Technical Information
Aluminum in its various forms is stocked in a range of strengths varying from that of Specification 1100-0 (which has a yield strength of around 5000 lbs. per square inch) to that of Specification 7075-T6 (yield strength of about 70,000 lbs per square inch).
Here are a few typical applications within the range of these specifications -
Utility Sheet, is used for all general sheet metal work such as flashings, ductwork, lining walls, etc.
1100- is used primarily for spinning and deep drawing operations such as utensils, ornaments, etc.
1100-H14 and 3003-H14 are specification alloys used for general forming operations.
3105-H14 is a sister alloy to 3003-H 14. It is similar in it's characteristics with a minimum of 32% of recycled secondary aluminum. This alloy is suitable for residential and industrial painted siding, signs, license plates, etc.
2024-0 ALCLAD and 2024-T3 ALCLAD are used primarily in the aircraft industry, where a high strength weight ratio is required.
5005-H34 similar in physical characteristics to 3003-Hi 4 with superior corrosion resistance and a homogenous smooth surface finish suitable for anodizing. This alloy is suitable for curtain walls, decorative trim, control panel boxes and signs, etc.
5083-H321 and H323 is one alloy of different tempers that produces high weld joint efficiencies. It is used for tank work, heavy transport, etc., where its welded properties can be used to advantage.
5052-H32 and H34 is a superior strength alloy of good forming qualities and is especially suited for Marine applications.
5454-H32 is a sister alloy to 5083 with a lower rating to stress corrosion when functioning in the 1500F to 3000F range. Typical uses are truck dump bodies, tanker trucks, exhaust stacks, chemical handling tanks on vessels, etc.
6061 -T6 is an excellent all-purpose alloy, having high strength and good corrosion resistance. It is used for all structural applications such as mine cars, logging chutes, and ship construction.
7075-0 ALCLAD and 7075-T6 ALCLAD are the highest strength alloys produced and are used primarily for aircraft.
All the above alloys have good welding properties by the argon tungsten arc or inert gas metal arc process with the exception of 2024 and 7075.
Painted Aluminum: 1100, 3003, 3105, 5005 and 5052 are just some of common alloys available in painted product. Fainted aluminum is produced in a broad range of mechanical properties and the spectrum of finishes includes high durability exterior coatings, specialized epoxies, polyesters, textured polyesters, fluorocarbons and metallics as well as washcoat primers. Standard colours can be selected from or custom colour matching can be done to specification. Most coatings are available on one and two sides.
TEMPER DESIGNATION SYSTEMS - WROUGHT ALLOYS
The numbers used to describe aluminum wrought alloys conform to a code developed by the ALUMINUM ASSOCIATION. The first four figures in the grouping describe the alloys used. Other code figures or letters indicate the form of the product and the type of heat-treatment given.
Here is how it works.
Four Digit Numerical Designations
1st Digit - Indicates alloy group.
2nd Digit - Indicates modifications in impurity limits.
3rd & 4th Digits - Identify the different alloys in a group.
Alloy Groups
| Alloy Number | Major Alloying Elements |
| 1 XXX - | Aluminum - 99.00% minimum and greater |
| 2 XXX - | Copper |
| 3 XXX - | Manganese |
| 4 XXX - | Silicon |
| 5 XXX - | Magnesium |
| 6 XXX - | Magnesium & Silicon |
| 7 XXX - | Zinc |
| 8 XXX - | Other elements |
| 9 XXX - | Unused series |
The letter X" preceding a 4 digit series indicates experimental - Example - X7004
Tempers
These designations follow the above alloy numbers.
F - as fabricated - Products which have no special control over final temper.
O - Annealed
H - Strain-hardened - where increased strength is obtained by cold work.
T - Thermally treated to produce stable tempers other than "F", "O" or "H".
