1050 Aluminum Sheet Machining Characteristics

Feb 02, 2026

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1050A Aluminium plate Overview

1050A aluminium is a non-heat-treatable, unalloyed (commercially pure) aluminium grade, typically supplied in rolled sheet form. It is widely used in general engineering applications where superior mechanical strength is not essential, but consistent quality, ease of fabrication, and surface performance are required.

 

Under earlier British Standards, 1050A was known as S1B, with the half-hard temper referred to as H4, giving the designation S1B H4. Internationally, this material is recognized as EN AW-1050A H14, indicating a 99.5% pure aluminium sheet that has been strain-hardened to the half-hard condition. GNEE supplies 1050A aluminium alloy sheets in compliance with global quality and specification requirements.

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1050 Aluminum Sheet Benefits and Typical Applications

1050A aluminium is valued across multiple industries due to the following advantages:

  • Smooth surface finish with excellent anodising performance
  • Very good welding characteristics
  • Excellent cold-forming capability
  • Economical processing and fabrication
  • High ductility and reflective appearance

Common commercial applications include architectural components, general fabrication, decorative panels, industrial housings, and reflective products.

 

1050 Aluminum Sheet Machining Characteristics

Because of its high purity, 1050A aluminum is relatively soft, resulting in only fair machinability. The H14 half-hard temper improves overall hardness, but alloyed aluminium grades are generally more suitable for applications involving friction or abrasion. This grade is not free-cutting and is more often shaped through forming rather than machining.

 

1050 Aluminum Sheet Resistance

1050A aluminium provides excellent resistance to corrosion, performing reliably in standard industrial environments as well as many marine conditions. While some alloyed grades-such as 5251 (NS4)-may offer enhanced corrosion performance in specific situations, 1050A remains a dependable and cost-effective solution for most uses.

 

1050 Aluminum Sheet Surface Treatment Capabilities

This alloy demonstrates very good anodizing properties, making it suitable for both technical and decorative finishes. It also responds well to electrolytic and chemical brightening, allowing for visually appealing and functional surface treatments.

 

1050 Aluminum Sheet Welding Performance

1050A aluminium can be easily welded using MIG and TIG processes. When properly welded, joint strength can reach up to approximately 65 MPa, depending on the welding technique and workmanship. Suitable filler materials include 1050A (S-Al99.5) or 4043A (S-AlSi5) when welding to 1050A structures.

1050A aluminium plate
1050A aluminium plate

Aluminium 1050 – Scope and Uses

Aluminium 1050 is a popular choice for general sheet metal work where moderate strength, high ductility, and corrosion resistance are required. It is particularly known for its highly reflective finish.

Typical Applications

Chemical processing equipment

Pyrotechnic powder production

Lamps and lighting reflectors

Food industry containers

Cable sheathing

Architectural flashings

 

1050 Aluminum Sheet Supplied Forms

GNEE can supply aluminium 1050 / 1050 A in various forms to meet different application needs, including:

Plain sheet

Plain sheet with single-side PVC coating

Stucco embossed sheet

Stucco sheet with single-side PVC coating

In addition, GNEE offers aluminium in other commonly used product forms:

  • Aluminium Channels

Widely used in light construction and general fabrication, available in a broad range of sizes. U-sections and angles are applied in aerospace, architectural frameworks, automotive structures, and industrial systems.

  • Aluminium Plate

Designed for heavy-duty applications in aerospace, military, rail, and marine industries, offering an excellent balance of strength, low weight, and corrosion resistance.

  • Aluminium Bar

Aluminium round bars are supplied in close incremental sizes, making selection easy for precision applications. Aluminium bar products are among the most widely used aluminium forms due to their versatility.

 

1050 Aluminum Sheet Alloy Designations and Temper

Equivalent alloy designations:
AA1050A, S1B, A91050

Common temper:

H14 – Cold-worked by rolling to a half-hard condition, without subsequent annealing

 

1050 Aluminum Sheet Fabrication Properties

Solderability: Excellent

Weldability (Gas / Arc / Resistance): Excellent

Brazability: Excellent

Cold workability: Excellent

Machinability: Poor

 

1050 Aluminum Sheet Welding Filler Recommendations

1100 filler wire for welding to itself or similar alloys

5356 filler wire for welding to 5083, 5086, or 7xxx series alloys

4043 filler wire for other alloy combinations

 

Aluminum Series Comparison – Understanding Material Selection

Aluminum Series Main Characteristics Typical Uses
1xxx Series ≥99.0% Al, high conductivity, corrosion resistance Electrical, chemical, general industry
2xxx Series Copper-based, high hardness Aerospace
3xxx Series Manganese alloyed, good plasticity Roofing, packaging
5xxx Series Magnesium alloyed, strong, corrosion-resistant Marine, transport
6xxx Series Mg-Si alloyed, oxidation resistance Structural components
7xxx Series Al-Zn-Mg-Cu, very high strength Aviation, tooling

 

Mechanical Properties of 1050 Aluminum Plate (Thin Gauge)

Temper Thickness (mm) Tensile Strength (MPa) Yield Strength (MPa) Elongation (%)
O 0.2–0.5 60–100 ≥15 ≥20
H22 0.2–0.5 80–120 ≥60 ≥12
H24 0.2–0.5 95–135 ≥70 ≥6
H26 0.2–0.5 110–155 ≥75 ≥2
H18 0.2–0.5 ≥125 ≥85 ≥2

 

Technical Specifications of 1050 Aluminum Plate

Item Specification
Alloy Grade 1000–8000 Series
Typical Grade 1050 / EN AW-1050A / Aluminium 3.0255
Temper O–H112, H24, T3–T8
Thickness Range 0.13–6.5 mm
Width Range 3–2600 mm
Electrical Conductivity ≥61.5% IACS
Elongation >23%
Applications Industry, construction, decoration, packaging

 

Ready to source reliable 1050A aluminium sheets, plates, or custom forms for your next project?
Get in touch with GNEE today to receive expert support, consistent quality, and a dependable aluminium supply tailored to your requirements.

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1050 Aluminum Sheet
1050 Aluminum Sheet