ASTM B221 1050 Aluminum Flat Bar
1050 Aluminum Flat Bar is a commercially pure aluminum rectangular bar with excellent corrosion resistance, high electrical conductivity, good thermal conductivity, excellent formability and clean surface quality. It is widely used in electrical busbars, conductive components, decorative parts, heat transfer parts, signage, chemical equipment, precision instruments and general fabrication.
SAKY STEEL supplies 1050 aluminum flat bars, 1050 aluminum rectangular bars, 1050 aluminum strips, 1050 aluminum bus bars and cut-to-length aluminum flat stock in customized thickness, width, length, temper and surface finish. MTC (Mill Test Certificate), EN 10204 3.1 certificate, dimensional inspection, chemical analysis and third-party inspection can be provided according to project requirements.
Product Parameters
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | 1050 Aluminum Flat Bar / 1050 Aluminum Rectangular Bar / Pure Aluminum Flat Stock |
| Grade | 1050 / AA1050 / EN AW-1050A / Al99.5 |
| Material Type | Commercially pure aluminum / 1000 series aluminum alloy |
| Shape & Sizes | Flat bar, rectangular bar, strip, bus bar, cut bar; customized thickness and width available |
| Common Thickness | 2 mm – 100 mm, customized thickness available according to drawing |
| Common Width | 10 mm – 300 mm, special width and slit width available |
| Length | 1000 mm – 6000 mm, cut-to-length available according to customer requirement |
| Temper | O, H12, H14, H16, H18, H24 or customer-specified temper |
| Surface Finish | Mill finish, brushed, polished, bright, anodized, protective film available |
| Standards | ASTM B221, EN 573, EN 485, GB/T 3190, GB/T 3880 or customer specification |
| Tolerance | Standard tolerance or customized thickness, width, length and straightness tolerance |
| Certificate | MTC, EN 10204 3.1 certificate, dimensional inspection report and third-party inspection available |
Chemical Composition
The following chemical composition is a typical reference range for 1050 aluminum flat bar. Final chemical values should be confirmed according to the actual Mill Test Certificate.
| Element | Content (%) | Function / Control Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | ≥ 99.50 | Main element providing high purity, conductivity and corrosion resistance |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.40 | Controlled impurity affecting formability and surface quality |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.25 | Controlled impurity affecting processing and conductivity |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.05 | Controlled for corrosion resistance and electrical performance |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 0.05 | Controlled residual element |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ≤ 0.05 | Controlled residual element |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤ 0.05 | Controlled residual element |
| Titanium (Ti) | ≤ 0.03 | Controlled grain-refining related element |
| Other Elements | Each ≤ 0.03, Total ≤ 0.10 | Controlled impurities for stable quality |
Mechanical Properties
1050 aluminum flat bar is selected mainly for corrosion resistance, conductivity and formability rather than high strength. Mechanical properties vary depending on temper, thickness, cold working and final processing condition.
| Property | Typical Reference Value | Engineering Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Material Type | Commercially pure aluminum | Excellent corrosion resistance, conductivity and workability |
| Tensile Strength | Approx. 60 – 145 MPa | Depends on temper; higher strength in hard temper |
| Yield Strength | Approx. 20 – 120 MPa | Depends on temper and cold working condition |
| Elongation | Approx. 3% – 35% | Higher ductility in O temper, lower ductility in hard temper |
| Density | Approx. 2.71 g/cm³ | Lightweight material suitable for fabrication and transport |
| Electrical Conductivity | High, typically around 61% IACS | Suitable for busbars, conductive strips and electrical parts |
| Thermal Conductivity | High | Suitable for heat transfer and thermal management components |
| Heat Treatability | Non-heat-treatable | Strength is mainly improved by cold working, not precipitation hardening |
Common Size Table
| Thickness × Width | Typical Length | Surface Finish | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 × 10 mm – 5 × 50 mm | 1000 – 3000 mm | Mill finish, bright, polished | Small conductive parts, decorative strips, instrument components |
| 6 × 20 mm – 10 × 100 mm | 2000 – 6000 mm | Mill finish, brushed, protective film | Electrical busbars, brackets, machine parts, fabrication strips |
| 12 × 30 mm – 25 × 150 mm | 3000 – 6000 mm | Mill finish, polished, anodized | Conductive bus bars, heat transfer parts, chemical equipment parts |
| 30 × 50 mm – 50 × 200 mm | Cut-to-length | Mill finish, saw cut, machined | Machined aluminum components, supports and custom parts |
| Above 50 mm thickness | Customized | Machined, milled, ground | Special industrial components and project fabrication |
Different Specifications Comparison
| Product Form / Grade | Main Feature | Recommended Application | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1050 Aluminum Flat Bar | High purity, high conductivity and excellent corrosion resistance | Electrical busbars, conductive strips, decorative parts | Recommended when conductivity and formability are important |
| 1050 Aluminum Rectangular Bar | Good machining allowance and stable flat shape | Machined parts, brackets, instrument parts | Recommended for cut-to-size and CNC applications |
| 1050 Aluminum Bus Bar | High electrical conductivity and light weight | Electrical panels, switchgear, power distribution | Recommended for conductive applications with moderate strength demand |
| 1050 vs 1060 Aluminum | Both are high-purity 1000 series aluminum | Electrical and general industrial use | Choose according to required purity, conductivity and availability |
| 1050 vs 6061 Aluminum | 1050 has better conductivity; 6061 has higher strength | 1050 for busbars; 6061 for structural parts | Choose 6061 if strength and machining performance are more important |
| 1050 vs 5052 Aluminum | 1050 has higher conductivity; 5052 has better strength and marine resistance | 1050 for electrical parts; 5052 for marine sheet parts | Choose according to conductivity, strength and service environment |
Equivalent Standards and International Names
| Standard / Name | Designation | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| AA / Aluminum Association | 1050 | Common 1000 series commercially pure aluminum grade |
| European Designation | EN AW-1050A | Common European aluminum grade designation |
| EN Chemical Name | Al99.5 | Indicates aluminum purity around 99.5% |
| UNS Number | A91050 | Common UNS reference for 1050 aluminum |
| Chinese Grade | 1050 / L3 Reference | Common industrial reference in China aluminum supply |
| Product Standard | ASTM B221 / EN 573 / EN 485 | Common standards for aluminum bars, composition and wrought products |
| Product Family | 1000 Series Aluminum | Non-heat-treatable commercially pure aluminum series |
| Common Product Forms | Flat bar, round bar, sheet, plate, strip, coil | Different forms for electrical, decorative and industrial fabrication |
Production Process Flow
| Step | Process | Quality Control Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raw Material Selection | Check aluminum grade, purity, heat number and raw material traceability |
| 2 | Melting / Casting | Control aluminum purity, impurity elements and billet quality |
| 3 | Homogenization | Improve billet structure and processing consistency |
| 4 | Hot Rolling / Extrusion / Drawing | Control flat bar size, thickness, width and surface quality |
| 5 | Cold Working / Straightening | Adjust temper, straightness and dimensional accuracy |
| 6 | Annealing if Required | Provide O temper or improve formability for bending and fabrication |
| 7 | Cutting / Slitting | Meet customer thickness, width and cut-to-length requirements |
| 8 | Surface Finishing | Mill finish, brushing, polishing, anodizing or protective film if required |
| 9 | Inspection and Testing | Chemical analysis, dimension inspection, surface inspection and conductivity test if required |
| 10 | Packaging and Shipment | Protective wrapping, wooden pallet or case, label, heat number and shipping mark |
Product Inspection
| Inspection Item | Inspection Method | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Spectrometer analysis / laboratory test | Confirm 1050 aluminum grade and aluminum purity |
| Dimensional Inspection | Caliper, micrometer, ruler and thickness gauge | Confirm thickness, width, length, tolerance and straightness |
| Surface Inspection | Visual inspection and surface quality check | Check scratches, dents, oxidation, stains and surface defects |
| Mechanical Test | Tensile strength, yield strength and elongation if required | Verify mechanical performance according to order requirement |
| Conductivity Test | Electrical conductivity test if required | Support busbar, conductive strip and electrical applications |
| Temper Verification | Hardness or mechanical property verification | Confirm O, H14, H18 or customer-required temper |
| Third-Party Inspection | SGS, BV, TUV or customer-appointed inspection | Provide independent verification for project orders |
| Certificate | MTC / EN 10204 3.1 / inspection report | Ensure material traceability and project documentation |
Product Packaging
| Packaging Item | Details | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Protection | Plastic film, paper interlayer, protective film or PE wrapping | Protects aluminum surface from scratches and stains |
| Bundle Packing | Flat bars bundled with protective belts or plastic straps | Prevents movement, bending and collision |
| Wooden Case / Wooden Pallet | Export-standard wooden pallet or wooden case | Suitable for long-distance sea, air and truck shipment |
| Edge Protection | Corner protection and edge protection available if required | Reduces edge damage during loading and unloading |
| Labeling | Grade, size, temper, heat number, quantity, net weight and customer mark | Improves material traceability after delivery |
| Document Support | Packing list, invoice, MTC, EN 10204 3.1 certificate and inspection report if required | Supports customs clearance and project acceptance |
Applications & Machinability
Applications
| Industry | Typical Parts | Why 1050 Aluminum Flat Bar Is Used |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Instruments | Instrument brackets, non-load-bearing fixtures, light structural parts, clean surface components | Light weight, good formability and clean surface quality support precision non-implant assemblies |
| Aerospace | Non-structural brackets, conductive strips, lightweight panels and instrument parts | High conductivity and low density are useful for non-critical and electrical applications |
| Marine Hardware | Decorative strips, light fittings, brackets and non-structural marine components | Good corrosion resistance in general environments; marine-grade 5052 or 5083 may be preferred for seawater exposure |
| Chemical Processing | Chemical equipment parts, tank accessories, heat transfer parts and general fabrication | Excellent corrosion resistance to many atmospheres and chemicals makes 1050 suitable for selected chemical equipment |
| Electrical & Electronics | Busbars, conductive strips, terminals, electrical panels and power distribution components | High electrical conductivity and good thermal conductivity make 1050 ideal for conductive applications |
| Architecture & Decoration | Decorative strips, signage, frames, trim bars and polished aluminum parts | Good surface finish, corrosion resistance and easy forming support decorative applications |
Machinability, Welding and Heat Treatment
| Processing Property | Performance | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Machinability | Machinable, but softer and more gummy than free-cutting alloys; not like 303 stainless steel | Use sharp tools, proper cutting speed and suitable coolant or lubricant to improve surface quality |
| Formability | Excellent, especially in O temper and soft conditions | Recommended for bending, forming, stamping and light fabrication |
| Welding Performance | Excellent weldability with suitable aluminum welding process | Use proper filler metal and cleaning to avoid oxide-related welding defects |
| Heat Treatment | Not heat-treatable by precipitation hardening | Strength is controlled mainly by cold working and temper selection |
| Anodizing | Good anodizing response due to high purity | Suitable for decorative and corrosion-resistant surface treatment |
| Cutting / Sawing | Easy to cut, slit and saw | Use proper clamping to avoid burrs, deformation and surface scratches |
Why Choose SAKY STEEL?
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Professional Aluminum Supply | SAKY STEEL supplies aluminum flat bars, aluminum round bars, aluminum plates, sheets, strips and customized aluminum materials for electrical, industrial, marine, chemical and fabrication applications. |
| Customized Size Capability | Thickness, width, length, temper, surface finish, cutting service and machining allowance can be customized according to customer drawings or project requirements. |
| Strict Quality Control | Material traceability, heat number control, chemical analysis, dimensional inspection, surface inspection, conductivity test and third-party inspection can be arranged. |
| Certificate Support | We can provide MTC (Mill Test Certificate / 质保书), EN 10204 3.1 certificate, inspection report, conductivity report and other quality documents according to order requirements. |
| Export Packaging Experience | Export wooden cases, wooden pallets, protective wrapping, paper interlayer, edge protection and clear labels help ensure safe delivery for international shipments. |
| Technical Service Support | Our team can support grade selection, equivalent standard checking, temper confirmation, conductivity requirement review and technical document preparation before shipment. |
FAQ
Q1: What is 1050 Aluminum Flat Bar?
1050 Aluminum Flat Bar is a commercially pure aluminum rectangular bar with aluminum purity of about 99.5%. It offers excellent corrosion resistance, high electrical conductivity, good thermal conductivity, excellent formability and good surface quality.
Q2: What is 1050 aluminum flat bar used for?
1050 aluminum flat bar is used for electrical busbars, conductive strips, terminals, decorative bars, chemical equipment parts, heat transfer parts, signage, brackets, light fabrication and precision instrument components.
Q3: Is 1050 aluminum suitable for electrical busbars?
Yes. 1050 aluminum has high electrical conductivity and is commonly used for aluminum busbars, conductive strips, switchgear components and power distribution parts where moderate strength is acceptable.
Q4: Is 1050 aluminum heat treatable?
No. 1050 aluminum is a non-heat-treatable aluminum grade. Its strength is mainly controlled by cold working and temper selection such as O, H12, H14, H16 and H18.
Q5: Can 1050 aluminum flat bar be welded?
Yes. 1050 aluminum has excellent weldability when proper aluminum welding procedures, cleaning and suitable filler metal are used. Surface oxide should be removed before welding.
Q6: Is 1050 aluminum easy to machine?
1050 aluminum is machinable, but it is softer than many structural aluminum alloys and may be gummy during cutting. Sharp tools, proper speed, lubrication and good clamping are recommended.
Q7: What is the difference between 1050 and 6061 aluminum flat bar?
1050 aluminum has higher purity, better conductivity and better formability, while 6061 aluminum has much higher strength and better general machining performance. Choose 1050 for conductivity and 6061 for structural strength.
Q8: Can SAKY STEEL provide 1050 Aluminum Flat Bar with MTC?
Yes. SAKY STEEL can provide MTC (Mill Test Certificate / 质保书), EN 10204 3.1 certificate, dimensional inspection report, chemical analysis report, conductivity report and third-party inspection documents according to customer requirements.
Q9: What sizes of 1050 Aluminum Flat Bar are available?
Common thickness ranges from 2 mm to 100 mm, and common width ranges from 10 mm to 300 mm. Length, surface finish, temper and cut-to-size dimensions can be customized according to project requirements.
Q10: How can I get a quotation for 1050 Aluminum Flat Bar?
Please send your required grade, thickness, width, length, quantity, temper, surface finish, tolerance, conductivity requirement and certificate requirements to SAKY STEEL. Our team will check availability, production route, delivery time and price for your project.
