Aluminum Alloys

Aluminum alloys are alloys in which Aluminum (Al) is the predominant metal. Commercially Aluminum are in following series: 1000 series. 2000 series, 3000 series, 4000 series, 5000 series, 6000 series, 7000 series, 8000 series.

Aluminum alloys 1000 series are essentially pure aluminium with a minimum 99% aluminium content by weight and can be work hardened. This series has excellent corrosion resistance, excellent workability, as well as high thermal and electrical conductivity.  

Aluminum alloys 2000 series are alloyed with copper, can be precipitation hardened to strengths comparable to steel. These alloys possess a good combination of high strength and toughness, but do not have the levels of atmospheric corrosion resistance as many other aluminum alloys. Heat-Treatable Alloys

Aluminum alloys 3000 series are alloyed with manganese. Manganese is the major alloying element in this series, often with smaller amounts of magnesium added. However, only a limited percentage of manganese can be effectively added to aluminum.  3003 is a popular alloy for general purpose because it has moderate strength and good workability and may be used in applications such as heat exchangers and cooking utensils.

Aluminum alloys 4000 series are alloyed with silicon. Alloy 4043 is one of the most widely used filler alloys for welding 6000 series alloys for structural and automotive applications.

Aluminum alloys 5000 series are alloyed with magnesium, and offer superb corrosion resistance, making them suitable for marine applications. Alloys in this series possess moderate to high strength characteristics, as well as good weldablility and resistance to corrosion in the marine environment. Al 5052 in electronics, Al 5083 in marine applications, anodized Al 5005 sheet for architectural applications and Al 5182 makes the aluminum beverage can lid. The U.S. military’s Bradley Fighting Vehicle is made with Al 5083 and the Al 7000 series aluminum.

Aluminum alloys 6000 series are alloyed with magnesium and silicon. Alloy 6061 is the most widely used alloy in this series and is often used in truck and marine frames.  Additionally, the iPhone 6 extrusion was made from Al 6000 series alloy.

Aluminum alloys 7000 series are alloyed with zinc. Zinc is the primary alloying agent for this series, and when magnesium is added in a smaller amount, the result is a heat-treatable, very high strength alloy.  Other elements such as copper and chromium may also be added in small quantities. The most commonly known alloys are Al 7050 and Al 7075.

Aluminum alloys 8000 series are alloyed with other elements which are not covered by other series.

Heat-Treatable Alloys: 2000 series, 6000 series, 7000 series.

https://www.aluminum.org/resources/industry-standards/aluminum-alloys-101

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluminium_alloy