Type of Aluminium Material

Aluminium is one of the most versatile and widely used metals in the world. Its unique combination of properties — lightweight, corrosion resistance, strength, and ease of fabrication — makes it indispensable in countless industries. However, not all aluminium materials are the same. There are many different types of aluminium materials, each tailored for specific purposes through alloying, tempering, and forming processes.

In this SEO article, we will explore the different types of aluminium materials, including their classifications, properties, common uses, and how to choose the right type for your project. Whether you are in aerospace, construction, marine, or manufacturing, understanding the various aluminium types is essential to achieving optimal results. At SASAALUMINUM, we offer a wide range of high-quality aluminium products to meet your industry-specific needs and performance standards.

What Defines the Type of Aluminium Material?

Aluminium materials are classified based on several key factors:

• Alloying elements (e.g., copper, magnesium, silicon, zinc)

• Series (1xxx to 8xxx) defined by the Aluminum Association

• Temper designations (e.g., O, H14, T6)

• Form (e.g., sheet, plate, coil, bar, rod, tube)

Understanding these categories allows engineers and manufacturers to select the most suitable aluminium material for strength, corrosion resistance, workability, or other specific requirements.

1. Wrought Aluminium vs. Cast Aluminium

Aluminium materials are primarily divided into two broad categories based on how they are processed:

Wrought Aluminium

Wrought aluminium is mechanically worked by rolling, extrusion, or forging. It has better mechanical properties and finer grain structure than cast aluminium. Wrought aluminium alloys are classified by a four-digit number system and are the most commonly used in industries.

Examples: 6061, 7075, 5052, 2024

Cast Aluminium

Cast aluminium is poured into molds and solidified. It is suitable for complex shapes and parts that don’t require high mechanical strength. Cast alloys are identified with a four-digit number followed by a decimal point (e.g., 356.0).

Examples: A356.0, 319.0, 443.0

2. Aluminium Alloy Series (1xxx–8xxx)

The Aluminum Association classifies aluminium alloys into eight series. Each series has distinct characteristics based on its primary alloying element.

1xxx Series – Pure Aluminium (99% or higher)

• Examples: 1050, 1060, 1100

• Properties: Excellent corrosion resistance, high thermal and electrical conductivity, soft and ductile

• Applications: Electrical conductors, chemical equipment, food processing, decorative items

2xxx Series – Aluminium-Copper Alloys

• Examples: 2024, 2011, 2618

• Properties: High strength, excellent fatigue resistance, poor corrosion resistance

• Applications: Aerospace structures, automotive parts, military components

3xxx Series – Aluminium-Manganese Alloys

• Examples: 3003, 3105

• Properties: Good corrosion resistance, excellent workability, moderate strength

• Applications: Roofing, siding, cookware, storage tanks, traffic signs

4xxx Series – Aluminium-Silicon Alloys

• Examples: 4045, 4032

• Properties: Wear resistance, low expansion, good machinability

• Applications: Automotive engine components, heat exchangers, cladding materials

5xxx Series – Aluminium-Magnesium Alloys

• Examples: 5052, 5083, 5005

• Properties: Excellent corrosion resistance, good weldability, high strength

• Applications: Marine equipment, pressure vessels, transportation, architecture

6xxx Series – Aluminium-Magnesium-Silicon Alloys

• Examples: 6061, 6063, 6082

• Properties: Medium to high strength, corrosion resistance, great extrudability

• Applications: Structural components, bridges, bicycle frames, piping

7xxx Series – Aluminium-Zinc Alloys

• Examples: 7075, 7475

• Properties: Extremely high strength, limited corrosion resistance

• Applications: Aircraft parts, aerospace structures, defense, sporting goods

8xxx Series – Miscellaneous Alloys

• Examples: 8011 (foil), 8021

• Properties: Special-purpose alloys, good formability

• Applications: Packaging foil, battery casing, heat insulation

3. Aluminium Tempers and Strength Levels

Each aluminium alloy can be treated to achieve different temper conditions that alter mechanical properties such as hardness and strength.

Common Tempers Include:

• O (Annealed): Softest condition, maximum ductility

• H (Strain Hardened): Cold worked to increase strength

• T (Heat Treated): Solution heat-treated and artificially aged

Example:

• 6061-O: Soft, formable

• 6061-T6: Heat-treated, strong, commonly used in structural applications

Selecting the correct temper is essential to achieving the required performance for forming, welding, machining, or load-bearing applications.

4. Forms of Aluminium Material

Aluminium comes in many forms to suit a variety of manufacturing processes and applications:

Sheet and Plate

• Thin flat pieces of aluminium

• Used in aerospace, automotive body panels, architectural cladding

Coil

• Rolled aluminium sheets

• Ideal for roofing, gutters, insulation, packaging

Bar and Rod

• Solid round, square, or rectangular sections

• Used in structural frameworks, machine parts, shafts

Tube and Pipe

• Hollow cylindrical aluminium

• Used in automotive frames, marine railings, furniture, heat exchangers

Foil

• Extremely thin sheet

• Used in packaging, insulation, cooking, electronics

5. Aerospace-Grade Aluminium Alloys

Aluminium is crucial in aerospace due to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio. The most commonly used aerospace alloys include:

• 2024: High strength, good fatigue resistance

• 6061: Versatile, corrosion-resistant

• 7075: Exceptional strength, used in aircraft fuselages and wings

These alloys are selected based on their performance under high stress, vibration, and extreme environmental conditions.

6. Marine-Grade Aluminium Alloys

For marine applications, corrosion resistance is vital. Common marine-grade aluminium alloys include:

• 5052: Excellent resistance to saltwater

• 5083: High strength, used in hulls and decks

• 5456: Resistant to marine atmospheric corrosion

Alloys in the 5xxx series are the most widely used in shipbuilding, offshore platforms, and boat manufacturing.

7. Food-Grade Aluminium Materials

Aluminium is safe for food contact and widely used in the food processing and packaging industries. Common food-grade alloys include:

• 1100: Non-toxic, highly workable

• 3003: Used in cookware, utensils, food storage tanks

• 8011: Common for foil wrapping and beverage containers

At SASAALUMINUM, we ensure all food-grade aluminium meets FDA and hygiene requirements for global use.

8. Industrial and Construction Aluminium

In construction and general industrial use, aluminium offers strength, corrosion resistance, and ease of fabrication. Popular alloys:

• 6061: Used in frames, structures, and scaffolding

• 6063: Ideal for window frames and architectural trim

• 3004: Used in siding and roofing

These types of aluminium materials are essential for infrastructure, equipment enclosures, and building systems.

How to Choose the Right Type of Aluminium Material

Choosing the right aluminium material depends on several factors:

• Strength requirements

• Corrosion environment

• Forming and fabrication needs

• Weldability or machinability

• Cost and availability

• Certifications (e.g., ASTM, EN, ISO)

Working with an experienced supplier like SASAALUMINUM ensures you get the right alloy and temper for your project, supported by technical data and expert advice.

Conclusion

Understanding the types of aluminium materials is essential for making informed decisions in design, engineering, and manufacturing. Whether you need corrosion-resistant sheet metal for marine use, aerospace-grade round bars, or high-conductivity foil for electronics, aluminium offers a solution tailored to your specific needs.

At SASAALUMINUM, we provide a comprehensive range of aluminium products — from pure grades to high-strength alloys — in various forms and tempers. Our commitment to quality and service makes us the trusted partner for industries worldwide.

Contact us today to discover how our aluminium materials can support your projects with performance, precision, and durability.