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.
