Aluminum

Aluminum Grades and Forms: Properties, Applications, and Success Factors

2024 Aluminum Bar/Plate/Sheet

Properties:
Known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent fatigue resistance, 2024 aluminum is primarily alloyed with copper. It exhibits superior machinability but limited corrosion resistance without additional surface treatments.

Applications:
In bar form, it is used for aerospace components like wing spars and aircraft fittings. Plates are employed in structural parts for automotive and aerospace tooling, while sheets are ideal for skins of aircraft and racing vehicles.

Success Factors:
Its fatigue resistance and ability to withstand stress cycles make 2024 aluminum a key material for applications requiring high performance under mechanical strain.

7075 Aluminum Bar/Plate/Sheet

Properties:
Among the strongest aluminum alloys, 7075 aluminum is alloyed with zinc and offers excellent corrosion resistance and strength. It has good machinability but is less suitable for welding.

Applications:
Bars are used in aerospace for load-bearing structures and military-grade equipment. Plates are employed for tooling, mold making, and structural reinforcements, while sheets are popular in aerospace skins, high-performance bicycles, and sporting goods.

Success Factors:
Its strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance make 7075 aluminum highly effective for critical, high-stress applications in aerospace, defense, and sports.

7050 Aluminum Bar/Plate/Sheet

Properties:
7050 aluminum excels in strength and corrosion resistance, especially stress-corrosion cracking resistance. It is tough, durable, and retains its mechanical properties even in thick sections.

Applications:
In bar form, it is commonly used for aerospace fittings and fasteners. Plates are integral to aircraft fuselage frames and wing skins, while sheets

find applications in structural reinforcements and components exposed to harsh environments.

Success Factors:
The alloy’s ability to resist corrosion and maintain strength in aggressive conditions ensures its success in aerospace and industrial applications.

6061 Aluminum Bar/Plate/Sheet

Properties:
Highly versatile and machinable, 6061 aluminum is alloyed with magnesium and silicon, offering moderate strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and great weldability.

Applications:
Bars are widely used in construction, pipelines, and mechanical components. Plates are employed in automotive, marine, and industrial tooling, while sheets are used for transportation infrastructure, medical equipment, and consumer products.

Success Factors:
Its versatility, ease of machining, and excellent anodizing capabilities make 6061 aluminum one of the most widely used grades in diverse industries.