Comparative Characteristics and Applications of Aluminium

Commercially pure, very ductile in extruded condition. Excellent resistance to corrosion. Excellent electrical conductivity.

Typical uses: Mouldings, lightly stressed and decorative assemblies in architecture and transport, chemical, food and brewing equipment, heat exchangers.

Available forms: Simple shapes.

Suitable for intricate sections of light and medium strength. Forms well in T4 temper. High corrosion resistance, good surface finish, anodises well.

Typical uses: Architectural extrusions such as glazing bars, window frames and general purpose extrusions.

Available forms: All shapes. tubing, rod.

Light structural alloy. Designed to provide an optimum combination of mechanical properties, complexity of shape, minimum section thickness and good surface finish. Good corrosion resistance, weldability and formability.

Typical uses: Light structural applications, lwhere surface finish is important. Marine, Transport applications.

Available forms: Specific shapes only.

Medium structural alloy. Good extrusion characteristics with good surface finish.

Typical uses: Medium structural applications where surface finish is important. Marine, Transport applications.

Available forms:Structural shapes of all types, rod, bar and tube, offered in the T5 temper.

Special purpose structural alloy. Good surface finish and corrosion resistance. Good formability in T4 temper. Good weldability.

Typical uses: Structural applications where surface finish is important . Marine, Transport applications.

Available forms: Structural shapes of all types, rod, bar and tube, offered in the T6 temper.

Recommended alloy for structural purposes. Good strength and general corrosion resistance. Good weldability.

Typical uses: Vehicles, bridges, roof trusses and general structural applications.

Available forms: Specific shapes only.

Free machining alloy of medium strength giving fragmented chips. Not suitable for anodising or welding.

Typical uses: Automatic lathe products, suitable for high speed repetitive machining.

Available forms: Rod