See all Blog Posts 7 Things to Consider When Choosing an Aluminium Grade Category: Metal Posted: January 23, 2015 Aluminium comes in many different shapes and grades. The type of Aluminium grade you choose ultimately depends on how you intend to use the metal. Your intended use allows you to rank the characteristics of each grade from most important to least important. This will help you narrow down the list of suitable grades. For example, if weldability is most important to your project, but strength is not, it may make sense to choose Alloy 1050, as this Aluminium grade has excellent weldability, but is not typically used for high-strength or high-pressure applications. Use the quick reference chart at the end of this article to quickly and easily find the aluminium grade that is right for you. When choosing an aluminium grade, consider if the following are important factors: Formability or Workability Weldability Machining Corrosion Resistance Heat Treating Strength Typical end use applications Is Formability or Workability (the fashioning parts through mechanical deformation) an important factor? Alloy 1050 – Excellent Formability / Workability Alloy 5083 – Excellent Formability / Workability Alloy 6082 – Good Formability / Workability Alloy 6083 – Good Formability / Workability Is the Weldability of the Aluminium an important factor? Alloy 1050 – Excellent Weldability Alloy 5083 – Good Weldability Alloy 6082 – Good Weldability Alloy 6083 – Good Weldability Is the Machining of the Aluminium an important factor? Alloy 1050 – Poor Machinability Alloy 5083 – Poor Machinability Alloy 6082 – Good Machinability Alloy 6083 – Good Machinability Is Corrosion Resistance of the Aluminium an important factor? Alloy 1050 – Excellent Corrosion Resistance Alloy 5083 – Excellent Corrosion Resistance (Salt Water & Chemical) Alloy 6082 – Excellent Corrosion Resistance Alloy 6083 – Good Corrosion Resistance Is Heat Treating of the Aluminium an important factor? Alloy 1050 – Does not respond to Heat Treatment Alloy 5083 – Does not respond to Heat Treatment Alloy 6082 – Can be Heat Treated Alloy 6083 – Can be Heat Treated Is the Strength of the Aluminium an important factor? Alloy 1050 – Not used for high-strength or high-pressure applications Alloy 5083 – A high strength aluminum alloy Alloy 6082 – Medium to high strength alloy Alloy 6083 – Medium strength Typical end use applications of Aluminium Grades: Alloy 1050 – General Fabrication (maximum ductility) Alloy 5083 – Structural and Marine Applications Alloy 6082 – Structural Applications – General Fabrication Alloy 6083 – Architectural Applications – General Fabrication Quick Reference Chart – Choosing an Aluminium Grade Formability or Workability Weldability Machining Corrosion Resistance Heat Treating Strength Typical Applications Alloy 1050 Excellent Excellent Poor Excellent No Low General Fabrication Alloy 5083 Excellent Good Poor Excellent No High Structural and Marine Applications Alloy 6082 Good Good Good Excellent Yes Medium Structural Applications Alloy 6083 Good Good Good Good Yes Medium Architectural Applications Disclaimer: Please note this information is not to be used for design purposes, and in no event shall MSFFC be liable for any damages arising from the misuse of this information. Metal Supermarkets Metal Supermarkets is the world’s largest small-quantity metal supplier with 125 brick-and-mortar stores across the US, Canada, and United Kingdom. We are metal experts and have been providing quality customer service and products since 1985. At Metal Supermarkets, we supply a wide range of metals for a variety of applications. Our stock includes: mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium, tool steel, engineering steel, brass, bronze and copper. We carry a wide range of shapes including: bars, tubes, sheets and plates. We can cut metal to your exact specifications. Visit one of our 8 locations in the United Kingdom today. Share: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn E-Mail Tags: aluminum Related blog articles What Are The Metals Used In The Agricultural Industry? What Are The Different Types Of Bronze Alloys? Anodising vs Powder Coating: What is best for your Metal?
