Aluminium Datasheet from Austral Wright Metals

Aluminium alloy 1100 contains a minimum of 99.00% aluminium, and is sometimes known as ‘commercially pure aluminium’.

It has excellent electrical conductivity, good formability and high resistance to corrosion, and is used where high strength is not needed. It has the low density and excellent thermal conductivity common to all aluminium grades.

Typical Applications

General sheet metal work where moderate strength is adequate: lightly stressed panels, architectural flashings, name plates, heat exchangers, food and chemical handling and storage equipment, drawn or spun holloware, light reflectors, welded assemblies.

Equivalent Specifications

USA: AA1100; Japan: JIS A110P; France: NF1100; ISO Al 99.0 Cu

The properties in this data sheet meet Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1734:1997 Aluminium grades and aluminium alloys - Flat sheet, coiled sheet and plate (equivalent to BS EN 573-1). The material also meets other national standards.

Description

Aluminium 1100 is commercial purity aluminium grade with a controlled content of copper. It can be hardened by cold work: it is not heat treatable to higher strength. It has excellent ductility, up to 30% in annealed material of 1.3 to 6.0mm thickness. The ductility is more limited in the H14 and H24 tempers.

Availability

Austral Wright Metals can supply this alloy and other aluminium grades as plate, sheet and strip. Contact Austral Wright Metals for a quote or more information.

Pressure Vessels

AS1210 Pressure Vessels prequalifies alloy 1100 for pressure service for temperatures up to 200°C in the O, H12, H14 & H112 tempers.

Corrosion Resistance

The ‘1xxx’ series aluminium grade has the best resistance to general corrosion of all the aluminium alloys. Resistance is excellent in aqueous solutions in the pH range 4-9.

The corrosion resistance of aluminium grades relies on a protective surface oxide film, which when damaged is readily repaired by the rapid reaction between aluminium and oxygen. However, the high reactivity of the base metal can give rapid corrosion if the film cannot be repaired, so aluminium alloys are not suitable for use with reducing media. Alloy 1100 can be anodised to improve the corrosion resistance by thickening the protective surface film.

Since aluminium is a reactive metal, it may corrode more quickly when in electrical contact with most other metals. The prediction of galvanic corrosion is complex; please consult Austral Wright Metals for specific advice.

Fabrication

Aluminium 1100 is very readily cold formable in the annealed condition, as it is ductile. Forming loads and tool & press wear are generally less than with carbon steel. For piercing and blanking the punch to die clearance should be about 5% of the thickness per side for temper O, 6% for H12 & H14.

Welding

Alloy 1100 is readily welded by the TIG and MIG processes. Commonly used filler alloys are 4043 and 1050. 4043 gives a greater weld strength, but if the assembly is to be anodised, 1050 filler metal will give a closer colour match.

1100 may also be gas welded or resistance welded, but the resulting joints are not as strong or as corrosion resistant as the inert gas welded joints. Gas welding could result in excessive heat distortion and thinner gauges may burn through. Aluminium must be very dry & clean to avoid contamination & porosity of the weld. It is essential that all traces of flux used in welding or brazing are removed by scrubbing with hot water.

Heat Treatment: Alloy 1100 is annealed at 350°C, time at temperature and cooling rate are unimportant. Stress relief is rarely required but can be carried out at about 220°C. If loss of strength is of concern, stress relief tests should be conducted.

Aluminium alloy 3003 contains about 1.25% manganese and 0.1% copper, which increase the strength above the 1000 series aluminium grades. It is a medium strength alloy, hardenable only by cold work - it is not heat treatable. It has good weldability, formability and corrosion resistance.

Typical Applications

General sheet metal work requiring greater strength than is provided by 1000 series alloys; profiled building sheet (roofing and siding); insulation panels; holloware; food and chemical handling and storage equipment.

Equivalent Specifications

Germany: DIN AlMnCu; Europe: EN AW-3003; Japan: JIS A3003P; France: NF A 3003 (formerly A-M1)

Description

Aluminium 3003 is a general-purpose alloy with medium strength and corrosion resistance. It is not recommended for decorative applications: anodising should be for surface protection only. Special qualities are available for porcelain enamelling, deep drawing & spinning; general purpose qualities should not be used for these operations.

Availability

Austral Wright Metals can supply this alloy as plate, sheet and strip. See Austral Wright Metals Catalogue for normal stock sizes and tempers.

Pressure Vessels

AS1210 Pressure Vessels and AS4041 Pressure Piping prequalify the alloy for pressure service for temperatures up to 200°C.

Corrosion Resistance

3003 has a very high resistance to general corrosion, similar to the 1000 series aluminium alloys. 3003 can be used in marine atmospheres and in seawater.

Since aluminium is a reactive metal, it may corrode more quickly when in electrical contact with most other metals. The prediction of galvanic corrosion is complex; please consult Austral Wright Metals for specific advice.

Fabrication

Aluminium 3003 is not generally hot worked. It is very readily cold formable in the annealed condition, as it is ductile. Forming loads and tool & press wear are generally less than with carbon steel. For piercing and blanking the punch to die clearance should be about 7% fo the thickness per side for the H32 & H34 tempers. Sharp tools are required.

Bend Radii

Minimum recommended internal bend radii for 90° cold bends at right angles to the rolling direction (good way). See table here

Welding: 3003 aluminium grades is readily welded by the TIG and MIG processes. Commonly used filler alloys are 4043 and 1100. 4043 give greater weld strength, but if the assembly is to be anodised, 1100 filler metal will give a closer colour match. 3003 may also be gas welded or resistance welded, but the resulting joints are not as strong or as corrosion resistant as the inert gas welded joints. Gas welding could give excessive heat distortion and thinner gauges may burn through. All traces of welding or brazing flux must be removed by scrubbing with hot water upon completion.

Heat Treatment: Anneal at 415°C ± 5°C, until all parts have reached the annealing temperature. Stress relief is rarely required but can be carried out at about 220°C. If loss of strength is of concern, stress relief tests should be conducted.

Aluminium alloy 5005 contains nominally 0.8% magnesium. It has medium strength, good weldability, and good corrosion resistance in marine atmospheres. It also has a low density and excellent thermal conductivity common to all aluminium alloys. It is the most commonly used grade of aluminium in sheet and plate form.

Typical Applications

Architectural applications, general sheet metal work, high strength foil.

Description

Aluminium 5005 is a lean aluminium magnesium alloy that can be hardened by cold work: it is not heat treatable to higher strength.

Availability

Austral Wright Metals can supply this alloy as plate, sheet and strip. Contact Austral Wright Metals for a quote or more information.

Corrosion Resistance

5005 has the same high resistance to general corrosion as other non heat treatable aluminium alloys. It also has the higher resistance to slightly alkaline conditions common to the 5000 series alloys. The atmospheric corrosion resistance of 5005 is similar to that of 3003. When anodised to improve corrosion resistance, the film on 5005 is clearer than on 3003, and gives better colour match with 6063 architectural extrusions.

The corrosion resistance of aluminium alloys relies on a protective surface oxide film, which when damaged is readily repaired by the rapid reaction between aluminium and oxygen. However, the high reactivity of the base metal can give rapid corrosion if the film cannot be repaired, so aluminium alloys are not suitable for use with reducing media.

Since aluminium is a reactive metal, it may corrode more quickly when in electrical contact with most other metals. The prediction of galvanic corrosion is complex, please consult Austral Wright Metals for specific advice.

Pressure Vessels

AS1210 Pressure Vessels and AS4041 Pressure Piping do not prequalify the alloy for pressure service.

Fabrication

Aluminium 5005 is not generally hot worked. It is readily cold formable in the annealed condition, as it is a relatively soft and ductile alloy. Forming loads and tool & press wear are generally less than with carbon steel. For piercing and blanking the punch to die clearance should be about 6% of the thickness per side for the H32 & H34 tempers. Sharp tools are required.

Machinability

5005 is readily machinable by conventional methods. It should be machined at high speed with copious lubrication to avoid thermal distortion of the workpiece. Sharp tools are essential. High speed steel or tungsten carbide may be used. Cuts should be deep and continuous, with high cutting speeds. Woodworking machinery may be suitable for short runs.

Welding

5005 is readily weldable by standard techniques. It is frequently welded with GTAW (TIG) or GMAW (MIG). Aluminium must be very dry & clean to avoid contamination & porosity of the weld. Filler metals 1100, 4043 or 4047 are used. 4043 is the most crack tolerant. Best colour match is obtained with 1188 filler metal. Shielding gas must be dry & free of hydrogen.

Heat Treatment

Aluminium 5005 is annealed at 345°C, time at temperature and cooling rate are unimportant. Stress relief is rarely required, but can be carried out at about 220°C. If loss of strength is of concern, stress relief tests should be conducted.

Aluminium alloy 5052 contains nominally 2.5% magnesium and 0.25% chromium. It has good workability, medium static strength, high fatigue strength, good weldability, and very good corrosion resistance, especially in marine atmospheres. It also has the low density and excellent thermal conductivity common to all aluminium alloys. It is commonly used in sheet, plate and tube form.

Typical Applications: Architectural, general sheet work ,heat exchangers.

Description

Aluminium 5052 is an aluminium magnesium alloy which can be hardened by cold work: it is not heat treatable to a higher strength. It is about mid way through the series of aluminium magnesium alloys for alloying content and strength. It has excellent fatigue properties, with an endurance limit of 115 MPa in the H32 temper and 125 MPa in the H34 temper.

Availability

Austral Wright Metals can supply this alloy as plate, sheet and strip. Contact Austral Wright Metals for a quote or more information.

Corrosion Resistance

5052 has the same high resistance to general corrosion as other non heat treatable aluminium alloys. It also has the higher resistance to slightly alkaline conditions common to the 5000 series alloys. The resistance of 5052 to corrosion in marine atmospheres is excellent, hence the requent use of 5052 in marine applications.

The corrosion resistance of aluminium alloys relies on a protective surface oxide film, which when damaged is readily repaired by the rapid reaction between aluminium and oxygen. However, the high reactivity of the base metal can give rapid corrosion if the film cannot be repaired, so aluminium alloys are not suitable for use with reducing media. 5052 can be anodised to improve the corrosion resistance by thickening the protective surface of the film.

Since aluminium is a reactive metal, it may corrode more quickly when in electrical contact with most other metals. The prediction of galvanic corrosion is complex; please consult Austral Wright Metals for specific advice.

Pressure Vessels

AS1210 Pressure Vessels and AS4041 Pressure Piping prequalify the alloy for pressure service for temperatures up to 200°C.

Fabrication

Aluminium 5052 is not generally hot worked. It is very readily cold formable in the annealed condition, as it is ductile. Forming loads and tool & press wear are generally less than with carbon steel. For piercing and blanking the punch to die clearance should be about 7% fo the thickness per side for the H32 & H34 tempers. Sharp tools are required.

Machinability

5052 is readily machinable by conventionla methods. It should be machined at high speed with copious lubrication to avoid thermal distortion of the workpiece. Sharp tools are essential. High speed steel or tungsten carbide may be used. cuts should be deep and continuous, with high cutting speeds. Woodworking machinery may be suitable for short runs.

Welding

5052 is readily weldable by standard techniques. It is frequently welded with GTAW (TIG) or GMAW (MIG). Aluminium must be very dry & clean to avoid contamination and porosity of the weld. Filler metals 1100, 4043 or 4047 are used. 4043 is the most crack tolerant. Best colour match is obtained with 1188 filler metal. Shielding gas must be dry and free of hydrogen.

Heat Treatment

Aluminium 5052 is annealed at 345°C, time at temperature and cooling rate are unimportant. Stress relief is rarely required, but can be carried out at about 220°C. If loss of strength is of concern, stress relief tests should be conducted.

Aluminium alloy 5083 contains nominally 4.5% magnesium, 0.6% manganese and 0.1% chromium. In the tempered condition, it is strong, and retains good formability due to excellent ductility. 5083 has high resistance to corrosion, and is used in marine applications. It has the low density and excellent thermal conductivity common to all aluminium alloys.

Typical Applications

Require a weldable alloy of high to moderate strength, with good corrosion resistance. Marine applications, unfired welded pressure vessels, TV towers, drilling rigs, transportation equipment, armour plate.

Equivalent Specifications

USA: AA 5083; UK: BS 5083; Germany: DINAlMg4.5Mn; Europe: EN AW-A 5083; Japan: JIS A5083P; France NF A5083; ISO: Al Mg4.5Mn0.7

The properties in this data sheet meet Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1734:1997 Aluminium and aluminium alloys - Flat Sheet, coiled sheet and plate (equivalent to BS EN 573-1). Alloy 5083 can be supplied to meet other national standards.

Description

Aluminium 5083 is a strong magnesium-manganese-chromium-aluminium-alloy. It can be hardened by cold work, but is not heat treatable to higher strength. It has good ductility for the strength level, better than most other 5000 series alloys (see figure)

Availability

Austral Wright Metals can supply this alloy as plate, sheet and strip. Contact Austral Wright Metals for a quote or more information.

Pressure Vessels

AS1210 Pressure Vessels prequalify the alloy 5083 for pressure service for temperatures up to 65°C in the O, H112 & H321 tempers.

Corrosion Resistance

Alloy 5083 has excellent resistance to general corrosion and is used in marine applications. Resistance is excellent in aqueous solutions in the pH range 4-9.

The corrosion resistance of aluminium alloys relies on a protective surface oxide film, which when damaged is readily repaired by the rapid reaction between aluminium and oxygen. However, the high reactivity of the base metal can give rapid corrosion if the film cannot be repaired, so aluminium alloys are not suitable for use with reducing media. Alloy 5083 can be anodised to improve the corrosion resistance by thickening the protective surface film.

Alloy 5083 can be susceptible to exfoliation corrosion in severe applications. Material in the H116 temper is least susceptible, and passes the ASTM G66 Exfoliation Susceptibility Test (ASSET Test). AS 1734 suggests alloy 5083 should not be used above 65°C.

Since aluminium is a reactive metal, it may corrode more quickly when in electrical contact with most other metals. The prediction of galvanic corrosion is complex; please consult Austral Wright Metals for specific advice.

Fabrication

Aluminium 5083 is readily cold formable, as it is ductile. Forming loads and tool & press wear are generally less than with carbon steel. For piercing and blanking the punch to die clearance should be about 7% of the thickness per side for temper O, 7.5% for other tempers.

Welding

Alloy 5083 is readily welded by the TIG and MIG processes using 5183, 5356 or 5556 filler alloys. Welding the H116 temper will reduce the tensile and yield strengths in the heat affected zone to those of the annealed condition. Aluminium must be very dry & clean to avoid contamination & porosity of the weld. It is essential that all traces of flux used in welding or brazing are removed by scrubbing with hot water.

Heat Treatment

Alloy 5083 is annealed at 350°C, time at temperature and cooling rate are unimportant. Stress relief is rarely required, but can be carried out at about 220°C. If loss of strength is of concern, stress relief tests should be conducted.

Handling and Storing Aluminium

Aluminium is one of the easiest materials to keep in good condition. It has a high natural resistance to corrosive conditions normally encountered during shipment and storage and a little care will maintain its original appearance for a long time. Aluminium is often used for its appearance, so it is worth the effort to maintain the surface, which is much more cost-effective than restoring it. The principal things to guard against are surface abrasion and water stains.

Austral Wright Metals always pack aluminium to prevent traffic or rub marks during shipment and to keep it dry. All incoming shipments should be inspected promptly. Traffic marks may appear as scratches, surface abrasions, or a condition resembling cinders embedded in the metal. They result from mechanical abrasion and subsequent oxidation of the abraded areas. Their principal disadvantage is their unsightliness and their effect on finishing operations.

To avoid traffic marks AWM pack the aluminium to prevent undue flexing or twisting and items rubbing against each other. Products are usually packed on skids or in timber boxes. Paper or cardboard is used where necessary for cushioning thin or soft metal. Strapping is used to reinforce skids and boxes and to bind wrapped bundles, but never contacts the product directly.

Water stains look non-metallic and are usually whitish, but may be iridescent, depending on the alloy and degree of oxidation. They are caused by moisture trapped between the surfaces of closely packed sheets. The purer aluminium alloys are more resistant to water stain, and the most susceptible are the high magnesium 5xxx and 6xxx series alloys. Water stain is superficial and the mechanical properties are not affected. If aluminium does get wet, it should be thoroughly dried before storing – by evaporation in air or by dry air currents. When the moisture is removed soon after the metal gets wet, no stain will result. Even if staining has started, when the aluminium is dried the stain will not develop further. The metal should not be stored near water sources such as steam and water pipes, and it should be kept at reasonable distance from open doors and windows.

Condensation is the most common cause of water stains. Under severe conditions, condensation may also cause fairly uniform surface deterioration, which may only become apparent if the material is subsequently etched and anodised. Condensation will be prevented by keeping the temperature of the metal above the dew point of the air. So it is important to avoid a sudden fall in temperature or increase in humidity in the storage area.

Aluminium in original boxes should never be left in the open – greater variations in temperature and humidity outdoors increase the possibility of condensation. Even if the package is “waterproof”, the seal will not be perfect and outdoor storage is highly undesirable. Waterproof packages are designed to protect the metal during shipment and are not meant for extended exposure to the weather.

Where water stains have occurred, the degree of staining may be judged by the relative roughness of the stained area. If the surface is reasonably smooth, the stain is superficial and the appearance can be improved by mechanical or chemical treatments. Scratch-brushing or rubbing with stainless steel wool and oil is effective in removing water stain. Alternatively, a chemical dip in 10% sulphuric + 3% chromic acid at 80ºC will brighten the surface without undue etching.

When storing aluminium avoid contact with other metals, which will cause scratches or other marks. Racks and bins faced with plastic or wood are recommended. It is also good practice to keep chemicals such as acids, alkalis, caustics, nitrates and phosphates away from aluminium.

Oldest stock should always be used first. Occasional checking of the stock on hand will help to prevent any serious corrosion and assist with the problem of age hardening.

Working and Shaping Aluminium

The cleanest possible working conditions and good housekeeping are a must to prevent contamination of surfaces by metal swarf and/or dust. Physical damage to the surface should be avoided for best corrosion resistance.

Use a hard pencil lead for scribing – steel scribing tools should not be used. Rinsing fabricated and welded parts with nitric acid (at least 15%) gives a clean surface and proper restoration of the protective natural oxide film.

Welding to recognised good practice includes scrupulous cleaning and drying of the surfaces before welding to avoid cracking.

Grease can be used to protect or seal spaces and openings forming part of removable items (bolted or screwed assemblies). On no account should the grease contain graphite or molybdenum disulphide, as these will promote corrosion.

For bonded assemblies, the adhesive should be chosen both for strength and also to avoid deleterious side effects (eg. decomposition of the adhesive caused by moisture).

The need for care and maintenance of natural, anodised or prepainted surfaces depends on the environment and the type of exposure. These factors determine the frequency of washing. Detergents etc should be checked for harmful action on the surface concerned. For applications involving food, cleaning products complying with current regulations must be used.

Recommended Bending Radii for Sheet and Plate

Recommended Minimum Inside Bending Radii for 90 Degree Cold Forming of Sheet and Plate¹²³ 
(Bending transverse to rolling direction)

Corrosion Ratings for Aluminium

These corrosion tables apply specifically to the 1000 and 5000 series of wrought alloys, but may be applied to the 4000 and 6000 series of wrought alloys and to Casting Alloys 135, 160 Q, 123, 360, 320, 340 and 360.
Anodising improves the resistance because of the more perfect and thicker oxide film and because of its scratch and abrasion resistance.

Powder Coating has excellent resistance to natural weathering that provides good chemical and corrosion resistance.

A Excellent Resistance (corrosion so slight as to be harmless).
B Good Resistance (satisfactory service expected).
C Fair Resistance (satisfactory service only under specific conditions; aluminium not recommended without additional data).
D Poor Resistance (satisfactory for temporary service only; aluminium should not be used without test experiment).

Note : The following guide list indicates in a very general way the resistance of commercially pure aluminium to attack by chemicals and other common substances. Because the chemical behaviour of aluminium is dependent upon conditions of service, environment, the actual composition of the metal etc., engineers should always be consulted in cases of doubt.