Aluminum Alloy Properties
A metal that does not occur naturally, aluminum is manufactured to suit specific applications through chemical refining and smelting processes. While pure aluminum is soft and has limited strength, adding elements such as copper, magnesium, and zinc during the production process improves performance characteristics. Properties of aluminum alloyed with other elements include:
- Non-magnetic
- Strong ductility
- Reflects light
- Impermeable
- Non-toxic
- Odorless
- Easily machined
- Non-sparking
- Chemical resistance
Pure and alloyed aluminum is made into components found in everyday and critical applications, from automobile accessories and electrical wiring systems to appliances and aerospace parts.
Common Aluminum Alloy Grades
Pure and alloyed aluminum is made into components found in everyday and critical applications, from automobile accessories and electrical wiring systems to appliances and aerospace parts. Common aluminum alloy grades include:
1000 series
This series of aluminum is the purest out of all commercial grades. Material under this grade classification contains a minimum of 99 percent pure aluminum, which creates exceptional resistance properties.
2000 series
The 2000 series is known as the copper grade of aluminum, since the primary alloying element is copper. Its addition increases strength and hardness, which improves machinability.
5000 series
The 5000 series can’t undergo heat treatment. Material with this grade has excellent corrosion resistance.
6000 series
This series of aluminum contains high levels of magnesium and silicon. It’s known for good corrosion resistance as well as strong machinability and weldability.
7000 series
Known as the zinc grade, the 7000 series is the hardest and strongest commercial-grade aluminum.
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Use by an array of industries doesn’t mean transforming aluminum from a raw shape into a finished product is easy, however. Inexperienced or untrained fabricators who are unaware of aluminum’s softness and low melting point can produce warps, cracks, and breaks. The material also sticks to tool edges and may form a gummy buildup when cut or machined.
When Lincoln Park Boring Co. is your aluminum CNC machining partner, however, these issues are of no concern. Our experienced and highly skilled machinists’ unmatched dedication to craftsmanship, ingenuity, and quality enables us to take on jobs few others can do from small to large aluminum machined parts. Backing them is a knowledgeable inspection crew.
Request a quote today for Lincoln Park Boring's aluminum precision machining services!