aluminiumproperties and application

Aluminum is well known for its relatively low density and resistance to corrosion (passivisation which forms a dense surface layer of oxides). Structural components made of aluminum alloys play a major role in a number of industries.

SPECIFICATIONS OF ALUMINUM ALLOYS

Series Most available alloys Properties Application
1xxx - aluminum content of at least 99% ЕN AW 1050
EN AW 1060
EN AW 1100		 The first series possess a high degree of corrosion resistance. They are not suitable for thermal and machine processing and are characterized by high level of electrical conductivity and flexibility. Fuel filters, electrical sockets, radiator pipes, decorative components, reflectors.
2xxx – alloys with copper content between 0,7 and 6,8 %

EN AW 2007

EN AW 2011
EN AW 2014
ЕN AW 2024
EN AW 2017

2xxx alloys are with high durability and hardness, as well as good qualities for machine processing.Corrosion resistant at worse weather conditions.Require additional coating for maximum durability.Difficult to weld

Suitable for the manufacturing of machine parts, bolts and rivets.

Often used for hydraulic and pneumatic components.

The most appropriate alloys for the manufacturing of workpieces in the military industry.
3xxx – alloys with manganesecontent between 0,05 and 1,8 % EN AW 3003
EN AW 3004		 3xxx  alloys have satisfactory tensile strength and good level of durability under corrosive conditions. They are easily shaped but cannot be processed thermally. Storage containers, beverage cans, household appliances, heat exchangers, pressure vessels, exterior cladding of buildings, and gutters.
4xxx – alloys with siliconcontent between 0,6 and 21,5 % EN AW 4006
EN AW 4007
EN AW 4015
EN AW 4032		 the process of adding silicon to aluminum reduces the melting point and improves the alloy’s liquid form. These are the only alloys that could be thermally processed or not in the next stage of the process. These alloys are mainly used for welding and soldering of elements.
5xxx – alloys with magnesium content between 0,2 and 6,2 % EN AW 5083
EN AW 5052
EN AW 5754
EN AW 5074
EN AW 5005		 The alloys from this series possess the highest degree of durability among the alloys that are not subject to thermal treatment. They also display very good indicators in the making of welding seams. Their mechanical properties justify their demand by the following industries: shipbuilding, transport, pressure vessels, construction of bridges and buildings.
6xxx – alloys with magnesium and silicon content of around 1 % EN AW 6060
EN AW 6012
EN AW 6063
EN AW 6262
EN AW 6026
EN AW 6005
EN AW 6082		 The combination of magnesium and silicon provides the alloy’s durability.
Suitable for welding purposes. Good corrosion resistance.
This group of alloys is suitable for anodizing (EN AW 6060) and ornamental applications (EN AW 6063).		 Appropriate for the designing of tasks which involve substantial mechanical treatment and milling. Alloys such as EN AW 6060 and EN AW 6063 are mainly used in the production of windows, doors, indoor decoration, etc.
EN AW 6082 is applied in industries where better mechanical properties are required
7xxx –
zinc alloy		 EN AW 7075 These alloys possess high strenght and hardness properties. They are extremely difficult to process and require high tech equipment Aircraft and military industries.

Aluminium alloys according to EN, DIN, WERKSTOFF N-R

Codes and meaning of thermal treatment

Basic codes:

  • F - as fabricated - without specification of mechanical property limits
  • O – annealed - this state provides metal’s lowest hardness and highest ductility
  • H – Strain hardened - Appliet to wrought products only. Strenghtening by strain hardening with or without subsequent heat treatment.
  • W – rarely used and quite unstable temper. It is only suitable for alloys which have undergone aging process at normal temperature levels after being thermally treated
  • Т – solution heat treated -  strengthening by heat treatment

Т temper codes

  • Т1 – Cooled from an increased temperature during the shaping process. Naturaly aged for stabilization of mechanical properties.
  • Т2 – Cooled from increased temperature, cold worked and natural aged for high stability
  • Т3 - Solution heat treated, cold worked, and naturally aged to a substantially stable condition
  • Т4 – Solution heat treated, and naturally aged to a substantially stable condition
  • Т5 – Cooled from an elevated temperature shaping process then artificially aged
  • Т6 – Hot treated in solution during the process of artificial aging, which creates the highest strength and mechanical properties but reduces metal’s plasticity.
  • Т7 - Hot treated in solution and stabilized, which results in improved mechanical properties, overaged/stabalized
  • Т8 –  Solution heat treated, cold worked, then artificially aged.
  • Т9 – Solution heat treated, artificially aged, then cold worked.

H Temper Strain Hardening Codes

  • FH – no requirement for mechanical properties, cold treatment - cold rolled products
  • ОH/H111 – soft – cold rolled
  • H12/H134 – ¼ of hardness - stain-hardened
  • H22/H234 – ¼ of hardness – strain-hardened and partially annealed
  • H32/H334 – ¼ of hardness – strain-hardened and stabilized
  • H14/H154 – ½ of hardness - cold rolled
  • H24/H254 – ½ of hardness –strain-hardened and partially annealed
  • H34/H354 –½ of hardness – strain-hardened and stabilized
  • H18/H194 – hard – stain hardened
  • H28/H294 – hard – strain-hardened and partially annealed
  • H38/H394 – hard – Strain-hardened and stabilized
  • H19/H1985 – very hard - strain-hardened