01-23-2018, 09:35 AM
Aluminum is the second most commonly used metal after steel. Common engineering applications of aluminum include aerospace, automotive, buildings, and soda and beer cans. Aluminum has some unique properties: it is very light compared to steel, it has very good electrical and thermal conductivity, and it does not rust like steel if left in air. However, pure aluminum is soft. So, strengthening aluminum is required in order to use it for engineering structures.
This article explains about the different families of aluminum alloys and the metallurgical mechanisms for strengthening aluminum alloys.
Families of Aluminum Alloys
There are several families of wrought aluminum alloys. Each family is based on specific major alloying elements added to the aluminum. These alloying elements have a large influence on the properties. The different families of alloys and the major alloying elements are
1xxx: no alloying elements
2xxx: Copper
3xxx: Manganese
4xxx: Silicon
5xxx: Magnesium
6xxx: Magnesium and silicon
7xxx: Zinc, magnesium, and copper
The first number in the alloy designation indicates …
This article explains about the different families of aluminum alloys and the metallurgical mechanisms for strengthening aluminum alloys.
Families of Aluminum Alloys
There are several families of wrought aluminum alloys. Each family is based on specific major alloying elements added to the aluminum. These alloying elements have a large influence on the properties. The different families of alloys and the major alloying elements are
1xxx: no alloying elements
2xxx: Copper
3xxx: Manganese
4xxx: Silicon
5xxx: Magnesium
6xxx: Magnesium and silicon
7xxx: Zinc, magnesium, and copper
The first number in the alloy designation indicates …