1xxx Series: Pure Aluminum
The 1xxx series contains more than 99.00 percent aluminum, with good electrical conductivity, good corrosion resistance, good welding performance, low strength, and no capacity for heat treatment strengthening. Because it does not contain other technical elements, the production process is relatively simple and the price is relatively cheap. High-purity aluminum of more than 99.9 percent is mainly used in scientific experiments, the chemical industry, and special purposes. Common grades are 1050, 1060, 1070, and 1100, serving electrical conductors, heat sinks, food packaging, and reflectors.
2xxx Series: Aluminum-Copper Alloys
The 2xxx series contains copper as the main alloying element, typically 3 to 5 percent, with manganese, magnesium, lead, and bismuth added for machinability. Grade 2011 is a free-machining alloy for screws and fittings, with attention to safety protection during smelting because harmful gases are produced. Grade 2014 is used in the aerospace industry with high strength and can be heat treated and strengthened. Grade 2017 is slightly less strong than 2014 but easier to machine and serves industries with higher operating temperatures. The main disadvantage of the series is a serious tendency to intergranular corrosion, limiting its use in corrosive environments without protection.
3xxx Series: Aluminum-Manganese Alloys
The 3xxx series uses manganese as the main alloying element at about 1.0 to 1.5 percent, giving a good rust-proof function. Grades 3003 and 3004 serve cooking utensils, aluminum cans, building interior and exterior material, chemical equipment, and mobile phone housings, with about 20 percent higher strength than the 1100 series and easy welding and brazing.
5xxx Series: Aluminum-Magnesium Alloys
The 5xxx series uses magnesium at 3 to 5 percent, with low density, high tensile strength, and high elongation. Grades 5052, 5005, 5083, and 5754 serve ship boards, heatproof apparatus, building material, electronic tool parts, and automobile components, with excellent corrosion resistance and weldability.
6xxx Series: Aluminum-Magnesium-Silicon Alloys
The 6xxx series combines magnesium and silicon, is heat treatable, and serves structural profiles, doors, windows, and industrial sections. Grades 6061 and 6063 balance strength, extrudability, and surface quality.
7xxx Series: Aluminum-Zinc Alloys
The 7xxx series with zinc, magnesium, and copper provides the highest strength for aerospace and defense, with grades such as 7075 and 7050.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the 1xxx series?
A: Pure aluminum with 99 percent or more aluminum, for conductivity and corrosion resistance.
Q: What is the main alloying element of the 2xxx series?
A: Copper, at about 3 to 5 percent.
Q: What is the disadvantage of 2xxx alloys?
A: A serious tendency to intergranular corrosion.
Q: Which series is best for cans?
A: The 3xxx series, such as 3003 and 3004.
Q: Which series has the highest strength?
A: The 7xxx series.
Q: Which series is heat treatable?
A: The 2xxx, 6xxx, and 7xxx series.
For aluminum products across series, contact our sales team.