Here’s an overview of aluminum alloy types categorized by series (based on the International Alloy Designation System):
1xxx Series (Pure Aluminum)
Primary Alloying Element: ≥99% Aluminum (minimal additives).
Properties: Excellent corrosion resistance, high electrical conductivity, low strength, excellent workability.
Common Alloys: 1050, 1060, 1100.
Applications: Electrical components, chemical equipment, food packaging (foil).
2xxx Series (Aluminum-Copper Alloys)
Primary Alloying Element: Copper (Cu).
Properties: High strength, heat-treatable, lower corrosion resistance.
Common Alloys: 2014, 2024, 2219.
Applications: Aerospace (aircraft structures), military vehicles, high-stress parts.
3xxx Series (Aluminum-Manganese Alloys)
Primary Alloying Element: Manganese (Mn).
Properties: Moderate strength, good formability, corrosion resistance.
Common Alloys: 3003, 3004, 3105.
Applications: Beverage cans, roofing, gutters, HVAC systems.
4xxx Series (Aluminum-Silicon Alloys)
Primary Alloying Element: Silicon (Si).
Properties: Lower melting point, improved weldability.
Common Alloys: 4043, 4047, 4343.
Applications: Welding wire (filler for 6xxx alloys), automotive pistons, brazing sheets.
5xxx Series (Aluminum-Magnesium Alloys)
Primary Alloying Element: Magnesium (Mg).
Properties: High corrosion resistance (especially marine environments), moderate-to-high strength, weldable.
Common Alloys: 5052, 5083, 5086.
Applications: Shipbuilding, marine components, pressure vessels, architectural panels.
6xxx Series (Aluminum-Magnesium-Silicon Alloys)
Primary Alloying Elements: Magnesium (Mg) + Silicon (Si).
Properties: Heat-treatable, good strength, excellent extrudability, moderate corrosion resistance.
Common Alloys: 6061, 6063, 6082.
Applications: Structural frames (e.g., 6061-T6), window/door extrusions, automotive parts.
7xxx Series (Aluminum-Zinc Alloys)
Primary Alloying Element: Zinc (Zn), often with Magnesium (Mg) and Copper (Cu).
Properties: Highest strength (heat-treated), stress-corrosion cracking susceptibility.
Common Alloys: 7050, 7075, 7049.
Applications: Aerospace components (e.g., 7075 for aircraft wings), high-performance sports equipment.
8xxx Series (Miscellaneous Alloys)
Alloying Elements: Other elements (e.g., Lithium (Li), Iron (Fe), or unique combinations).
Properties: Specialized applications, such as improved stiffness or lightweighting.
Common Alloys: 8011 (packaging), 8090 (Al-Li alloy for aerospace).
Applications: Foils, lithium-aluminum alloys for advanced aerospace structures.
Key Notes:
Heat Treatment: 2xxx, 6xxx, and 7xxx series are heat-treatable (enhanced via T4, T6, etc.).
Corrosion Resistance: 1xxx, 3xxx, and 5xxx series excel in corrosive environments.
Formability: 1xxx and 3xxx series are highly formable for sheet/foil.
