The aluminum alloy grade system divides alloys into eight series (1XXX~8XXX), and the core alloy elements, performance characteristics and application scenarios of each series are completely different. As an aluminum product exporter, understanding the characteristics of these grades can accurately match the needs of international customers.
The following introduces the six common grades of aluminum and their representative grades:
- 1xxx Series Pure Aluminum (1000 Series)
Characteristics: Aluminum content ≥ 99% (such as 99.5% for 1050 and 99.6% for 1060), excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance, low strength, non-heat treatment and strengthening, easy processing and welding164.
Representative grades:
1050/1060: used for chemical equipment containers, conductive materials, and food packaging foils.
1100: used to make decorative parts and reflectors, and the surface can be chemically sanded or matte treated.
Application scenarios: wires and cables, food industry storage tanks, and lighting equipment.
- 2xxx Series aviation aluminum (2000 series)
Features: Mainly copper (3~5%), high hardness, strength close to steel, but poor corrosion resistance, requires anti-corrosion treatment. Can be heat treated and strengthened.
Representative grades:
2024 (aviation aluminum): tensile strength 425MPa (T4 state), used for aircraft structures, rivets, missile components.
2011: Excellent cutting performance, suitable for mechanical parts such as precision screws.
Application scenarios: aerospace load-bearing components, high-end transportation vehicle structural parts.
- 3xxx Series rust-proof aluminum (3000 series)
Features: Added manganese (1.0~1.5%), excellent corrosion resistance and weldability, medium strength, cannot be heat treated, often hardened and strengthened by cold working.
Representative grades:
3003: construction processing parts, chemical pipelines, fuel tank ducts.
3004: Special material for can body, with strength higher than 3003.
Application scenarios: construction profiles, liquid storage tanks, packaging containers.
- 5xxx series marine aluminum (5000 series)
Features: Mainly magnesium (3~5%), resistant to seawater corrosion, good weldability and fatigue strength, and cannot be heat-treated for strengthening.
Representative grades:
5052: Medium-high corrosion resistance, used for ship sheet metal, car body, fuel tank.
5083: High-strength welded structural parts, suitable for ships and pressure vessels.
Application scenarios: ship decks, offshore platforms, and transportation vehicle structural parts.
- 6xxx series architectural and industrial aluminum (6000 series)
Features: magnesium-silicon composite strengthening (Mg₂Si phase), heat-treatable, balanced corrosion resistance, easy to extrude, and excellent surface oxidation coloring performance.
Representative grades:
6063: The first choice for architectural profiles (doors, windows, curtain walls), easy to process and uniformly colored.
6061: The strength is higher than 6063 (tensile strength 45000 PSI, T6 state), used for truck frames, ship structures, and high-strength mechanical parts.
Application scenarios: building profiles, car luggage racks, industrial frames.
- 7xxxseries super-hard aluminum (7000 series)
Features: mainly zinc, with copper and magnesium added, the highest strength (close to steel), heat treatable, but poor weldability, and high stress corrosion resistance requirements.
Representative grades:
7075: aviation-grade super-hard aluminum (tensile strength 570MPa), used for aircraft landing gear and rocket components.
Application scenarios: aerospace load-bearing components, high-end sports equipment.
Comprehensive selection guide
Core selection logic of different grades:
– Corrosion resistance and forming: select 1xxx series (1050) or 3xxx series (3003);
– Lightweight and welding: 5xxx series (5052/5083);
– Architecture and surface treatment: 6xxx series (6063/6061);
– Extreme strength: 2xxx series (2024) or 7 series (7075).
Only by mastering the “genetic code” of aluminum alloy grades can we accurately match needs in global trade. Whether in the fields of construction, shipbuilding or aerospace, from corrosion resistance to super strength, from forming to welding, the essence of selection is a precise dialogue between performance and scenario – and the correct grade is the pass to this dialogue.