Aluminium alloys are alloys made of different metallic elements mixed in predetermined proportions. Aluminium alloys come in various forms and compositions. Some of the most common alloys used for manufacturing structural components and products are 5086, 5083, 6061 and 7050.
Aluminium alloys are used in many applications, both in the commercial and industrial sector. From the automotive and aerospace industry, to the medical and food industries, aluminium alloys offer a great combination of strength, lightness, good heat and electricity conductivity, corrosion resistance and formability. Manufacturing processes such as casting, welding, heat treatment and finishing are commonly used for fabricating aluminium alloy products.
Aluminium alloy 5086 is used mostly for marine applications, including boat hulls, pressure vessels, masts, pontoon and decking components, among others. It is a non-heat treatable alloy, with a nominal composition of 5% magnesium and 0.5% manganese. Its excellent corrosion resistance qualities make it an ideal choice for use in high-salt concentration and other environments prone to corrosion.
Aluminium alloy 5083 is also a popular choice for marine applications. Its main components are 4% magnesium, 0.5% manganese and 0.25% chromium. It has excellent welding, brazing and soldering properties and is easily formed to create complex shapes. Its high strength, excellent weldability and good corrosion resistance makes it an ideal material for constructing boat hulls and pressure vessels.
Aluminium alloy 6061 is considered one of the most versatile aluminium alloys. It comes in various forms and compositions, such as 6061-O, 6061-T4, 6061-T6, and 6061-T651. Its most common use is for structural components and components requiring good corrosion resistance and excellent machinability. Its excellent machinability makes it an ideal choice for the automotive and aerospace industry, as it can be extruded, drilled and cut easily. Another advantage of the alloy is its ability to withstand extreme temperature and pressure conditions.
The final aluminium alloy, 7050, is predominantly used in the aerospace industry. It is considered one of the strongest aluminium alloy, with a nominal composition of 1.7% zinc, 3.2% magnesium, 1.3% chromium and 0.3% manganese. It offers superior strength, particularly suitable for highly stressed aircraft structures. It can also tolerate temperatures of up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Aluminium alloys are widely used all over the world, due to their excellent properties and high strength-to-weight ratios. Furthermore, due to their excellent conductivity of both heat and electricity, they are also ideal materials for constructing electrical devices. Aluminium alloys are easy to work with, which reduces the cost of manufacturing and shortens the time needed to complete a project.
