Aluminum is one of the most used metals in the world, as well as iron, tin and copper. It is the cornerstone of many commercial and industrial applications and it's easy to understand why. It's lightweight and denser than many accessories. It is durable and is a good conductor of heat and electricity. It also has a variety of alloys that give very special properties.

Aluminum alloy developers have revolutionized the technology of mixing them with other elements and improving the properties of the final material. Generally, the goal is to increase the strength while maintaining the desired properties of aluminum, most notably its light weight and corrosion resistance. However, tracking all of the various alloys can be daunting, so it is hoped that this guide will prove useful in briefly explaining the basic, basic composition and its use.

It is worth noting that the 2000, 6000 and 7000 series are heat treatable, while the rest are not. This list will apply to the 1000 to 8000 series of forged aluminum alloys, so it is best to start with the highest purity:

Relatively pure aluminum has a number of uses that are difficult to shrink. For example, the minimum content of the 1000 series is 99%. This high purity produces many interesting uses, such as conductors. As a conductor, even for industrial wiring, it can be a good substitute for copper, especially 1350. The main advantage of copper is its weight, making it ideal for many power lines. However, the disadvantage of this series is its relative strength, although this can be solved by using a coating or strain hardening.

Despite this, the application of the 1000 alloy is more diverse due to its ductility. It is also a source of aluminum foil and food packaging (usually 1100) because of its resistance to corrosion and the ability to block odors, odours and moisture.

However, the 1000 series is not slack in more intense applications. Adding a little magnesium and lithium (other metals depend on strain) makes it a competent aerospace component, just like its sister alloy in a higher number of series.

Copper and manganese

The 2000 and 3000 series also remain above 90%, although they offer very different uses. Copper is the main alloying element of the former, and manganese is the most important element of the latter. Alloys 2000 have good strength and toughness, so they are suitable for use in aircraft (especially 2024). 3003 is a commonly used alloy because of its moderate strength and high processability. Applications include heat exchangers and cookware. Alloy 3004 and its modification are used in the body of a soda can.

silicon

The 4000 series alloys are based on silicon. A sufficient amount of this mixture lowers the melting point of aluminum, but has the distinct advantage of avoiding brittleness. This series has great potential in wire and brazing alloys and requires a lower melting point. These are ideal for cladding, extrusion and building construction.

magnesium

Magnesium and various compounds characterized by it are the most widely used materials in aluminum alloys. This is one of the reasons for this different effect. Some alloys in the 5000 series are not suitable for high temperatures, such as 5083 (manganese and chromium), while other alloys such as 5086 are suitable for welding. Two of the above alloys are combined with each other for use in a marine vessel. The 5052 occupies an important position in electronics, with anodized 5005 plates for architectural applications and 5182 for aluminum beverage can lids.

Magnesium silicide

The 6000 series is harder and tougher as an aluminum alloy, but still lightweight compared to competitors. Used in a wide range of applications from ladders to aircraft and truck frames, aerospace applications and even smartphones. The 6000 is even an important source of home and office furniture. The alloy contains a certain amount of magnesium and silicon to form magnesium silicide. It is the most commonly used material for extrusion and CNC machining.

Zinc

Similarly, the 7000 Series (especially 7050 and 7075) is the most widely used alloy in the aircraft industry. The materials in this series are very strong and heat treatable, so it's no wonder they can be excellent flying companions. Zinc is added to make it stronger, but the welding ability is lower. These special alloys can be precipitation hardened and become the strongest of any aluminum series.

Iron and other elements

The 8000 series relies on iron to give it a performance combination similar to the 1000 series alloys, but with higher strength, better formability and higher stiffness. The 8000 Series alloys are typically suitable for thinner applications. It also achieves bonding. These properties make it suitable for hard frames and containers, with 8019 for aerospace applications and 8090 for low temperatures.