Numerous factors must be considered when choosing the suitable aluminum grade for your specific application. From strength and conductivity to corrosion resistance and weldability, the different types of aluminum grades have unique properties and characteristics that can significantly impact the performance and durability of the final product.
With countless options available in the market, navigating through the various aluminum grades and determining which is best suited for your specific requirements can be overwhelming. At ADI Metal, we’ll delve into the key elements to consider when selecting aluminum grades, providing valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.
What To Consider When Picking Aluminum
There are plenty of grades of aluminum for diverse applications, making it difficult for anyone to settle on a suitable material. However, the factors below will guide you during your decision-making process.
These factors are as follows:
- Workability and formability: The workability and formability of the material are paramount in applications where a good strength-to-weight ratio is required with excellent fatigue resistance.
- Machinability: Machining involves numerous processes, such as cutting through the material. If the aluminum is easy to cut, it has good machinability.
- Weldability: Complex metal forming procedures require weldable aluminum grades to ensure it work-hardens slowly, which provides a robust welded connection.
- Corrosion resistance: Aluminum that can withstand corrosion is paramount in applications where the product is constantly exposed to corrosive substances and oxidation.
- Heat treating: Heat treatment significantly increases the strength of a material. Some types of aluminum grades can be heat-treated, while others cannot.
- End-use applications: A greater understanding of the product’s purpose and usage will help make an informed decision when picking the correct aluminum grade.
Aluminum Grades and Their Benefits
Each grade is unique and has its own set of benefits. Understanding these aluminum grades will give you an idea of what you should look for, depending on your project specifications.
The different grades of aluminum include:
- 535 Cast Aluminum – The 535 cast aluminum is also known as Almag 35 or aluminum alloy 535. It has excellent corrosion resistance and durability and doesn’t need to be heat treated.
- 1100 Alloy Aluminum – 1100 alloy is known as a commercially pure aluminum and has the highest thermal conductivity than other aluminum grades. It’s one of the top weldable aluminum grades since its work hardening is slow while being soft and ductile.
- 3003 Alloy Aluminum – 3003 alloy is the most widely used of all aluminum alloys and is 20% stronger than 1100 alloys. It’s also deemed a commercially pure aluminum but with the addition of Manganese.
- 5052 Alloy Aluminum – 5052 alloy has the highest strength among the common non-heat-treatable grades. It also has higher fatigue strength than most types of aluminum. Another advantage of 5052 is its resistance to saltwater corrosion. Commonly used in marine and industrial applications.
- 5083 Alloy Aluminum – 5083 alloy aluminum has exceptional thermal conductivity and higher strength than 5052. It is highly resistant to attack by seawater and industrial chemicals and is very suitable for welding. Weldability is considered good. commonly used in marine applications because of its corrosion resistance.
- 5086 Marine Grade Aluminum Sheet, Plate & Extrusions – 5086 alloys have good weldability traits and better-forming properties than other standard alloys. 5086 has superior corrosion resistance and is commonly used in shipbuilding and other industrial applications.
- 5454 Alloy Aluminum – 5454 alloys are utilized in the marine sector due to their exceptional resistance to corrosion caused by seawater and other standard environmental conditions. 5454 is non heat-treatable and weldability is considered good. Some applications include road transport truck bodies, marine and offshore, chemical and processing plants, pressure vessels, and boilers.
- 5456 Alloy Aluminum – 5456 alloys are commonly chosen in shipbuilding applications, especially in Naval ships, because of their superior strength and high levels of corrosion resistance.
- 6005 Aluminum – 6005 alloys have incredible extrusion characteristics. It’s one of the best aluminum for tooling with medium strength and is heat-treatable with phenomenal corrosion resistance. 6005 alloy is often used to make components for boats, aircraft, firearms, and medical equipment.
- 6061 Alloy Aluminum – 6061 alloy aluminum is a medium to high strength alloy with good corrosion resistance. Weldability, workability & machinability is also considered good. Used commonly in structural applications.
- 6063 Architectural Aluminum – 6063 alloys are frequently used for architectural projects due to their appealing finishing and corrosion-resistant properties. It also responds well to anodizing and has high material strength.
Select the Best Aluminum Grade to Meet Your Needs
Now that you know the different considerations and the various types of aluminum grades, it’s easier to determine which can deliver superior results for your project. At Aluminum Distributing, we specialize in high-quality aluminum materials that will improve your bottom line.
Contact us today to learn more about our extensive inventory and how we can help you find the best grades of aluminum for your application. Request a quote, and we can give you access to the materials you need for a successful project!