Over one hundred years have passed since its earliest industrialization to the present, there are many different available alloys and each is indicated for specific uses. Profall, a leading aluminum processing company, can guide you through choosing the best alloy for your needs.
- Each process has its aluminum alloy
- Where are the best aluminum alloys used?
- What are the special alloys of aluminum?
- What is the best alloy for your project? Find out with Profall
Each process has its aluminum alloy
What makes aluminum so versatile? Almost all metals are soluble in aluminum, meaning that its limited mechanical characteristics (aluminum created through an electrolytic process, used above all in the decorative sector due to its high purity level) can be overcome and improved significantly through the addition of alloy elements, also used in combination with one another to form complex alloys.
These operations can correct, change or improve some properties of aluminum, such as, for example, facilitating processing, conductibility and various types of resistance. Every alloy has different characteristics, but those used mainly for extrusion can be grouped into three macro categories:
Series 1000 alloys
The first aluminum alloys are those of the 1000 series, formed by almost pure aluminum, in percentages starting from a minimum of 99.5%. These have high corrosion resistance, excellent electrical and thermal conductibility and are easy to process. They have very low quality in terms of mechanical characteristics.
Series 3000 alloys
The second category of aluminum alloys are those in the 3000 series, in which the primary alloy element is Manganese. This aluminum alloy has improved mechanical resistance in combination with high corrosion resistance, rendering aluminum from this series widely used in the automotive and heat exchanger sectors.
In addition, aluminum from the 3000 series is also used for coatings, coverings and equipment for the chemical and food sectors, containers for foods and beverage cans.
Series 6000 alloys
Alloys containing combinations of silica, manganese and magnesium are the 6000 series alloys, also known by the commercial name Anticorodal®, and are heat-treated alloys. They have good mechanical characteristics, can be machined, welded and processed. These alloys are very useful for welded structures in general, and they are usually used to obtain extruded products, with magnesium and manganese kept under 1.5% in weight.
These aluminum alloys are used for the most part for custom-designed extrusions and all mechanically processed components.
| Series | Main composition | Main characteristics | Common Uses |
| 1000 |
Almost pure aluminum (min. 99.5%) | High corrosion resistance, excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, good workability, low mechanical properties |
Chemical industry, electronics, furniture |
| 3000 |
Manganese as the main alloying element | Improved mechanical strength, high corrosion resistance |
Automotive sector, heat exchangers, coatings, coverings, chemical and food industries |
| 6000 |
Combinations of Silicon, Manganese, and Magnesium | Good mechanical properties, easy to machine, weldable, workable | Welded structures, extruded products |
Where are the best aluminum alloys used?
When discussing aluminum alloys, it is essential to consider the specific needs of each industrial sector, as material performance can vary significantly depending on chemical composition and mechanical properties. In the field of alloys aluminum processing, understanding the unique characteristics of each series is critical to identifying the right solution for each application.
The 1000 series, composed of nearly pure aluminum (minimum 99.5%), is ideal for applications that require high electrical and thermal conductivity, along with excellent corrosion resistance. These features make it well-suited for the electronics industry, chemical processing, and furniture design, thanks to its clean appearance and ease of fabrication.
The 3000 series, alloyed with manganese, is known for its strong mechanical properties and long-term durability. It is widely used in the automotive sector to produce lightweight yet robust parts such as panels and cladding. It is also common in heat exchangers, HVAC tubing, roofing, and the food industry, where corrosion resistance and hygiene are essential.
The 6000 series is among the most versatile and widely appreciated in the market. Thanks to its combination of silicon and magnesium, it provides an excellent balance of strength, weldability, and extrudability. It is a key choice in structural aluminum applications and is extensively used for extruded profiles, mechanical frameworks, and construction components.
What are special aluminum alloys?
In the field of alloys aluminum processing, special aluminum alloys are developed by combining aluminum with select elements to achieve enhanced performance over conventional grades. These materials are typically grouped into the 7000 and 8000 series, each designed to meet specific technical and environmental demands.
Key alloying elements include:
- Nickel (Ni): enhances high-temperature resistance, making these alloys ideal for components exposed to thermal stress.
- Chromium (Cr): added in moderate amounts to improve mechanical properties like toughness and fatigue resistance, crucial for structural applications under cyclic stress.
- Iron (Fe): typically considered an impurity, but in certain alloys, it increases mechanical strength, beneficial in industrial contexts where durability is paramount.
These high-performance materials are widely used in sectors where alloys aluminum processing supports the creation of components capable of withstanding extreme thermal or mechanical conditions, such as aerospace, automotive, and heavy-duty industrial applications.
What is the best alloy for your project? Find out with Profall
Profall produces its aluminum extrusions using alloys that can be defined as "light soft" alloys, in particular:
- 1050
- 1070
- 3003
- 3103
- 3004
- 6060
- 6063
- 6005
Contact us now for a personalized consultation and let Profall guide you toward the best choice to maximize the effectiveness and success of your work.
Contact Profall and find out which aluminum alloy is best for your project!
