Series 1 aluminum alloys are characterized by their composition of over 99.00% aluminum. These alloys are known for their excellent electrical conductivity, outstanding corrosion resistance, and good welding performance. However, they exhibit low strength and cannot be strengthened by heat treatment. This makes Series 1 alloys suitable for applications where high purity and excellent conductivity are required.
Series 2 aluminum alloys have copper as the main alloying element. These alloys also contain manganese, magnesium, lead, and bismuth to enhance machinability. The addition of copper significantly improves the strength and hardness of these alloys, making them ideal for applications that require high mechanical properties.
Series 3 aluminum alloys are primarily alloyed with manganese. These alloys cannot be strengthened by heat treatment but offer good corrosion resistance and weldability. Their strength is moderate, making them suitable for applications requiring a good balance of strength and corrosion resistance.
Series 4 aluminum alloys are characterized by the addition of silicon. These alloys are not commonly used, but some can be strengthened by heat treatment while others cannot. The presence of silicon provides good wear resistance and lower thermal expansion, making these alloys suitable for specific industrial applications.
Series 5 aluminum alloys have magnesium as the primary alloying element. These alloys are known for their excellent resistance to corrosion, good welding performance, and good fatigue strength. They cannot be strengthened by heat treatment, but cold processing can improve their strength. Series 5 alloys are widely used in marine environments due to their superior corrosion resistance.
Series 6 aluminum alloys are characterized by the presence of magnesium and silicon. The main strengthening phase is Mg2Si. This series is the most widely used aluminum alloy, with 6063 and 6061 being the most popular grades. These alloys offer a good balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and ease of fabrication, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
Series 7 aluminum alloys have zinc as the primary alloying element, with small amounts of magnesium and copper often added. These superhard aluminum alloys can approach the hardness of steel, making them ideal for high-strength applications. However, they require slower extrusion speeds compared to Series 6 alloys and have better welding performance.
Series 8 aluminum alloys, such as the commonly used 8011 aluminum sheet, belong to this category. These alloys are primarily used in specialized applications like bottle caps and radiators. Aluminum foil from Series 8 is also prevalent in various industries. Although not widely used, these alloys serve specific purposes in niche markets.
