There are many reasons to choose aluminum extrusions for your project. And once you’ve decided on using aluminum, it’s time to choose the appropriate aluminum alloy.

There are different factors to consider when deciding on the alloy. You need to determine your requirements for:

  • Workability
  • Weldability
  • Machinability
  • Corrosion Resistance
  • Heat Treatability, and
  • Strength

Armed with your requirements, you can choose your alloy from an appropriate alloy series.

Here are 5 different series of aluminum alloys and their attributes

For each series, you can see how its alloys perform in different areas. You can also see some common applications.

2000 series – Alloyed primarily with copper

Workability: Good

Weldability: Poor

Machinability: Good

Corrosion Resistance: Poor

Heat Treatable: Yes

Strength: High

2000 series alloys are commonly used in aircraft, machined components, and sporting goods. These alloys are also used in missiles and space vehicles.

3000 series – Alloyed primarily with Manganese

Workability: Very Good

Weldability: Very Good

Machinability: Good

Corrosion Resistance: Good

Heat Treating: No

Strength: Medium

3000 series alloys are very widely used. They are common in building and architecture. They are also used in home, recreational and commercial products.

5000 series – Alloyed primarily with Magnesium

Workability: Very Good

Weldability: Good

Machinability: Fair

Corrosion Resistance: Very Good

Heat Treating: No

Strength: Medium

5000 series alloys are often used for automotive applications. They are also used in building and architecture. They are good for maritime applications because of their corrosion resistance.

6000 series – Alloyed primarily with Magnesium and silicon

Workability: Good

Weldability: Good

Machinability: Good

Corrosion Resistance: Good

Heat Treating: Yes

Strength: Medium

6000 series alloys have a wide variety of uses. Their uses include automotive, architecture, machined components, ladders and office furniture. The alloys are also used in aircraft, missiles and space vehicles.

The 6000 series also finishes very well. Finishes can be added to provide extra protection or enhance appearance.

7000 series – Alloyed primarily with Zinc

Workability: Poor

Weldability: Poor

Machinability: Fair

Corrosion Resistance: Average

Heat Treating: Yes

Strength: High

7000 series alloys are high in strength. They have aircraft and military applications. They are also often used in sporting goods, road barriers and signs.

How to Get the Aluminum Extrusions You Need From Gabrian

At Gabrian we have the largest aluminum extrusions plant in India. We pride ourselves on high quality extrusions, competitive prices and on-time delivery.

Our customer list includes companies like Honeywell, Siemens and GE.

Learn more about our aluminum extrusion capabilities.

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