Aluminium Alloy

Being the most abundant metal and one of the most common elements in the periodic table, Aluminium comprises 8% of the earth’s crust. Apart from its availability, Aluminium is a versatile metal that makes it the second most used metal, next to steel. But one of the main reason why Aluminum couldn’t outrun steel is its price. Although Aluminium is not expensive but compared to steel, it’s costlier by few dime. But that didn’t stop it to become one the most versatile metal on the face of the earth.

Due to its recyclable nature, Aluminium is adopted by industrialist to cut a slack from the annual expense. There are other reasons for Aluminium being next to steel. In some cases, Aluminum alloy is better than few steel types and grades.

Pure Aluminium is corrosion resistant, ductile, soft and electrical conductive. That’s why Aluminium is accompanied by few other elements to make it more firm and tough. These mixtures of Aluminium and other elements are known as Aluminium alloy and by Aluminium in industrial reports, people actually mean Aluminium alloy.

At FMB Trading And Engineering, these materials are likely to be treated and process by laser cutting, metal bending, metal rolling and metal fabrication methods with relations to mild steel, stainless steel and aluminium. 

Application of Aluminium Alloy

Here are some of the most common industries that use Aluminium alloy as the raw material for their products.

Aerospace: Aluminium is super lightweight. This is the main reason why space shuttle manufacturer uses Aluminum for the space journey. Aluminium has brought down plane and space shuttle’s weights to minimum, almost half. This lightweight characteristic of Aluminium helped carry more weight on the aircraft instead of carrying its own huge weight of steel. So, nowadays, almost 70% of the airline companies trust Aluminium over any other metal.

Automotive: Not only space, Aluminium reigns over the land as well. That’s to it superior formidability and lightweight property, Aluminium is being used all over the globe to manufacture low-cost and lightweight transportation. A car in Europe contains 100 kg of Aluminium on average. This proves its worth on the industry. Besides, Aluminium can absorb kinetic energy, which is crucial for fast cars. And when the cars are put through recycling, almost 85% of Aluminium can be brought back from the car, which is extremely cost-efficient. Its future is so bright that experts think in next 10 years, Aluminium used in automotive will be doubled.

Marine: From the sky to the ground and in the water, Aluminium left its influence everywhere. In marine space, its use is increasing because of the lightness of Aluminium and the resistance against corrosion. Corrosion resistance is crucial for structures that comes and goes under water. To keep submarines and ships rust free, Aluminium is used. Advanced Aluminium alloys enable high-speed ships to become faster by loosening the weight up to 40% when made of Aluminium instead of steel.

Railway: For lighter structure, extreme durability, and superior resistance against rust, Aluminium is used in rail applications. High-speed French SNCF 2-level train is made of alloy sheet of Aluminium. Besides, subways and commuter trains all over the world are made of Aluminium alloy.

Construction: Aluminium make up window frames, side, and partitions in modern buildings. It can take complex form in an extensive color range and stands up to harsh weather. Aluminium also needs very little maintenance so maintenance cost and labor are comparatively less than steel or other metal. That’s why it is a good investment on buildings. For designers partitions, windows or door frames, Aluminium is best choice to architects nowadays.

Engineering and Mechanical industry: For a good number of reasons, manufacturers are leaning towards 2000 and 6000 series Aluminium alloys, especially for their high tolerance. Aluminium also reduces inertia of robotic moving parts and that’s why advanced machine and robots are being made out of Aluminium alloy. When it comes to heat exchange (liquid-to-gas, liquid-to-liquid), Aluminium’s thermal conductivity is crucial in electronics, HVAC exchanger, desalination, and plastic industry. Also, the Aluminium alloy molds used in these industries can shorten fabrication cycles up to 32%.

Energy Supply: The low density of Aluminium and its superior electric conductivity enables power distribution easier. In some places, Aluminium even replaced copper as it twice as light as Cu (Copper), like electric conductors, phone wire shields, and protectors against magnetic and electric fields.

Packaging: One of the most significant sectors of Aluminium consumption is product packaging. The lightweight Aluminium wraps save both material and energy to produce it. The resistance against corrosion and impermeability give it a layer of safety and protection required for pharmaceutical and food packaging. Besides, its recyclability increases economic cycle.

Liquid beverage manufacturers are also using Aluminium to store and sell their drinks. These cans are almost 97% recyclable which is both eco-friendly and cost-effective. Aerosol and other liquid, gas or vapor factory also uses Aluminium to save a slack from the production cost.

Sports: From electronics to scooter, golf clubs, ski poles, etc. are utilizing this versatile metal to make everything lightweight and durable. 2000 and 7000 series are used mostly for this kind of production.

Gas Cylinder: Alloy 6000 series makes gas cylinder lightweight, corrosion resistant and increases mechanical toughness. That’s why Aluminium is used to store and transport compressed gas like Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide, etc.

Lithographic Plates: Lithographic plates are 1000 series Aluminium sheet product that has its surface electromagnetically grained and then anodized to generate the base to receive coatings used by the printer.

Different Types of Grade of Aluminium

Aluminium is a versatile metal and we mentioned it again and again. That’s why Aluminium can be used by different industry with a different need. This is how the different grading system and types are introduced. Each one of them is capable of some extraordinary thing based on the elements in it and the quantity.

Here are some of the most common grades of Aluminium that are being used for few specific reason and has separate applications.

Aluminium 1100

Aluminium 1100 is commercially purest Aluminium alloy, which is soft and ductile with amazing workability. It has a good electric conductivity and highest thermal conductivity among all the Aluminium alloys available now.

Usual Application: Decorative trim, Giftware, Chemical, Intricate formed parts, Kitchenware, and food processing industry parts.

Chemical Composition of Aluminium 1100 Alloy

Element	Quantity (%)
Copper	0.2-0.5
Silicon + Iron	0.5
Manganese	0.5
Zinc	0.1
Aluminium	Remainder

 

Physical Properties of Aluminium 1100 Alloy

Property
Tensile Strength (PSI)	18,000
Yield Point (PSI)	17,000
Elongation	9

 

 

Aluminium 2011

2011 is machined at a high speed with relatively heavy feeds. Along with excellent hardness and strength, it is corrosion resistant.

Usual Applications: High-speed automatic screws and machine parts.

Chemical Composition of Aluminium 2011 Alloy

Element	Quantity (%)
Copper	5 – 6
Silicon	0.4
Iron	0.7
Zinc	0.3
Bismuth	0.2 – 0.6
Lead	0.2 – 0.6
Aluminium	Remainder

 

Physical Properties of Aluminium 2011 Alloy

Property
Tensile Strength (PSI)	55,000
Yield Point (PSI)	43,000
Elongation	15

 

 

Aluminium 2024

This grade of Aluminium is best known for its fatigue resistance and high strength. It gives the advantage on parts and structures where a good strength-to-weight ratio is preferred. By artificial ageing, Aluminium 2024 can be strengthened.

Usual Application: Aircraft structural compartment, components & parts for different transportation industries.

Chemical Composition of Aluminium 2024 Alloy

Element	Quantity (%)
Copper	3.8 – 4.9
Silicon	0.5
Iron	0.5
Manganese	0.3 – 0.9
Magnesium	1.2 – 1.8
Zinc	0.25
Chromium	0.10
Titanium	0.15
Others	0.15
Aluminium	Remainder

 

Physical Properties of Aluminium 2024 Alloy

Property
Tensile Strength (PSI)	68,000
Yield Point (PSI)	47,000
Elongation	20
Brinell Hardness	120

 

 

Aluminium 3003

Among all Aluminium alloys, 3003 is the most used ones. It is almost as pure as 100 with the addition to Manganese that increases its strength by 20%. With excellent workability and corrosion resistance, it can be spun, drawn, brazed or welded.

Usual Applications: Cooking utensils, decorative trim, kitchen equipment, awnings, storage tanks, siding, chemical equipment, etc.

Chemical Composition of Aluminium 3303 Alloy

Element	Quantity (%)
Copper	0.2
Silicon	0.6
Iron	0.7
Zinc	0.1
Aluminium	Remainder

 

Physical Properties of Aluminium 3303 Alloy

Property
Tensile Strength (PSI)	22,000
Yield Point (PSI)	21,000
Elongation	8

 

 

Aluminium 5052

This 5052-grade Aluminium alloy has decent fatigue strength as well as average tensile strength. It shows excellent resistance against corrosion in marine atmosphere, especially in salt water. Easy to shape and good workability and achieves a smooth finish with bright, clear anodic coating.

Usual Applications: Wide variety of aerospace components to household appliances, transportation and marine industry parts, equipment for bulk processing of food, and heavy-duty cooking utensils.

Chemical Composition of Aluminium 5052 Alloy

Element	Quantity (%)
Copper	0.1
Silicon	0.25
Iron	0.4
Manganese	0.1
Magnesium	0.2 – 2.8
Zinc	0.10
Chromium	0.15 – 0.35
Aluminium	Remainder

 

Physical Properties of Aluminium 5052 Alloy

Property
Tensile Strength (PSI)	33,000
Yield Point (PSI)	28,000
Elongation	12

 

 

Aluminium 6061

Perhaps the most versatile heat treatable Aluminium alloy that offers a huge variety of mechanical properties, including corrosion resistance. Easily fabricated and has excellent formability. Besides, it’s weld-able using any method, including furnace brazing.

Usual Application: Truck frames and bodies, Truck runways, Screw machine parts, Running boards, Floors, Steps, Walkways, Cover plates, Platforms, Trench covers, and any structural component.

Chemical Composition of Aluminium 6061 Alloy

Element	Quantity (%)
Copper	0.15 – 0.4
Silicon	0.4 – 0.8
Iron	0.7
Manganese	0.15
Magnesium	0.8 – 1.2
Zinc	0.25
Chromium	0.04 – 0.35
Titanium	0.15
Aluminium	Remainder

 

Physical Properties of Aluminium 6061 Alloy

Property
Tensile Strength (PSI)	45,000
Yield Point (PSI)	40,000
Brinell Hardness	95

 

 

Aluminium 6603

This grade is generally known as an architectural alloy that is developed as an extrusion alloy comparatively high tensile properties. Besides, excellent finishing and superior corrosion resistance, etc. are most notable characteristics. One of the best-suited Aluminium alloy for anodizing application and use, including hard coat anodizing for cylinder tubes.

Usual Applications:  Extruded Trim and molding for stores and household both exterior and interior, lawn furniture, Construction tube, air cylinders, luggage racks.

Chemical Composition of Aluminium 6603 Alloy

Element	Quantity (%)
Copper	0.10
Silicon	0.2 – 0.6
Iron	0.35
Manganese	0.10
Magnesium	0.45 – 0.9
Zinc	0.1
Chromium	0.1
Titanium	0.1
Aluminium	Remainder

 

Physical Properties of Aluminium 6603 Alloy

Property
Tensile Strength (PSI)	27,000
Yield Point (PSI)	21,000
Brinell Hardness	60

 

 

Aluminium 7075

With excellent strength-to-weight ratio, 7075-grade Aluminium alloy is a good for industrialists who rely on the pure strength of Aluminium.

Usual Application: Aircraft and transportation, plastic industry.

Chemical Composition of Aluminium 7075 Alloy

Element	Quantity (%)
Copper	1.2 – 2.2
Silicon	0.4
Iron	0.5
Manganese	0.3
Magnesium	2.10 – 2.90
Zinc	5.10 – 6.10
Chromium	0.18 – 0.28
Titanium	0.2
Others	0.15
Aluminium	Remainder

 

Physical Properties of Aluminium 7075 Alloy

Property
Tensile Strength (PSI)	83,000
Yield Point (PSI)	73,000
Elongation	11
Brinell Hardness	150

 

Advantages of Aluminium Alloy

-         Lightweight

-         Corrosion resistance

-         Thermal and electrical conductivity

-         Flexibility

-         Easy welding

-         Ductility

-         Comparatively inexpensive steel

-         Odorless and Impermeable

-         Recyclable

 

Disadvantages of Aluminium Alloy

- Comparatively expensive than Stainless Steel

- Abrasive to tooling (Aluminium Oxides)

- Difficulty in welding

 

When should you choose Aluminium Alloy?

When it comes to decision making, there is always multiple aspects of the topic that should be considered before reaching any conclusion. In this case, manufacturers need to know in which aspects of their production Aluminium is better than regular steel or any other metal.

First of all, if you are trying to save a cut from the slack, Aluminium is the better option than stainless steel because Stainless tell cost more than Aluminium. Actually, the price of Aluminium alloy falls between stainless steel and carbon steel. That’s why Aluminium is a better replacement for stainless steel.

Secondly, if the production requires something durable and strong, yet lightweight, Aluminium is the right candidate. It’s almost 50% lighter than carbon steel because carbon steel is denser than Aluminium.

Now the most important part, Strength. The strength of a metal determines how long will it serve its purpose efficiently and that’s why the metals that have higher strength is preferred. Although Aluminium is not as strong as steel, it can hold some heavy loads without deforming at all.

For industries and businesses, where strength is not the primary scale of measure, and lightweight construction and weld-ability is the key factor to make the final product more productive, Aluminium is the best choice.

Examples of Aluminium Alloy use in different industry

Aircraft Body and frame

 

 

Gas cylinder

 

A

 

Cans for beverages

 

Electric Wire and Poles

 

Marine Transportation

 

 

Rail

 

A