivity
The thermal conductivity of aluminum alloys is critical for applications involving heat exchangers, radiators, and other heat-dissipating systems. Alloys like 6061 and 3003 offer good thermal conductivity, making them suitable for thermal management purposes.
Weight and Density
Aluminum is prized for being lightweight yet strong. However, the specific weight may vary slightly across different alloys. For applications where weight is a significant concern, such as in aerospace and automotive industries, choosing a low-density aluminum alloy like 5052 can be beneficial.
Cost and Availability
While high-performance alloys like 7075 offer excellent strength-to-weight ratios, they can also be more costly and less readily available than more common alloys like 6061 or 5052. Balance your project budget against the required material properties to make an informed choice.
Typical Industry Applications of Aluminum Grades
Alloy 1100 – General Fabrication and Metal Spinning
Alloy 2011 – General Machining
Alloy 2024 – Aerospace
Alloy 3003 – Chemical & Food Equipment / General Fabrication
Alloy 5052 – Marine / General Fabrication
Alloy 6061 – Structural / General Fabrication
Alloy 6063 – Architectural
Alloy 7075 – Aerospace
With the right alloys, you can optimize the design and performance of your end product to achieve the necessary strength, efficiency, weight, and cost-effectiveness. Why trust any metals distributor? Let Howard Precision Metals be your aluminum supply company. We know aluminum better than anyone else because aluminum is all that we do.
For your next aluminum requirement, contact trust the experts at Howard Precision Metals. Call 800.444.0311 or request a free quote via our website.
7 Things to Consider When Choosing an Aluminum Grade
Aluminum comes in many different shapes and grades. The type of aluminum grade you choose ultimately depends on how you intend to use the metal. Your intended use allows you to rank the characteristics of each grade from most important to least important. This will help you narrow down the list of suitable grades. For example, if weldability is most important to your project, but strength is not, it may make sense to choose Alloy 1100, as this aluminum grade has excellent Weldability, but is not typically used for high-strength or high-pressure applications.
Use the quick reference chart at the end of this article to quickly and easily find the aluminum grade that is right for you.
When choosing an aluminum grade, consider if the following are important factors:
- Formability or Workability
- Weldability
- Machining
- Corrosion Resistance
- Heat Treating
- Strength
- Typical end use applications
Is Formability or Workability (the fashioning parts through mechanical deformation) an important factor?
Is the Weldability of the Aluminum an important factor?
Is the Machining of the Aluminum an important factor?
Is Corrosion Resistance of the Aluminum an important factor?
Is Heat Treating of the Aluminum an important factor?
Is the Strength of the Aluminum an important factor?
Typical end use applications of Aluminum Grades:
Quick Reference Chart – Choosing an Aluminum Grade
| Formability or Workability | Weldability | Machining | Corrosion Resistance | Heat Treating | Strength | Typical Applications | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alloy 1100 | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Excellent | No | Low | Metal Spinning |
| Alloy 2011 | Good | Poor | Excellent | Poor | Yes | High | General Machining |
| Alloy 2024 | Good | Poor | Fair | Poor | Yes | High | Aerospace Application |
| Alloy 3003 | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | No | Medium | Chemical Equipment |
| Alloy 5052 | Good | Good | Fair | Excellent | No | Medium | Marine Applications |
| Alloy 6061 | Good | Good | Good | Excellent | Yes | Medium | Structural Applications |
| Alloy 6063 | Good | Good | Fair | Good | Yes | Medium | Architectural Applications |
| Alloy 7075 | Poor | Poor | Fair | Average | Yes | High | Aerospace Applications |
Disclaimer: Please note this information is not to be used for design purposes, and in no event shall MSFFC be liable for any damages arising from the misuse of this information.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Aluminum Alloy Elevator. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
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