What Is 1070 Pure Aluminum?
1070 aluminum is a high-purity wrought aluminum alloy containing a minimum of 99.70% aluminum. It belongs to the 1xxx series, which is characterized by high aluminum content, excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, good corrosion resistance, and high ductility.
The main reason to select 1070 is its combination of high purity, conductivity, and formability, rather than high mechanical strength. At approximately 20°C, the electrical conductivity of high-purity 1070 aluminum can be around 60–62% IACS, depending on the applicable specification, temper, and impurity level. Its thermal conductivity is typically around 230–235 W/(m·K).
Compared with 5xxx and 6xxx series aluminum alloys, 1070 has lower strength but generally offers better conductivity and ductility. It is therefore suitable for applications where electrical or thermal performance is more important than structural strength.
Core Properties of 1070 Aluminum
Electrical and Thermal Conductivity
High aluminum purity gives 1070 excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. It can be used for electrical conductors, heat-transfer components, reflective materials, and other applications where efficient heat or current transfer is required. Actual conductivity should be verified against the applicable material standard rather than assumed from the alloy designation alone.
Formability
1070 is highly ductile, particularly in the O temper. It can be rolled, bent, stamped, drawn, and formed into relatively complex shapes with suitable tooling. Ultra-thin material down to approximately 0.01 mm (10 μm) can be produced in foil-grade applications, although this should not be treated as the normal thickness range for conventional aluminum sheet or coil.
Corrosion Resistance
The aluminum surface naturally develops a thin oxide film that provides good resistance to atmospheric corrosion. 1070 performs well in many dry and mildly humid environments, but it is not normally selected for severe chemical exposure or demanding marine environments when stronger corrosion-resistant alloys are available.
Low Density and Non-Magnetic Characteristics
The density of 1070 aluminum is approximately 2.70 g/cm³, making it significantly lighter than steel and copper. Aluminum is also non-ferromagnetic, which makes 1070 suitable for various electrical and electronic applications.
For food-contact applications, 1070 aluminum may be used when the complete finished product, coating, lubricant, manufacturing process, and applicable regulatory requirements meet the relevant food-contact regulations. The alloy designation alone does not guarantee food-contact compliance.
Typical Mechanical Properties of 1070 Aluminum
| Temper | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Typical Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| O | Approx. 75–100 | Approx. 25–40 | 30–40+ | Around 60–62% IACS |
| H14 | Approx. 100–125 | Approx. 85–105 | 8–15 | Around 60% IACS |
| H18 | Approx. 140–170 | Approx. 125–155 | 3–8 | Around 59–61% IACS |
These values are representative ranges, not universal guaranteed values. Actual mechanical properties depend on product thickness, testing direction, manufacturing route, temper definition, and the applicable standard. The purchase specification and mill test certificate should be used for guaranteed values.
Typical Dimensions of 1070 Aluminum
1070 aluminum can be supplied as sheet, coil, strip, plate, and foil depending on the manufacturing process.
| Parameter | Typical Commercial Range |
|---|---|
| Sheet and coil thickness | Approx. 0.2–3.0 mm |
| Foil-grade thickness | Approximately 0.01–0.20 mm |
| Width | Approx. 100–2000+ mm |
| Common coil ID | 508 mm or 610 mm |
| Surface | Mill finish, polished, anodized, coated or laminated |
Actual dimensions depend on mill capability, alloy condition, order quantity, and customer requirements. For thin-gauge material, flatness and edge quality should be agreed in advance.
Common standards for rolled 1070 aluminum may include ASTM B209, EN 485, and GB/T 3880, depending on the market and product form. The exact standard should be specified on the purchase order.
Main Applications of 1070 Aluminum
- Electrical and electronics: 1070 can be used for conductive components, electrical strips, heat sinks, and selected conductor applications where high conductivity is required. Other electrical-grade alloys, such as 1350, may be preferred for specific conductor standards.
- Heat exchangers and cooling: Its good thermal conductivity and formability make 1070 suitable for fins, heat-transfer components, refrigeration parts, and other thermal-management applications.
- Packaging: High-purity aluminum can be used for foil, flexible packaging, containers, and other products when the required forming, barrier, and regulatory specifications are satisfied.
- Decorative applications: Smooth 1070 sheet and strip can be used for reflective surfaces, signage, decorative components, and selected anodized products.
- Industrial fabrication: Applications include liners, lightweight formed components, laboratory equipment, and components for non-aggressive environments.
1070 is not normally the first choice for structural solar-panel frames; 6xxx-series extrusion alloys such as 6063 are more commonly selected for that purpose.
Fabrication and Handling
1070 O temper provides the best formability, while H14 and H18 provide higher strength but reduced ductility. Minimum bending radius should be confirmed according to thickness, temper, grain direction, tooling, and forming method rather than applying one fixed bend-radius rule to every product.
During handling, soft slings, suitable lifting equipment, and protective packaging should be used to prevent scratches and dents. Aluminum coils should be stored in a clean, dry environment free from condensation and rapid temperature changes. Protective film should remain in place until fabrication when appropriate.
For welding, filler selection depends on the joint design and service requirements. ER1100 may be considered when maintaining a high-purity aluminum composition is important, while other fillers may be selected when higher weld strength or different metallurgical characteristics are required.
Quality Assurance
For each shipment, manufacturers can provide a material test certificate confirming chemical composition and mechanical properties according to the agreed specification. Quality inspection may include chemical composition analysis, tensile testing, thickness and dimensional inspection, surface inspection, and conductivity testing where required.
For special orders, customers can specify alloy, temper, thickness, width, coil weight, surface finish, packaging, and inspection requirements. Independent third-party inspection can also be arranged when required.
The key advantage of 1070 aluminum is its high purity, conductivity, ductility, and low density. When high structural strength is not the primary requirement, it can provide an efficient material solution for electrical, thermal, packaging, and formed industrial applications.
