Which Alloys Are The Most Commonly Used For Aluminum Extrusions

Release time:2022-09-20

Aluminum extrusion entails choosing the optimal aluminum extrusion alloys and considering the extruded object's functioning. Extruded aluminum is suitable for various purposes due to its high toughness, compactness, and corrosion-resistant properties. Extruded aluminum provides mechanical advantages making it a diverse option for industrial extrusion used for anything from electronics to industrial and automobile applications.

Whereas the adaptability of aluminum is reflected in its overall qualities, it's necessary to understand the variations in aluminum profiles. By choosing the proper aluminum profile for extrusion, you may guarantee that your extruded designs will meet the needs of your project.

What are common alloys used in aluminum extrusion?

Aluminum profiles are well identified by their own serial number, from 1xxx series  up to 7xxx s. The aluminum grades applied in extrusions include alloy series 6xxx and 1xxx.

Non-thermal-treatable Aluminum 1050 

Alloy 1050 is a typical aluminum alloy for routine sheet metal applications requiring medium strength. Alloy 1050 can be utilized in chemical reaction plant machinery, pyrotechnics powders, light lenses, meat processing containers, cord wrapping, and roof flashings.

Features 

· Superior resistance to rusting

· Outstanding workability

· Easily conducts electricity

· Less robust than other grades of aluminum

· Features reflective surface

Aluminum 6005A

The structurally 6000 class alloy, particularly 6005 aluminum, is typically used for purposes that call for increased strength and endurance. This specific alloy may be utilized for designs that need a high level of rust resistance or a medium level of sturdiness. Every alloy seems to have a unique set of characteristics, such as how it responds to extrusion, manufacturing, and finishing.

But during extrusion, you may avoid rusting through designing and provide greater outcomes by including other materials with aluminum alloys.

With considerable quantities of silicon to lower the melting point and enhance its extrudability, 6005 offers exceptional extrusion qualities.

Features 

· T1, T5, and T61 hardness 

· It may be adopted for cylindrical or conventional extrusion structures. 

· Moderate strength 

· Superb extrudability

· The following are a few applications for 6005 alloys

· Ladder constructions, connection stocks for the automobile sector, smooth architectural piping, structural uses, and balustrade ducting

6061 alloys 

The 6061 is considered the toughest aluminum alloy and a versatile option for thermal-treated alloys. It is frequently extruded despite being less moldable.

Aluminum 6061, alloyed with silicates and magnesium, may be formed, heat treated, and anodized. Its hardness is equivalent to low-carbon steel following thermal treatment. 6061 works as a substitute for carbon steel and may be used in firefighters' ladders, welded assembly, boats, electrical components, or structural framework, pipes, and valves. 

Features 

· Excellent surface quality

· Superior steel-level rust resistance

· It has an excellent strength-to-lightness ratio.

· Medium-to a high power

· Thermal-treatable

· Outstanding weldability

· Decent surface quality

· It allows  solid and cylindrical extrusions

· It has  T4, T6, and T51 qualities, which improve strength.

6063 Aluminum

Alloy 6063 is a popular choice for aluminum extrusions because it provides a high-quality polish besides being a great extrusion alternative. It is employed to create both bespoke and conventional industrial aluminum extrusions, heat sinks, architectural tubes, and smooth piping. It's also a better choice for any work that involves electrical conductivity. Other typical applications of 6063 include making door frames, gates, furnishings, electronics, yachts, and automobiles. 

Features 

· Excellent for intricate or thin-walled structures

· Its cost-efficient and also allows simpler extrusion

· Good for complicated forms and Dazzling finishes 

· It has excellent rust resistance and can easily be fabricated

· It’s a great choice for any architectural designer, thanks to its T1, -T4, -T5. -T6 temper capabilities and thermal receptivity 

· Similar to 6061, the 6063 is a silicate allow with a lower melting point. The magnesium, on the other end, increases strength. It is therefore perfect for oxidation treatment. 

· The higher surface polish and the subpar strength-to-compactness ratio of 6063 aluminum, which has a comparable makeup and structural characteristics to 6061 aluminum alloys, are two of its primary distinguishing characteristics.

6463 Aluminum

However, this specific alloy is similar to 6063 and is normally exclusively created by leveraging an aluminum extruded form. It is frequently used in projects for building or engineering and is frequently thermal-treated to improve rigidity and decrease flexibility.

Again, for the greatest results when extruding alloys like alloy 6463, employ them for bars, cylinders, poles, wires, and other kinds of bespoke profiles.

Features 

· Greater finish 

· Offers a Dazzling, reflective surface after extrusion

· It has an outstanding extrudability

· It features moderate strength T1, T4, T6 tempers

What are alloyed tempers, and what do they mean in aluminum profile extrusion

The aluminum alloy's temper treatments are typically indicated by a designation made up of a string of letters and digits called the aluminum temper identifier. Tempering, on the other hand, means the type of condition under which the alloy has been forged. It allows aluminum to serve as a viable alternative to steel as they provide enhanced strength. The commonly extruded tempers comprise, 

· T1 - organically aged and tempered at a high temperature

· T2: organically aged after being cooled at a high temperature.

· T3 - solutions that are  organically aged, cold worked, and heated

· T4 - a thermal-treated solution that’s allowed to mellow organically

· T51 was deliberately aged, strained to relieve stress,  then cooled to a high degree.

· T6 - deliberately aged and thermally-treated solution

· T61 - chemically aged and thermal-treated solutions

Design Considerations for Selecting an Extruded Aluminum grades

The extrusion layouts should take wall thicknesses and form intricacy into account. For instance, the  6063 or 6360 are needed for thinner walls or complex shapes to provide consistent extrusion forms and minimal deformation.

Other things to think about include: finish needs, stiffness needs, heat sink usage, and if the extrusions would be utilized for building or non-architectural applications.

Take away 

By choosing the proper aluminum alloy for extrusion, you may avoid needless design problems and end up saving costs and time. Consulting with an expert manufacturer of extruded aluminum will offer you the direction and market expertise you seek to ensure your extruded aluminum suits your desires. And whenever you are stuck, JMA  is there to help you through.