According to usgs.gov, more aluminum is used globally than any other metal except iron. Aluminum is incredibly versatile, with applications in almost every industry. The many grades of aluminum offer different characteristics for all these different uses.
Learn more about the types of aluminum and how you can choose the best one for your project.
Cast vs Wrought Aluminum
Most grades of aluminum are alloys. They have elements other than aluminum added to them. Two different systems of grades apply to these alloys depending on whether the alloy is cast or wrought.
Cast Aluminum
Cast alloys have a larger percentage of alloying elements than wrought alloys do. Cast aluminum was melted and poured into a mold.
Cast aluminum alloys usually have lower melting points and less tensile strength. However, they cost less than wrought aluminum.
Wrought Aluminum
The majority of aluminum products are wrought. Wrought aluminum was worked in its solid form with processes like rolling, extrusion, or forging. It has a lower percentage of alloying elements.
Wrought aluminum alloys are more versatile than cast alloys. They have better material properties.
Grades of Aluminum
Each grade of aluminum has different characteristics. Aluminum has different properties depending on the other metals in the alloy and whether it’s cast or wrought. Understanding the two grade systems will help you choose the best type of aluminum for your application.
Cast Aluminum Grades
Grades of cast aluminum alloys use a numbering system of four digits with a decimal point between the third and fourth numbers. The first number tells you the main alloying element:
- 1xx.x, no alloying element
- 2xx.x, copper
- 3xx.x, silicon, magnesium, copper
- 4xx.x, silicon
- 5xx.x, magnesium
- 7xx.x, zinc
- 8xx.x, tin, copper, nickel
The cast aluminum grading system doesn’t have grades starting with 6.
Wrought Aluminum Grades
Grades of wrought aluminum also use a four-digit numbering system. Wrought aluminum grades don’t have a decimal point, though. The first number indicates the alloying element.
The elements aren’t always the same as in the cast aluminum grading system. The grades are:
- 1xxx, no alloying element
- 2xxx, copper
- 3xxx, manganese
- 4xxx, silicon
- 5xxx, magnesium
- 6xxx, magnesium, silicon
- 7xxx, zinc
- 8xxx, other elements
Each grade of aluminum has different uses in the manufacturing industry.
For example, grade 3003 is an excellent all-purpose alloy. It has uses ranging from garage doors to food and chemical equipment. 7075 aluminum is very strong, with applications in aircraft fittings, gears, and bike frames.
Forms of Aluminum
When choosing from the many types of aluminum available for your project, you also need to consider the form of aluminum you want. Commercial forms of aluminum include:
- Bars
- Tubes
- Rods
- Angles and channels
- Sheets
- Plates and tread plates
- Pipe
- Tubing
- Wire
Each form of aluminum has applications in different types of manufacturing.
For example, aluminum plate has uses ranging from military vehicle armor to storage tanks. Aluminum tread plate provides traction and slip resistance for high traffic locations.
When you’re trying to decide between plate and tread plate, or any other form and grade of aluminum, an expert recommendation can help. Companies like bluescopedistribution.com can help you choose the right product for your application. You can be more confident you’re getting the type of aluminum with the characteristics you need.
Making Sense of the Types of Aluminum
Aluminum is a versatile choice for many types of manufacturing. The grades of aluminum have different properties depending on the other metals in the alloy. You have different forms of aluminum to choose from as well.
Expert advice can help you understand your options and choose the right type of aluminum for your project.
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