Introduction to Aluminum Alloy Grades

Aluminum has a lighter density, higher strength, close to or exceeding steel, and good plasticity. When forming complex products, it is easier to control than stainless steel, with excellent conductivity, thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance. Currently, the surface treatment processes for aluminum materials, such as anodizing, sandblasting, and power coating, are very mature, and aluminum materials are also widely used in mobile phones. According to the processing method, aluminum alloys can be divided into deformed aluminum alloys and cast aluminum alloys. The grades of aluminum and aluminum alloys are mainly divided into eight series. Alloy grade designation method: International grade (using four  numerals, commonly used designation method):

Serie1XXX represents pure aluminum series with over 99% purity, such as 1050 and 1100

Serie2XXX represents   Al-Cu  alloy series, such as 2014

Serie3XXX represents   Al-Mn  alloy series, such as 3003

Serie4XXX represents  Al-Si  alloy series, such as 4032

Serie5XXX represents  Al-Mg  alloy series, such as 5052

Serie6XXX represents  Al-Mg-Si  alloy series, such as 6061 and 6063

Serie7XXX represents  Al-Zn  alloy series such as 7003

Serie8XXX represents alloy systems other than those mentioned above.

Serie1000

Among all series, the 1000 series has the highest aluminum content and can achieve a purity of over 99.00%. The  aluminum content of the 1000 series aluminum is determined based on the last two numerals. For example, the last two numerals of the 1050 series are 50. According to international brand naming principles, products with an aluminum content of 99.5% or higher are considered qualified.

Series1000 of aluminum has good formability and surface treatment, and its corrosion resistance is the best among aluminum alloys. Its strength is low, and the higher the purity, the lower its strength.

The commonly used ones on mobile phones are 1050, 1070, 1080, 1085, and 1100, which can be used for simple extrusion molding (without bending). Among them, 1050 and 1100 can be used for chemical sandblasting, smooth surface, matte surface, normal effect, with obvious material patterns and good coloring effect; 1080 and 1085 mirror aluminum are commonly used for bright text and matte effects, without obvious material patterns. 1000 series of aluminum materials are relatively soft and mainly used for decorative or interior parts.

Series2000

The characteristic is high hardness, but poor corrosion resistance, with the highest copper content. The representative of the 2000 series aluminum alloy is, 2A16, and 2A02. The copper content of the 2000 series aluminum plate is around 3-5%. The 2000 series aluminum bars belong to aviation aluminum materials. Currently, they are not commonly used in conventional industries.

Series3000

The 3000 series aluminum alloy contains a large amount of manganese. The representatives of the 3000 series aluminum alloy are 3003, 3105, and 3A21. 1.0≥Mn≤1.5, and the rust prevention performance is good. Commonly used pressure vessels, pipelines, tanks, etc. Good formability, solubility, and corrosion resistance.

Series4000

The Si content is between 4.5-6.0%,  the strength is relatively high with a higher silicon content. The representative of the 4000 series aluminum rod is 4A01. The 4000 series aluminum plate belongs to the series with high silicon content. Good soup flow, minimal solidification shrinkage, belongs to building materials, mechanical parts, forging materials, and welding materials. Low melting point, good corrosion resistance, and possessing characteristics of heat resistance and wear resistance.

Series5000

The 5000 series aluminum alloy is a commonly used series, with Mg as the main alloying element and a Mg content between 3-5%. The representative materials of 5000 series aluminum alloy are 5052, 5A02, 5005, 5083, and 5A05. Also known as Al-Mg alloy. The main characteristics are low density, high tensile strength, and high elongation. The weight of Al-Mg alloy is lower than other series under the same area, and it is also widely used in conventional industry. The most commonly used product on mobile phones is 5052, which has good corrosion resistance, solubility, and formability, especially high fatigue strength and excellent seawater resistance. It is commonly used to make products with high strength requirements, but its coloring effect is not good and it is suitable for sandblasting.

Series6000

The 6000 series represents aluminum alloys such as 6063, 6060-T66，6101-T52，6005,6005A-T6. 6082, and 6061. It mainly contains Mg-Si elements , so it combines the advantages of the 4000 series and 5000 series. Suitable for products with high requirements for corrosion resistance and anodizing. Good extrusion, easy coating, and excellent processability. 6061 and 6063 are commonly used on phones, with 6061 having higher strength than 6063. By using extrusion , it can produce more complex structures.

Series7000

Mainly containing Zn element, the7000 series representative aluminum alloys are 7003 and 7075. Also belonging to the aviation aluminum, it is an Al-Mg-Zn-Cu alloy, a heat treatable alloy, and a super hard aluminum alloy with good wear resistance.