Heat-treatable Aluminium Alloys

2014/2024 – High strength aluminium alloys with excellent machinability; widely used in aircraft. Both have limited formability and only satisfactory corrosion resistance in the heat treated condition. Not recommended for fusion welding. Used for high strength parts in aircraft and machinery, including gears and bolts and for security vans where strength is critical.

6082/6061 – Widely used structural alloys for light to medium strength applications. Combine good formability, weldability, corrosion resistance and strength after heat treatment. Since they lose appreciable strength when welded, the 5000 series alloys replace them in some marine applications. Availability of bars, shapes, tubing and pipe in the same alloy helps make this a popular selection. 6082 is the most common heat treated plate from stock. 6061 is more commonly used in the USA.

7020 – A good machining quality alloy mainly used in Europe in place of 6082.

7075 – A very high strength aircraft alloy. Good machinability and hardness. Not suitable for welding or corrosion resistance.