Aluminum is a silver-colored, low density metal. It is used in a wide variety of commercial applications. Unalloyed aluminum is ductile, exhibits moderate strength and is very resistant to corrosion under most circumstances. Aluminum can be dramatically strengthened with the addition of appropriate alloying elements (Cu, Mg, Mn, Si, etc.) and subsequent heat/work treatments. It is commonly used in both wrought and cast forms. The metal's low density results in its extensive use in the aerospace industry and in other transportation fields. Its resistance to corrosion leads to its use in food and chemical handling (cookware, pressure vessels, etc.) and in architectural uses.
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Grade | Description |
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1100 | Commercially pure aluminum. Soft and ductile, has excellent workability and formability and high thermal and electrical conductivities. Non-heat treatable. |
2011 | One of the most commonly used high strength aluminum alloys. Low corrosion resistance. Commonly used when good strength-to-weight ratio is desired. |
2017 | Has high strength with excellent fatigue strength. Alloy 2017 also has very good machining characteristics. It is suitable for welding only by resistance welding. Alloy 2017 is used for various applications from high strength structural components, aircraft, machine construction, military equipment, and rivets. |
2024 | One of the most commonly used high strength aluminum alloys. Low corrosion resistance. Commonly used when good strength-to-weight ratio is desired. |
3003, 3105 | Most widely used of all aluminum alloys. Excellent corrosion resistance and good workability. Added manganese to increase strength 20% more than 1xxx grade. |
5005, 5052, 5086, 5454 | Highest strength alloy of the more non-heat treatable grades. Good resistance to marine atmosphere and salt water corrosion. Good workability. |
6042, 6061, 6063, 6082, 6101, 6262 | Heat treatable, structural alloy with medium strength and good weldability, formability, machinability, and relatively good corrosion resistance. |
7075 | Highest strength in heat treatable alloys. Adequate machinability and improved stress corrosion control. Good for highly stressed structural parts. |
Cast Aluminum | Cast aluminum is a specific metal that has gone through a process known as casting. It is created when methods such as die casting, mold casting, or sand casting are used to temper the aluminum for use in creating components for many different types of products. This form of aluminum is used for a number of items around the house, as well as machinery and other products that are necessary to the manufacturing of a wide range of goods and services. |