Placing a large aluminum metals order can be a daunting process if you are not sure what characteristics to consider before you buy. Aluminum, like many metals, comes in a variety of grades, and knowing a bit about the product will help you to make a good decision. Here are four questions to ask before you purchase aluminum for your next project:
- Do you need the aluminum to be formable? Aluminum alloys can be worked and shaped, provided that you purchase the correct alloy. The lower the alloy number, the more workability that the aluminum will have. Choosing an alloy like 7075 will not give you formability if you need to shape the final product.
- Do you need to weld the aluminum product? If the final use for your aluminum includes it being welded into place or onto another metal, then using the right alloy is important. Alloys 1100 and 3003 both have excellent weldability, while 2011, 2024 and 7075 offer poor welding options and should be avoided.
- Does your aluminum project require corrosion resistance? Aluminum is widely used in marine applications and some of the alloys do offer an ability to resist damage from exposure to both saltwater and fresh water. Alloys 1100, 5052 and 6061 offer high levels of corrosion resistance. In fact, alloy 5052 is the choice for most marine manufacturers.
- What level of strength do you need?Some aluminum alloys have high mechanical strengths and some do not. Alloy 2011, 2024 and 7075 provide the highest level of aluminum strength for projects that require it.
Let the experts at Vortex Metals help you to choose just the right aluminum for your next project. Contact us today!