Chemical composition of Japanese Transformation Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
Aluminum and its alloys are widely used in many engineering applications due to their beneficial properties. Heat treatable aluminum alloys, known as transformation aluminum alloys, are popular in the Japanese market. These alloys offer strength, ductility and superior surface finish to the manufacturers and fabricators. With their optimum combination of mechanical, physical and chemical properties, these alloys are ideal for use in demanding applications in certain industrial sectors.
Aluminum alloys used in Japan are classified based on their chemical composition. The major alloying elements in these alloys include magnesium and silicon. They have a wide range of applications, from aerospace to automotive and even electrical wiring. Another type of aluminum alloy used in the Japanese market is the heat-stable aluminum alloy. This alloy contains various elements such as zinc, magnesium and other hardening elements. Moreover, these alloys provide very good corrosion resistance, strength and ductility.
The “Japanese Standards for Heat Treatable and Non-Heat Treatable Aluminum and Alloy Steel” (or JIS G3141, as it is commonly known) describes the chemical composition and properties of these aluminum alloys. According to this Japanese Standard, the typical chemical composition of Japanese transformation aluminum alloy is:
The magnesium content of these alloys is normally between 2.2 – 3.2%, while silicon is between 0.2 – 1.2%. The other alloying elements may include copper, zinc, tin, etc., depending on the end application. The alloying element copper is normally between 0.2 – 0.8%, while tin is between 0.2 – 0.6%. Zinc, when present, is usually between 0.2 – 0.4%. The balance of these alloys is usually aluminum and trace elements of titanium, chromium, manganese, iron, silicon, etc.
The mechanical properties of these aluminum alloys may vary depending on the grade and alloy content. These alloys may also be used in wrought, rolled or extruded forms. Depending on their chemical composition, these alloys also possess other properties such as good heat-treatability, good machinability and good weldability.
Apart from the heat-treatable aluminum alloys, there is another variety of aluminum alloys known as non-heat-treatable aluminum alloys. These alloys are usually used for applications that do not require heat-treating. They are commonly called as “non-heat-treatable aluminum alloys” or simply “non-heat-treatable alloys”. The chemical composition and mechanical properties of these alloys depend on the grade and alloy content. These alloys include copper, magnesium, manganese, silicon, etc. in addition to Aluminum (Al).
In conclusion, Japanese transformation aluminum and alloy steels are popular in the Japanese market due to their excellent properties. These alloys offer strength, ductility and superior surface finish to the manufacturers and fabricators. Apart from the heat-treatable aluminum alloys, there is another variety of aluminum alloys known as non-heat-treatable aluminum alloys which are used for applications that do not require heat-treating. Depending on the grade and alloy content, these alloys may have different properties.
