Aluminium is one of the most popular materials in the world and comes in several grades to suit an array of uses. We are proud to stock several alloys at Brindley Metals. This includes the fantastic grade 7075 and 6060. If you are looking to purchase aluminium but need some help deciding which alloy is best for you, the following will give you some useful info.
There are a number of things to consider so you can ensure you choose a suitable grade of aluminium. They include:
Formability or workability
Are you planning to use mechanical deformation on the aluminium to create parts? If so you will want to choose a grade that responds well when you form and work it. Grades like 1100 and 3003 are the best here because they offer excellent formability and workability.
Weldability
Your project may involve welding the aluminium to create different products. If this is the case, you will want to choose a grade that has great weldability. Again 1100 and 3003 are excellent. The 6060 series is also good.
Machining
You may be planning to machine the aluminium to create different parts and products. If so, you will want to look at the machinability of each alloy. Overall grade 2011 is the best here. However, you need to consider what kind of temper there is. This will affect the machining. For example, 7075 is easier to machine after annealing.
Corrosion resistance
One of the general things people think about when it comes to aluminium is that it has good corrosion resistance. This characteristic can differ by alloy though. For example 2011 and 2024 have quite poor resistance. On the other hand 1100, 6061 and 5052 are excellent. The latter is popular for marine use.
Strength
Another thing most people know about aluminium is that it is a strong metal. If strength is an important factor, you may want to consider 7075 or 2024. Alloy 2011 is the best option if you want high mechanical strength.
The use
Finally you should think about the application. Different alloys are better for specific uses. For example, 7075 is very popular for aerospace applications. The 6060 series is good for things like structural and architectural use. Grades like 3003 are great for chemical equipment whereas 2011 is for general machining.
Order aluminium grade 7075 or 6060 today
Brindley Metals stocks a great selection of products, including plate, sheet, bars and more in different materials. We are a knowledgeable team and can help people to choose the perfect metal for their project. Then we can secure a reliable supply to cater for large and small projects.
If you want to learn more about 7075 or 6060 aluminium, or any other metal we offer, please contact us. We are happy to help.