Which Alloys Are The Most Commonly Used For Aluminum Extrusions

Release time:2022-09-20

On most occasions, we have heard about aluminum, a weak metal that can form extrusions that can hold up to 4 tones. So, what magic happens here? Well, aluminum extrusion demands the intelligent selection of the most suitable aluminum extrusion alloys and keen consideration of functionality, keeping in mind that the extruded object is transformed into another thing. The qualities exhibited by aluminum when extruded include great toughness, compactness, and corrosion resistance, among other qualities, making it an extremely versatile material to use in wide-ranging applications.

The mechanical benefits offered by Extruded aluminum make the material quite adaptable in industrial extrusion; it caters to different needs ranging from electronics to industrial and Automotive services.

Even so, adaptability is just a general attribute of aluminum. So, you need to have a complete understanding of the various aluminum profiles available, which will help you make informed choices regarding which profile best suits your project based on its specific requirements.

What are common alloys used in aluminum extrusion?

Different types of aluminum alloys can be distinguished by their numbers, which vary from the 1xxx series to the 7xxx series. When it comes to extrusion processes, the 1xxx and 6xxx series are especially suitable. These alloy series have gained a reputation for their extrusion qualities and properties.

Non-thermal-treatable Aluminum 1050 

Alloy 1050 is a type of aluminum alloy that's suitable for various sheet metal applications where moderate strength is needed. It finds applications in machinery for chemical reaction plants, production of pyrotechnics powders, manufacturing lenses, containers for meat processing, cord wrapping, and roof flashings.

Key Features;

• Provides resistance against rusting.

• Demonstrates workability.

• Possesses conductivity.

• Durability.

• Boasts a reflective surface.

Aluminum 6005A

The 6000 class alloy, 6005 aluminum, is commonly used when you need materials with increased strength and durability. This particular alloy is suitable for designs that require a level of resistance to rust or moderate sturdiness. Each alloy has its characteristics in terms of how it behaves during extrusion, manufacturing, and finishing processes.

To prevent rusting during extrusion and achieve results, it can be beneficial to incorporate materials alongside aluminum alloys.

By adding amounts of silicon to lower the melting point and improve its ability to be extruded, 6005 exhibits qualities for the process.

Features;

• T1, T5 and T61 hardness 

• Suitable for both conventional and cylindrical extrusion structures.

• Offers strength.

• Excellent extrudability for processing.

The 6005 alloy finds applications in areas such as ladder construction connection stocks, the automobile industry, sleek architectural piping, structural uses, and balustrade ducting.

6061 alloys 

6061 is widely considered to be one of the toughest aluminum alloys. It offers versatility as a treated alloy, making it a popular choice for extrusion despite being slightly less malleable than other options.

When alloyed with silicates and magnesium, aluminum 6061 can be easily shaped and heated. Anodized. Its hardness is comparable to that of low-carbon steel after undergoing treatment. This makes 6061 an alternative to carbon steel in various applications such as firefighters, ladders, welded assemblies, boats, electrical components, structural frameworks, pipes, and valves.

Features 

• Excellent surface quality

• superior steel-level rust resistance

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

• medium-to-high power

• thermal-treatable

• outstanding weldability

• decent surface quality

• It allows  solid and cylindrical extrusions

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

6063 Aluminum

Alloy 6063 is one of the best alloys for aluminum extrusions, considering its capability to get a high-quality polish besides being an excellent extrusion replacement alternative. It is used in making bespoke and conventional aluminum extrusions, heat sinks, architectural tubes, and smooth piping. It is additionally a better choice for electrical conductivity-related works. It still finds use in frames, gates, furnishings, electronics, yachts, and cars.

Features

• It's excellent for intricate or thin-walled structures

• It's cost-efficient and also allows simpler extrusion

• It's good for complicated forms and Dazzling finishes

• It has excellent rust resistance and can easily be fabricated 

• It's a perfect choice for any architect designer due to its T1, -T4 -and T5- temp capabilities and thermal receptivity.

Just like 6061, this alloy is a silicate with a lower melting point and magnesium, which increases strength to perfect it for oxidation treatment.

Lastly, the 6063 emanates higher surface polish and subpar strength-to-compactness ratio in 6063 aluminum, which has a nearly similar makeup and structural characteristics to 6061 aluminum alloys.

6463 Aluminum

If there is something to say about the 6463, it will be more of the 6063. And so, this alloy use has never outlived building or engineering. However, it requires thermal treatment to increase its rigidity and flexibility. Again, to get the best results when extruding alloys such as alloy 6463, use them for bars, cylinders, poles, and wires, amongst other types of bespoke profiles.

Features 

• Greater finish 

• It 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 temper treatments of aluminum alloy are mostly indicated as a designation by a string of letters and digits called the aluminum temper identifier. However, all things considered, temper represents the type of condition under which the alloy has been forged. It enables aluminum to play its part in becoming an alternative to steel since it gives more strength than steel. The tempers commonly extruded comprise,

When selecting aluminum grades for extrusion purposes, it is important to consider factors such as wall thickness and the complexity of the desired form. For walls or intricate shapes, alloys like 6063 or 6360 are recommended as they provide extrusion results with minimal deformation. Factors like finishing requirements, stiffness needs, heat sink usage, and whether the extrusions application is not architecture-related should also be considered.

The key takeaway is that choosing the aluminum alloy for your extrusion needs can avoid unnecessary design issues and save time and costs. 

It is advisable to consult with a manufacturer specializing in aluminum who can provide guidance and industry expertise to ensure that your specific requirements are met effectively.