Aluminum alloys are identified by a four-digit number, followed by a suffix consisting of a letter and numeral identifying treatment. The suffix “T”, for example, indicates heat treatment, and “T0” means fully annealed.
The first digit of the four-digit number classifies the alloys by the principal alloying element:
| 1 | the alloy is at least 99% aluminum by weight. |
| 2 | copper |
| 3 | manganese |
| 4 | silicon |
| 5 | magnesium |
| 6 | magnesium and silicon |
| 7 | zinc |
| 8 | none of the above |
A decimal point between the third and fourth digits indicates a casting alloy.
Some examples with typical uses:
| Alloy | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 1350 | electrical conductors |
| 2219 | rocket fuel tanks (strong when cold) |
| 3003 | cooking utensils |
| 3004 | beverage can bodies |
| 5182 | beverage can tops |
| 6061 | trailers, trucks |
| 390.0 | automobile engines (cylinder blocks) |
| home | | | tools index| | search| | your comments  | | | about| | help| |
Copyright © 2000 Sizes, Inc. All rights reserved.
Last revised: 28 December 2007.