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Classification and Applications of Aluminum Alloys

Very pure aluminium possesses high ductility together with low mechanical strength. It can be made significantly harder by adding elements to form aluminium alloys. There are 2 types of aluminium alloys – heat-treatable and non heat-treatable alloys.

For non heat-treatable aluminium alloys, hardening is brought about by the combined effects of the alloying elements and of the work-hardening of the metal resulting from shaping and forming. It is possible for each alloy to adjust hardness over a wide range, from the annealed (O) temper, characterised by maximum plasticity and minimum hardness, through to the extra-hard (H19) temper exhibiting maximum hardness and minimum plasticity. Non heat-treatable aluminium alloys comprise of the 1000, 3000 and 5000 series.

Heat-treatable aluminium alloys are formed by precipitation-hardening process. The alloying elements are first brought to a high temperature, followed by rapid cooling by plunging into water. This process is known as quenching. The quenched metal is then hardened by precipitation hardening, of which the alloying elements are expelled from the supersaturated solution as precipitates. Examples of heat-treated aluminium alloys are the 2000, 6000 and 7000 series.

Types of Treatment	Aluminium Alloy series	Primary Alloying Elements
Non-Heat-Treatable	1000	Pure Aluminium
	3000	Aluminium, Manganese, Magnesium
	5000	Aluminium, Magnesium
Heat-Treatable	2000	Aluminium, Copper
	6000	Aluminium, Magnesium, Silicon
	7000	Aluminium, Zinc, Magnesium, Copper

Aluminum alloy products and components are used worldwide in the following industries:

Aircraft	Automotive
Automated Machine	Beverage cans
Building	Commercial transportation
Electrical/Communications	Jigs and Fixtures
Military	Molding
Semi-Conductor	Sports and Recreation
And a wide variety of other industrial and consumer applications

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