The Different Types of Aluminum Sheet Metal Alloys
Aluminum sheet metal isn’t just a favorite material among architects, engineers, and aircraft manufacturers by chance; its popularity stems from a stellar blend of affordability, performance, and versatility.
Known for its excellent corrosion resistance, high ductility, good strength-to-weight ratio, and impeccable shine after anodizing, aluminum has become a cornerstone in various industries. Let’s explore the different types of aluminum sheet metal alloys and what makes them so popular today.
What Makes Aluminum Sheet Metal So Popular?
One of the main reasons for aluminum sheet metal’s popularity is its innate adaptability and wide range of applications. Whether a manufacturer pounds it into thin sheets or molds it into a desired shape, this metal maintains its integrity and doesn’t succumb to corrosion like some of its ferrous counterparts.
It’s lighter than metals like steel and is nonmagnetic and nontoxic, making it a safe choice for food and beverage containers. Companies can recycle aluminum continuously, saving 95 percent of the energy it would take to produce the same amount of new metal from raw materials.
List of Aluminum Sheet Metal Alloys
Aluminum alloys have a four-digit number with the first digit representing the major alloying element. This numbering system makes it easy for people to identify the properties of a specific alloy. Here’s a look at some of the most widely used aluminum sheet metal alloys.
1100
For those who need a pure aluminum experience, alloy 1100 is as close as it gets. It’s commercially pure, meaning it has 99 percent aluminum content, which offers superior corrosion resistance and workability but lower strength. This alloy is perfect for applications that require intricate forming because it’s soft and can handle intense shaping without cracking.
3003
Consider the 3003 alloy as the workhorse of the aluminum alloys. This alloy mixes manganese as the primary alloying element, boosting its strength over the 1100 series by about 20 percent. It’s the go-to for chemical equipment and energy tanks because it’s great at resisting corrosion and has higher thermal conductivity than other alloys.
5052
If toughness were a metal, it would be 5052. This alloy adds magnesium to the mix and stands out due to its fabulous fatigue strength and medium static strength. Its high resistance to aquatic atmospheres makes it ideal for marine applications, and its excellent workability lets it form into almost any shape.
6061
6061, the jack-of-all-trades, incorporates magnesium and silicon as its major additives. This combination renders it joinable by all methods, including welding, brazing, and soldering, and its resistance to corrosion is noteworthy. Widely used in construction for structural components, it also finds its place in automotive parts, bridges, and aerospace wings.
7075
Reserved for applications where strength matters the most, 7075 is one of the strongest aluminum alloys available. With zinc as the primary alloying element, this superhero alloy offers great fatigue resistance and a good strength-to-weight ratio, making it suitable for highly stressed structural parts.
Whether you’re building a spaceship or buttressing a bridge, it’s important to carefully choose between the different types of aluminum sheet metal alloys. If you’re unsure which alloy to pick for your project, consult with an aluminum sheet metal supplier like Thin Metal Sales for the customized insights you need. The right alloy will enrich your product, not just in quality but in durability and strength.