Non-heat-treatable aluminium alloys

1050/1080/1200 – this is commercially pure aluminium, highly resistant to chemical attack and weathering. It is malleable, but also the weakest aluminium. It is excellent for chemical processing equipment and other uses where product purity is paramount, and also for metal pressings of all types, where ductility is critical.

1350 – The electrical quality alloy is not usually found in the rolled form, normally rolled to particular requirements.

3003/3103 – this is stronger than 1200 with the same quality of formability. It has excellent corrosion resistance and weldability. Typically used for storage tanks, chemical equipment, brazing applications, van bodies and cryogenic uses. For higher strength, 5251 or 5052 are perfect.

5005 – Specified for anodised applications to match with 6063 extrusions. Anodised coating is clearer and lighter than 3003/3103 in severe drawing applications. It is used in decorative, architectural and consumer products.

5052/5251/5754 – Forms easily in the intermediate tempers. Has very good corrosion resistance and weldability. Better salt water corrosion resistance than 1200. Typically used for pressure vessels, tanks, fittings or applications involving forming or welding. Where strength

is higher, 3003 is needed, including houseboat hulls, pontoon boats and van bodies. 5052 (2.5% Mag) is often used in North America; 5251 (2% Mag) is largely a ‘UK only’ standard; whereas 5754 (3% Mag) is the European standard in this range.

5083 – Stronger than either of the above aluminium alloys. For high strength welded applications with outstanding joint strength such as rail wagons, marine components, bridges, stationary cryogenic vessels and overhead cranes. Excellent weldability and corrosion resistance. Static welded strength is second only to 5754 and 5083 is superior to 5754 in energy absorption. Restricted to temperatures below 150ºF = 65.5ºC. The widest range of plate from stock.

5086 – Excellent for welded structures – ship hulls and superstructures, road tankers, pressure vessels, movable and stationary cryogenic vessels and structures requiring a high rate of energy absorption. Restricted to temperatures below 150º F = 65.5ºC. More commonly used in the USA.

5154 – Similar to 5083 which has largely superseded it. Mainly used by the MOD and naval applications.

5454 – Suitable for all types of welded structures. ASME Code approved for temperatures up to 400º F = 204.4ºC. It can be utilised for hot asphalt road tankers, dump bodies, pressure vessels and marine structures.