Overview of 1060 Aluminum Sheet
1060 aluminum sheet is a commercially pure aluminum product with a minimum aluminum content of 99.60 percent. It belongs to the 1xxx series and is valued for its excellent corrosion resistance, high electrical and thermal conductivity, and outstanding formability. The nearly pure composition means the material is soft and ductile, making it an ideal choice for applications that require deep forming, chemical resistance or conductive performance rather than high mechanical strength.
Chemical Composition
The composition of 1060 aluminum sheet is tightly controlled to keep impurity levels low. Aluminum is the primary component at 99.60 percent minimum, with copper limited to 0.05 percent, iron to 0.35 percent, silicon to 0.25 percent, magnesium and manganese to 0.03 percent each, titanium to 0.03 percent, vanadium to 0.05 percent and zinc to 0.05 percent. Other elements are each limited to 0.03 percent. This controlled composition ensures reliable corrosion resistance, conductivity and formability for industrial and commercial applications.
Physical Properties
1060 aluminum sheet has a density of about 2.705 g/cm3, a modulus of elasticity of 68.9 GPa and a Poisson ratio of 0.33. Its electrical conductivity is approximately 55 percent of the International Annealed Copper Standard, and its thermal conductivity is about 234 W/m-K at room temperature. The melting point is approximately 657 degrees Celsius, and the coefficient of linear thermal expansion ranges from about 21.8 to 25.5 micrometers per meter per degree Celsius depending on the temperature range.
Mechanical Properties
In the annealed condition, 1060 sheet typically shows an ultimate tensile strength of 55 to 95 MPa, a minimum yield strength of 17 MPa and an elongation at break of 15 to 25 percent. The hardness is approximately 19 HB under standard test conditions. Because 1060 is a non-heat-treatable alloy, strength is developed only through cold working, and common tempers include H12, H14, H16 and H18, which progressively increase strength while reducing ductility.
Processing Characteristics
1060 aluminum sheet offers excellent cold and hot workability and can be formed using standard commercial techniques. It can be welded with conventional methods, and a 1060 filler rod is often used when matching composition is required, although resistance welding may need trials. The alloy cannot be hardened by heat treatment, but annealing is possible after cold work. Machinability is fair to poor in soft tempers and improves in cold-worked tempers, so lubricants are recommended for machining operations.
Typical Applications
Because of its high corrosion resistance, conductivity and formability, 1060 aluminum sheet is used in chemical equipment manufacturing, railroad tank cars, electrical components and transformer windings, food and beverage packaging, and architectural panels and decorative surfaces. For applications that demand light weight, easy forming and good welding characteristics, 1060 sheet remains a reliable and cost-effective material choice.
FAQ
What is the minimum aluminum content of 1060 sheet?
It is 99.60 percent, making 1060 one of the purest commercial aluminum grades.
Can 1060 aluminum sheet be heat treated?
No, 1060 is non-heat-treatable. Strength is increased only by cold working, which produces H-tempers such as H14 and H18.
What is the electrical conductivity of 1060 aluminum?
It is approximately 55 percent IACS, which makes it suitable for electrical components and transformer windings.
What tempers are available for 1060 sheet?
Common tempers include O, H12, H14, H16 and H18, with higher numbers indicating greater cold-worked strength.
Is 1060 aluminum sheet easy to weld?
Yes, it can be welded with standard methods, and a 1060 filler rod is typically used to match the base composition.