Aluminum is often alloyed from different elements to change and improve its chemical or mechanical properties, and there are many combinations of alloying elements available. These are classified into a nomenclature system to aid the welder in understanding and selecting the appropriate combination. Here's what you need to know when it comes to understanding the aluminum alloy nomenclature system, including forged and cast alloy designations as well as alloy and temper designations.
Forged aluminum alloy naming system
The forged alloy system consists of a four-digit number. The first digit (Xxxx) represents the main or constant alloying elements added to the aluminum alloy, and is often used to describe aluminum alloy series, such as 1000 series, 2000 series, 3000 series, 8000 series.
Alloy Series Main Alloy Elements
1xx minimum 99.000% aluminum
2xx copper
3xx manganese
4xx silicon
5xx magnesium
6xx Magnesium and Silicon
7xx zinc
8xx other elements
