When it comes to aluminum grades, 1050 aluminum stands out as one of the purest and most widely used materials in the commercial aluminum family. Known for its exceptional corrosion resistance, high electrical and thermal conductivity, and excellent workability, 1050 aluminum is favored in industries ranging from electrical engineering to chemical processing and food packaging.
But what exactly is 1050 aluminum? What makes it different from other aluminum alloys? In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore what 1050 grade aluminum is, including its chemical composition, physical properties, advantages, limitations, applications, and how it compares with other grades.
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What Is 1050 Aluminum?
1050 aluminum is a commercially pure aluminum alloy that belongs to the 1xxx series. It contains 99.5% minimum aluminum content, making it highly ductile and corrosion-resistant. Due to its softness and excellent formability, it is used in applications where strength is not the primary concern, but where electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and fabrication ease are essential.
Chemical Composition of 1050 Aluminum
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | 99.5 min |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.25 max |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.40 max |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.05 max |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.05 max |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.05 max |
| Zinc (Zn) | 0.05 max |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0.03 max |
Because of its high aluminum content, 1050 is classified as a non-heat-treatable alloy and is instead strengthened by cold working (strain hardening).
Key Properties of 1050 Aluminum
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.71 g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength (O temper) | ~85 MPa |
| Yield Strength (O temper) | ~34 MPa |
| Elongation | ~35% |
| Electrical Conductivity | ~61% IACS |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~237 W/m·K |
| Melting Point | ~643°C |
| Hardness (Brinell) | ~20 HB |
These values can vary depending on the temper, thickness, and processing method.
Common Tempers of 1050 Aluminum
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1050-O: Fully annealed and softest temper
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1050-H14: Half-hard, strain-hardened
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1050-H24: Strain-hardened and partially annealed
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1050-H18: Full-hard condition
sasaaluminum supplies 1050 aluminum in all standard tempers, depending on formability, strength, or machining requirements.
Advantages of 1050 Aluminum
1. Excellent Corrosion Resistance
Resists attack in both marine and industrial environments, including chemical exposure.
2. High Electrical Conductivity
Often used in electrical bus bars, conductors, and transformers where conductivity is critical.
3. Superior Thermal Conductivity
Ideal for heat sinks, heat exchangers, and radiators due to efficient thermal transfer.
4. Outstanding Workability
Easily formed, bent, drawn, and stamped—perfect for deep-drawing applications.
5. High Reflectivity
Reflects both light and heat, suitable for lighting fixtures, insulation, and reflectors.
6. Non-Toxic and Food-Safe
Complies with food-grade standards, widely used in cookware and food processing machinery.
sasaaluminum provides food-safe 1050 aluminum with compliance to EU and FDA hygiene standards.
Limitations of 1050 Aluminum
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Low Strength
Not suitable for structural or load-bearing applications. -
Not Heat Treatable
Strength enhancement is limited to cold working. -
Lower Machinability
Softer nature makes it more challenging to machine cleanly compared to harder alloys like 6061. -
Wear Resistance
Poor resistance to abrasion and mechanical wear.
Common Applications of 1050 Aluminum
| Industry | Application Examples |
|---|---|
| Electrical | Bus bars, transformer windings, terminal strips |
| Food & Beverage | Cooking utensils, food containers, tanks |
| HVAC & Heat Transfer | Heat exchangers, evaporator coils, ducting |
| Lighting | Reflectors, lamp housings |
| Packaging | Foil, bottle caps, closures |
| Chemical Processing | Storage tanks, chemical piping |
| Architectural | Cladding, decorative panels |
Because of its formability, 1050 is often the first choice for spinning, stamping, and cold forming.
Comparison: 1050 vs Other Aluminum Grades
| Property/Feature | 1050 | 1060 | 1100 | 5052 | 6061 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purity (%) | 99.5 | 99.6 | 99.0 | ~97.0 | ~97.9 |
| Strength | Low | Low | Low | Medium | High |
| Workability | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Very Good | Moderate |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Electrical Conductivity | Very High | Very High | High | Medium | Low |
| Heat Treatable | No | No | No | No | Yes |
1050 is best when formability and conductivity are top priorities, while 5052 or 6061 should be selected for more strength-demanding tasks.
Form Availability of 1050 Aluminum
sasaaluminum supplies 1050 in the following forms:
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Sheets and plates
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Coils and strips
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Foil
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Tubes and pipes
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Rods and bars
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Circles (for cookware)
All products are available in mill finish or with anodized, polished, or coated surfaces.
Surface Treatments and Finishes
1050 aluminum accepts various surface treatments:
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Anodizing: Enhances corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal
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Polishing: Improves reflectivity for decorative and lighting uses
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Coating: Suitable for color painting and weather protection
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Embossing: Common in decorative panels and anti-slip applications
sasaaluminum offers custom finishing services for 1050 sheets, foils, and coils to meet diverse industrial needs.
Sustainability and Recycling
1050 aluminum is 100% recyclable with no loss in properties. Its high purity ensures:
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Low melting energy
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Reduced environmental impact
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High post-consumer recycling value
sasaaluminum supports environmentally responsible sourcing and offers recycled-content aluminum products on request.
Certifications and Standards
1050 aluminum conforms to multiple international standards:
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ASTM B209: Aluminum and aluminum-alloy sheet and plate
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EN 573-3: Chemical composition
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EN 485-2: Mechanical properties
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RoHS / REACH compliant
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ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 certified production
Test certificates and full traceability are provided by sasaaluminum with every order.
Conclusion
1050 grade aluminum is one of the purest forms of aluminum commercially available, offering unmatched conductivity, formability, and corrosion resistance. While it lacks the strength of structural alloys, its outstanding fabrication characteristics make it indispensable in electrical, thermal, packaging, and chemical processing industries.
If your application demands a highly workable, corrosion-resistant, and electrically conductive material, 1050 aluminum is the perfect choice. At sasaaluminum, we provide a full range of 1050 aluminum products, customized to fit your size, temper, and finish requirements with fast delivery and competitive pricing.
Post time: Aug-01-2025