How To Tell Grade Of Aluminum Sheet

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How to tell grade of aluminum sheet. One might get a good start on structural aluminum if one could just make the major classifications in which case one might be able to use a fairly crude qualitative approach. In the case of unknown steel grade we can based on the physical and chemical properties of the steel with the help of simple tools to determine if it is stainless steel and what kind of stainless steel it is. This is common to see in sheet metal form and it s malleable stuff. Cast aluminum alloys and wrought aluminum alloys.

A letter representing temper follows the first four digits to indicate if the material is supplied already work hardened h or heat treated t or annealed o at the mill. Aluminum is a common metal used for both industrial and non industrial applications. Observing the color of the item after picking process. This also means the grade features good formability and weldability.

Although the absolute minimum aluminum content in this group is 99 the minimum for certain grades is higher than 99 and the last two digits represent the hundredths of a per cent over 99. Cast alloys of aluminum are those which contain 22 alloying elements by composition whereas wrought aluminum alloys contain 4. The last two digits indicate specific minimum aluminum content. Like with any grade it starts with the makeup of the metal.

Grade 1050 aluminium has the lowest strength of all the commercial grades of aluminium. 1000 series 99 aluminum 2000 series 3 7 copper 3000 series 1 manganese 4000 series 4 5 to 6 silicon 5000 series 2 to 6 magnesium 6000 series about 1 of silicon iron and magnesium. Its major alloying elements are magnesium 1 0 and silicon 0 6. 1050h14 is an extremely ductile grade of aluminium and therefore it is most commonly used by fabricators and sheet metal workers who will bend and form the sheet into a requested shape.

This makes it highly resistant to corrosion stress and cracking. Annealing works fine for complicated and deep forming but to form simpler stuff it s unlikely that you ll need it. It is most commonly available in h14 temper which in technical terms is classed as half hard. If your project does not have any physical or structural demands and the aesthetics are not important then almost any aluminum grade will do the job.

This is one of the most common kinds of aluminum especially 6061 and it anneals. Aluminum alloys can be broadly separated into two categories. 6xxx magnesium silicon alloy. 7000 series 1 to 7 zinc 8000 series up to 2 5 lithium.

Use the quick reference chart at the end of this article to quickly and easily find the aluminum grade that is right for you. Typical end use applications.