Expert Analysis: Comparing Properties of Aluminum Plates

During the processing of aluminum plates, various alloying elements are added to endow the plates with specific mechanical properties.

There are seven series, numbered from 2 to 8. For example, 2A21 belongs to series 2, 3003 to series 3, 5052 to series 5, and so on.

(1) The 1000 series, like the 1060, is pure aluminum, with aluminum being the main component, reaching more than 99% purity.

(2) The 2000 series mainly contains copper as an alloying element. Copper content can reach 2%-5% or more depending on the application.

The hardness of the 2000 series is significantly higher than other grades, and because of its common use in the aerospace industry, it is also known as aviation aluminum.

Its limited domestic use and higher cost resulted in fewer factories producing this series, with the 5052 series often replacing it.

(3) The 3000 series mainly contains manganese as an alloying element, with a manganese content between 2-5%.

Representative types of this series include 3003 and 3A21 aluminum plates.

A key feature of the 3000 series is its rust-resistant properties, making it ideal for humid environments such as air conditioning and refrigeration. It is also more economical compared to other alloy plates.

(4) The 4000 series, containing silicon as an alloying element, is not widely used.

(5) The 5000 series is the representative series of aluminum alloy plates, the popular types being 5052 and 5083. These are the most commonly used aluminum alloy plates domestically and internationally.

Focusing on the 5052 series, its advantages include lighter weight (density of 2.68), high tensile strength, good resistance to deformation and excellent extensibility (elongation rate of 15-30%).

This guarantees good performance in applications that require stamping and bending. Its main alloying element is magnesium, offering excellent corrosion resistance and rust prevention capabilities, surpassing the performance of the 3003 series.

The 5052 series also has excellent anodizing properties, further enhancing its chemical advantages.

Hence, it is often used in applications that require high strength and good corrosion resistance, such as aircraft fuel tanks, precision electronic components, construction materials, security doors, etc.

(6) The 6000 series is a combination of the 4000 and 5000 series, with silicon and magnesium as the main alloying elements.

The representative grade is 6061-T6 aluminum plate, which falls into the heat treatment category.

(7) The 7000 series, with 7075 as the representative grade, is similar to the 2000 series in hardness and performance. It is not commonly used and is usually replaced by the 5000 series.

(8) The 8000 series, mainly represented by 8011, is commonly used for bottle caps, but it is not very common.

Aluminum alloy plates can also be divided into cold-rolled and hot-rolled, with anodization being the main difference. Hot rolled aluminum plates can undergo anodization.

Classification of certain aluminum plates and corresponding alloy grades