What Are Wrought Aluminum Alloys
Wrought aluminum alloys, also called deformed aluminum alloys, are shaped by rolling, extrusion, drawing, or forging rather than casting. They are classified by the International Alloy Designation System into eight series according to the principal alloying element: 1xxx pure aluminum, 2xxx copper, 3xxx manganese, 4xxx silicon, 5xxx magnesium, 6xxx magnesium-silicon, 7xxx zinc, and 8xxx other elements.
Non-Heat-Treatable Alloys
The 1xxx, 3xxx, 4xxx, and 5xxx series are strengthened primarily by cold working, since their alloying elements have limited solubility. Their strength comes from strain hardening with H tempers, and they offer excellent formability, weldability, and corrosion resistance. The 5xxx Al-Mg alloys are particularly valued for marine and welded service.
Heat-Treatable Alloys
The 2xxx, 6xxx, and 7xxx series can be strengthened by solution heat treatment and aging to the T tempers, developing high strength through precipitation hardening. The 2xxx Al-Cu alloys serve aerospace structures, the 6xxx Al-Mg-Si alloys serve structural profiles and machining, and the 7xxx Al-Zn alloys provide the highest strength for aerospace and defense components.
Selection Guidance
Select by the required strength, formability, corrosion resistance, weldability, and machinability of the application, then choose the series and temper that meet those requirements at acceptable cost. Verify the applicable standard such as ASTM B209 for sheet and plate or ASTM B221 for extruded products.
Product Forms
Wrought alloys are supplied as plate, sheet, strip, foil, extruded profiles, tubes, bars, wire, and forgings. The form and temper are defined together in the product designation, such as 6061-T6 plate or 5052-H32 sheet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are wrought aluminum alloys?
A: Alloys shaped by rolling, extrusion, drawing, or forging, classified into eight series.
Q: Which series are non-heat-treatable?
A: 1xxx, 3xxx, 4xxx, and 5xxx, strengthened by cold working.
Q: Which series are heat treatable?
A: 2xxx, 6xxx, and 7xxx.
Q: What does the temper designate?
A: The processing condition: O annealed, H strain hardened, T heat treated.
Q: Which series has the highest strength?
A: The 7xxx Al-Zn series.
Q: Which series is best for marine?
A: The 5xxx Al-Mg series.
For wrought aluminum alloy products across series, contact our sales team.