Aluminium sheet grades

Aluminium sheet grades are divided into pure aluminium grades and aluminium alloy grades. The former contain at least 99% aluminium, some reach 99.9%, while the latter incorporates alloying metals, mainly including copper, silicon, magnesium, zinc, manganese and sometimes including nickel, iron, titanium, chromium, lithium, etc. These metals are added to improve mechanical and chemical properties of aluminium sheet plates and rolls. Alloy aluminium products overshadows pure aluminium in adaptability to moist and erosive environments in application, such as sea water, aerospace, refrigeration, dies etc.

Pure aluminium sheet grades further all on 1050, 1060, 1070, 1100, 1235 etc, with the first four the most popular in sheet type. 1235 usually appears in type of foil rolls. 1050 has 99.5% aluminium, 1060 99.6%, 1070 99.7% and 1100 99%. The higher the content of aluminium, the weaker the strength of a grade. 1xxx sheets are featured by low hardness, good corrosion resistance and cheap price. According to the main alloying elements, alloy aluminum plates can be divided into 2xxx series (Al-Cu), 3xxx series (Al-Mn), 4xxx series (Al–Si), 5xxx series (Al–Mg), 6 xxx series (AL–Mg–Si), 7xxx series [AL–Zn–Mg-(Cu)] etc.

2 ××× series aluminium alloy plates are represented by 2A16 (LY16) and 2A06 (LY6). The biggest alloy metal is copper which accounts for 3-5%. They are characterized by high hardness, applied more to aviation than conventional industries.

3xxx aluminium grades mainly include 3003, 3004 and 3A21 aluminum plates. With 1.0-1.5% manganese, they are also known as an anti-rust aluminum alloy used in humid environments such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and under-vehicles.

4xxx aluminium sheets are rarely used, represented by 4A01. They have a high silicon content, usually 4.5-6.0%. As a material for construction, mechanical parts, forging materials and welding materials, , 4xxx alloy has low melting point and good corrosion resistance.

5xxx, also known as marine grade aluminum, is represented by grades of 5052, 5005, 5083 and 5A05. The series has a magnesium content of 3% to 5%, featured by low density, strong corrosion resistance and high elongation, and applied extensively in both aerospace and regular industries.

6xxx has 6061 aluminium alloy and 6063 aluminum plate. Mainly contains two elements of magnesium and silicon, so the advantages of the 4 ××× series and 5 ××× series are concentrated. It is a cold-processed aluminum forged product combining features of 4xxx and 5xxx, suitable for applications requiring high corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance.

7xxx, with the most popular grade of 7075, mainly contains zinc. 7075 aluminium alloy is a super-hard aluminium alloy with good wear resistance. Tempers include T5, T6, T651, T351 etc. THe series is applied to aerospace industry, too.