Aluminum is offered in an array of grades and specifications which provide various strengths which are ideal for certain applications. One of the first factors to consider when choosing an aluminum grade is the use of the metal. Knowing the application allows you to determine the different types of aluminum grades which may be suitable. At Howard Precision Metals, we are your source for a wide array of aluminum alloy grades and products that are able to meet the structural needs of your applications.

For instance, aluminum alloy 2014 is ideal if you need strength, fatigue resistance, and machining capabilities, but it does not offer much corrosion resistance. On the other hand, aluminum alloy 1100 is preferred if your application does not have particular strength requirements, but does need weldability and corrosion resistance. Alloy 2011 is optimal for machining on lathes. Alloy 5052 provides one of the highest levels of fatigue resistance you will find among the different types of aluminum grades.

When evaluating aluminum grades for an application, consider the following factors to ensure you choose the best one for your requirements:

Strength
Machining
Weldability
Corrosion Resistance
Workability or Formability
Common end-use applications
Heat Treatment

Strength

Strength, which is an important factor for the selection of an aluminum grade in structural applications, is measured by the stress a material can sustain until it experiences deformation (yield strength) or breaking (tensile strength). If the stress applied to the material is lower than the yield strength, the material will return to its original shape when the load is removed. Plastic (permanent) deformation occurs when the stress is greater than the yield strength. Once that barrier is exceeded, the material will not return to its original shape when the load is removed.

Machining

Machining involves a process cutting with a cutting tool to remove small portions of material from a metal. If the aluminum alloy has good machinability, the cutting tool requires little power to cut and will also produce a good finish. This is an important factor in the selection of many different types of aluminum grades, particularly when the application requires less human labor and effort, higher accuracy, higher production, higher reliability, enhanced efficiency, and greater profits.

Weldability

Weldability is ideal when the application requires complex metal forming since it work-hardens significantly slower than other aluminum grades. If you choose aluminum alloy 1100, as a commercially pure aluminum grade, it will possess the softness and ductility that gives it exceptional workability.

The weldability of aluminum is important for many applications. Poor weldability of an aluminum alloy will not work when critical operational features of an application require a strong welded connection. Some of the applications that require good weldability include the manufacturing of chemical equipment, siding, cooking utensils, decorative trim, awnings, storage tanks, and more. As an example, the 3003 aluminum grade alloy possesses excellent weldability, good resistance to corrosions, and moderate strength.

Corrosion Resistance

The resistance to corrosion possessed by an aluminum alloy determines how well that alloy can resist deterioration due to oxidation or chemical reaction. Thus, it is a very important factor in the selection of an aluminum grade when the material will be subject to such conditions.

As an example, applications that are exposed to saltwater and marine atmospheres require exceptional corrosion resistance. Other applications that require good corrosion resistance include cooking utensils, aircraft parts, transportation industry parts, home appliances, and bulk processing food equipment.

Workability or Formability

Workability and formability are important factors to consider when the application requires good or excellent fatigue and strength resistance, along with a good strength-to-weight ratio. As an example, the transportation industry requires these characteristics in aluminum alloy for various parts and structural components used in aircraft.

Various aluminum grade products that may benefit from the characteristics of formability and workability include round bar, rectangular bar, square bar, flat plate and sheet, square tube, and hexagonal bar. Additional products and applications that often require these characteristics in aluminum alloy include luggage racks, construction tube, air cylinders, and lawn furniture.

Common Applications of Aluminum Grades

Knowing the applications of the aluminum alloy will help determine the best aluminum grade to choose. The various applications that call for different types of aluminum grades include general fabrication, general machining, metal spinning, aerospace, and architectural, among others.

Heat Treatment

It is important to know the heat treatability of certain aluminum grades when the application requires it for strength and other characteristics. The heat treatment process heats or cools the metal to extreme temperatures in order to achieve results such as the softening or hardening of the material. As mentioned, heat treating, enhances the strength of a metal, including aluminum alloy, increasing its ductility or flexibility.

In conclusion, if you have one or more applications that require the selection of the optimal aluminum grade, consider the factors mentioned above before making your selection.

Although we do not stock every grade of Aluminum, we do know which grades are typically used for most applications at that point you design engineer can walk you through the best alloy choice. To learn about the different types of aluminum grades we offer to match the requirements of your industry applications, call us today at 800.444.0311 or request a quote through the form on our website.

Aluminum alloys are often the metal of choice for aerospace components designed by engineers due to its high-strength and corrosion resistance properties. In comparison to steel, it is a lightweight metal that carries enough strength to serve as the ideal option in many aerospace applications. At Howard Precision Metals, we have your aluminum aerospace needs covered with a selection of alloys that are tailored to aerospace applications, including those for commercial, private, and military aircraft. As you read on, we discuss the variety of Aluminum Alloys typically used, but in many critical components there is additional testing of the aluminum that is required to insure against failure, such as ultrasonic testing.

Aluminum in Aircraft

The vast majority of the airframe of modern aircraft is made from aluminum in terms of weight. For instance, aluminum is the preferred material option for wing, fuselage and supporting structures of military transport/cargo aircraft and commercial airliners. U.S. Navy aircraft use structural components made from fabricated wrought aluminum. Aluminum casting technology is a major focus now, with this technology able to create intricate shapes and achieve innovative designs, which keeps manufacturing costs to a minimum.

Aluminum in Spacecraft

Since the first aircraft was launched into space, aluminum has been a prominent material used for space structures. It is ideal because of its light weight and its capability to handle the powerful loads and stresses that occur during the launch and operation of spacecraft. Aluminum has been used extensively on many of the famous space missions in history, including those involving Apollo, Skylab, the International Space Station, and the Space Shuttles. Aluminum alloys perform exceptionally compared to many other metals in terms of dampening, minimizing weight, thermal management, and mechanical stability.

Aluminum Grades for Aerospace Applications

The aluminum grade you choose will depend on your specific aerospace application. Machinability and corrosion resistance are some of the key factors to consider when evaluating aluminum alloys for aerospace applications.

Alloy 2014 – A beneficial alloy choice for framework due to its strength and machinability. However, it does not provide the level of corrosion resistance other aluminum grades do. Therefore, it should not be used in environments with high corrosive environments or environmental stressors.

Alloy 2024 – 2024 Aluminum alloy is used extensively for aerospace and aircraft components. It possesses high tensile strength, is treatable, and stress resistant. It can also be heat treated. Aluminum 2024 plate and sheet are ideal for aerospace applications involving structures, aircraft wings, and repairs.

Alloy 3003 – This alloy possesses good weldability and corrosion resistance. It is not heat treatable but is one of the more common aluminum alloys used for aircraft and aviation applications.

Alloy 5052 – As another aluminum alloy not suitable for heat treatment, 5052 does have a high fatigue strength compared to other aluminum alloys. It possesses good formability and corrosion resistance properties and is used commonly for fuel tanks in aircraft.

Alloy 6061 – 6061 Aluminum alloy may be welded and brazed. It is a workable alloy with superb corrosion resistance. It is commonly used in the fuselage and wings.

Alloy 6063 – This alloy is an excellent choice for architectural structures and anodizing requirements. High corrosion resistance and high tensile properties are some of the features of this alloy. It is an alloy often used for aesthetic purposes.

Alloy 7050 – 7050 aluminum alloy is a great option for military aircraft and wing skins. This alloy may be reheated and is applicable for military aircraft and wing skins. It possesses a superb strength-to-weight ratio.

Alloy 7068 – Used extensively for aircraft applications, this alloy is one of the strongest available aluminum alloys for aerospace applications. It is a popular alloy grade for applications that involve exposure to high level environmental stressors. It possesses a high level of strength and corrosion resistance.

Alloy 7075 – Aluminum alloy 7075 has average corrosion resistance and high fatigue resistance. It compares to the strength of steel due to the high level of zinc in its composition. It is ideal for highly stressed parts such as fuselages.

Benefits of Aluminum for Aerospace Applications

Due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and other excellent properties, aluminum has been the preferred metal choice for aerospace projects. The various additional benefits afforded by aluminum includes:

Highly formable, enabling easy fabrication of small aerospace components
Durable under highly stressed condition, and pressure and temperature extremes
Cost-effective compared to other metals due to its lightweight properties.
High electrical conductivity

Aluminum Products Commonly Used for Aerospace Components

The types of aluminum products frequently used in aerospace parts include aluminum plate, sheet, and bar. Other products include aluminum pipe, tube, and other shapes. The versatility of aluminum alloys in the aerospace industry allows for its use in the construction of less costly and more reliable aircraft.

From now on, when you hear the term aerospace aluminum, remember that some of the key properties of this type of aluminum are its resistance to corrosion, light weight, and strength. These properties are vital for the safety and efficiency of aerospace vehicles.

For information about the aerospace aluminum we offer for aerospace industry applications, call us today at 866.602.3788 or request a quote.

Month: May 2022

Factors to Consider When Selecting an Aluminum Grade