Aluminum Grades and Uses
Aluminum is one of the most versatile metals used in modern manufacturing. Its lightweight properties, corrosion resistance, and formability make it ideal across industries — from aerospace and automotive to construction and electronics. To meet the specific requirements of each application, aluminum is classified into a series of standardized grades, each beginning with a number that indicates its principal alloying element and typical characteristics.
At AMSpec Inc., we specialize in high-precision aluminum alloy tubing and profiles, offering tailored solutions using the full spectrum of aluminum grades. Below is a guide to help you understand the differences between these grades and where they’re most commonly applied.
1xxx Series – Commercially Pure Aluminum
Primary alloying element: ≥99% aluminum
Key properties: Excellent corrosion resistance, high thermal and electrical conductivity, superior workability
Common uses: Electrical conductors, chemical equipment, food and beverage containers
The 1xxx series offers the highest level of aluminum purity, making it ideal for applications that require excellent conductivity or corrosion resistance. However, due to its relatively low strength, it’s not used for structural purposes.
2xxx Series – Aluminum-Copper Alloys
Primary alloying element: Copper
Key properties: High strength, good machinability, lower corrosion resistance
Common uses: Aerospace structures, automotive frames, aircraft skins
The 2xxx series is known for its exceptional strength, especially in the T3 and T8 tempers. It is commonly used in aerospace where high performance under load is critical. Alloys like 2024 strike a balance between fatigue resistance and structural integrity.
3xxx Series – Aluminum-Manganese Alloys
Primary alloying element: Manganese
Key properties: Good corrosion resistance, moderate strength, excellent formability
Common uses: Roofing sheets, cookware, transportation panels
This series is non-heat-treatable but work-hardenable. It offers good weldability and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for non-structural parts.
4xxx Series – Aluminum-Silicon Alloys
Primary alloying element: Silicon
Key properties: High wear resistance, low thermal expansion, good corrosion resistance
Common uses: Engine blocks, heat exchangers, architectural finishes
The 4xxx series is often used in automotive and thermal control systems. With its darker anodized appearance and thermal stability, it is also common in decorative or cladding applications.
5xxx Series – Aluminum-Magnesium Alloys
Primary alloying element: Magnesium
Key properties: Excellent corrosion resistance, good weldability, high strength-to-weight ratio
Common uses: Marine applications, pressure vessels, transportation structures
The 5xxx series is one of the most widely used non-heat-treatable alloy families. Known for its saltwater corrosion resistance and good mechanical properties, it’s often used in shipbuilding, tankers, and structural panels.
6xxx Series – Aluminum-Magnesium-Silicon Alloys
Primary alloying elements: Magnesium and Silicon
Key properties: Good strength, excellent corrosion resistance, heat-treatable, good extrudability
Common uses: Bicycle frames, structural profiles, automotive components
The 6xxx series—especially 6061 and 6082—is one of the most versatile families of aluminum alloys. It can be heat-treated to improve strength while maintaining good corrosion resistance and machinability.
7xxx Series – Aluminum-Zinc Alloys
Primary alloying elements: Zinc (with magnesium and copper)
Key properties: Very high strength, heat-treatable, reduced corrosion resistance
Common uses: Aerospace structures, high-performance sporting goods, military equipment.
Alloys such as 7075 and 7050 are among the strongest in the aluminum family. Used in critical aerospace components and performance parts which mechanical performance cannot be compromised, 7xxx series alloys are typically processed in overaged tempers (T73, T76) to enhance stress corrosion resistance.
Finding the Right Alloy for Your Application
Selecting the correct aluminum grade is not only about strength—it’s about matching the alloy’s properties to your specific application environment, processing needs, and regulatory standards. Whether it’s corrosion resistance in marine environments or fatigue strength for aerospace, each series brings unique advantages.
At AMSpec, we manufacture aluminum tubes and profiles across a wide range of grades, offering in-house extrusion, cold drawing, heat treatment, and surface finishing.
Let’s turn your specifications into performance-driven solutions.
