How to choose aluminum alloy?

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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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.

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.