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Aluminum Alloys

Scientific Information

Symbol	: Al
Atomic number	: 13
Atomic weight	: 26.981
Melting point	: 660.37 °C
Specific gravity	: 2.702
Element category	: main-group metal

Aluminum is a silvery-white metal, which is the most widespread metal on Earth and also the third most common chemical element on earth after oxygen and silicon. Aluminum presents many amazing properties as a pure element, but it might not be strong enough for the high-durability purpose. For this reason, it can be combined with other elements in order to form aluminum alloys. The typical alloying elements include copper, magnesium, manganese, silicon, tin, nickel and zinc. In addition to the general properties of aluminum such as light weight, good ductility, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, heat resistance and nuclear radiation resistance, aluminum alloys have some specific properties due to the different types and quantities of alloyed elements like high strength, good casting performance, good weldability and workability. Due to a number of very attractive characteristics, together with their light weight, aluminum alloys are extremely attractive for many industries, including aerospace and automotive, building and constructions, electrical and electronic engineering, and daily necessities.

Types

Aluminum alloys can be divided into casting alloys and wrought alloys according to their composition and processing method. However, about 85% of aluminum is used for wrought products. So wrought alloys are the most common and widely used aluminum alloys on the market. Wrought alloys can be divided into the following types.

1000 series: 1000 series are often referred to as the pure aluminum series because they have a minimum 99% aluminum content by weight with relatively no alloying additions. The series are non-heat treatable with ultimate tensile strength of 10 to 27 ksi and they can be work hardened.
2000 series: 2000 series are the aluminum-copper alloys with copper as main alloying element, and copper additions ranging from 0.7 to 6.8%. The series are heat treatable with ultimate tensile strength of 27 to 62 ksi and they can be precipitation hardened to strengths comparable to steel.
3000 series: 3000 series are the aluminum-manganese alloys with manganese as main alloying element, and manganese additions ranging from 0.05 to 1.8%. The series are non-heat treatable with ultimate tensile strength of 16 to 41 ksi and they have moderate strength, good corrosion resistance, and good formability.
4000 series: 4000 series are the aluminum-silicon alloys with silicon as main alloying element, and silicon additions ranging from 0.6 to 21.5%. The series contain both heat treatable and non-heat treatable alloys with ultimate tensile strength of 25 to 55 ksi.
5000 series: 5000 series are the aluminum-magnesium alloys with magnesium as main alloying element, and magnesium additions ranging from 0.2 to 6.2%. The series are non-heat treatable with ultimate tensile strength of 18 to 51 ksi and they have highest strength of the non-heat treatable alloys.
6000 series: 6000 series are the aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloys with magnesium and silicon as main alloying element, and magnesium and silicon additions of around 1.0%. The series are heat treatable with ultimate tensile strength of 18 to 58 ksi.
7000 series: 7000 series are the aluminum-zinc alloys with zinc as main alloying element, and zinc additions ranging from 0.8 to 12.0%. The series are heat treatable with ultimate tensile strength of 32 to 88 ksi and they can be precipitation hardened to the highest strengths of other aluminum alloys.
8000 series: 8000 series are aluminum alloyed with other elements which are not covered by other series. Aluminum–lithium alloys are an example.

Our Products

Alfa Chemistry is a manufacturer of standard & custom specialty metals & alloys. We now can provide various aluminum alloy products including 1000 series, 2000 series, 3000 series, 5000 series, 6000 series and 7000 series aluminum alloys. Please click the link below for more details.

Alfa Chemistry specializes in providing high quality metals and alloys. We also provide professional custom production services to help our customers accelerate their own R&D and reduce the costs, and we are always available to answer any questions you may have during the R&D and production process. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are in need of assistance.

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