Metal Alloys
Alloy Home
Aluminum Alloys
General Information
Properties
Temper
Al Alloy Types
Cast Alloys
Wrought Alloys
Al Alloy List
Wrought:
   AA 1xxx
   AA 2xxx
   AA 3xxx
   AA 4xxx
   AA 5xxx
   AA 6xxx
   AA 7xxx
Cast:
   2xx.0 or x2xx.0
   3xx.0 or x3xx.0
   4xx.0 or x4xx.0
   5xx.0 or x5xx.0
   7xx.0
   8xx.0
Resources
Bibliography
Metal 3D Printing Design Guide

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) 3D printing for parts with reduced cost and little waste.

3D Scanners

A white paper to assist in the evaluation of 3D scanning hardware solutions.

Selecting the Right 3D Printer

Discover how to choose the right 3D printer for your needs and the key performance attributes to consider.

STEM Career Outlook

Wages, employment opportunities, and growth projections for STEM jobs.

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General Information
Aluminum is a silverish white metal that has a strong resistance to corrosion and like gold, is rather malleable. It is a relatively light metal compared to metals such as steel, nickel, brass, and copper with a specific gravity of 2.7. Aluminum is easily machinable and can have a wide variety of surface finishes. It also has good electrical and thermal conductivities and is highly reflective to heat and light.
Characteristics
At extremely high temperatures (200-250°C) aluminum alloys tend to lose some of their strength. However, at subzero temperatures, their strength increases while retaining their ductility, making aluminum an extremely useful low-temperature alloy.

Aluminum alloys have a strong resistance to corrosion which is a result of an oxide skin that forms as a result of reactions with the atmosphere. This corrosive skin protects aluminum from most chemicals, weathering conditions, and even many acids, however alkaline substances are known to penetrate the protective skin and corrode the metal.

Aluminum also has a rather high electrical conductivity, making it useful as a conductor. Copper is the more widely used conductor, having a conductivity of approximately 161% that of aluminum. Aluminum connectors have a tendency to become loosened after repeated usage leading to arcing and fire, which requires extra precaution and special design when using aluminum wiring in buildings.

Aluminum is a very versatile metal and can be cast in any form known. It can be rolled, stamped, drawn, spun, roll-formed, hammered and forged. The metal can be extruded into a variety of shapes, and can be turned, milled, and bored in the machining process. Aluminum can riveted, welded, brazed, or resin bonded. For most applications, aluminum needs no protective coating as it can be finished to look good, however it is often anodized to improve color and strength.

Glossary
Metal 3D Printing Design Guide

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) 3D printing for parts with reduced cost and little waste.

3D Scanners

A white paper to assist in the evaluation of 3D scanning hardware solutions.

Selecting the Right 3D Printer

Discover how to choose the right 3D printer for your needs and the key performance attributes to consider.

STEM Career Outlook

Wages, employment opportunities, and growth projections for STEM jobs.