Introduction:
The unique combination of properties provided by aluminum and its alloys makes it one of the most versatile, economical, and attractive metallic materials for various uses. Aluminum is best known for its lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and appealing appearance. Its good electrical and thermal conductivity, high reflectivity, and non-sparking characteristics are also important. Pure aluminum is soft with only moderate strength, so most aluminum applications involve alloys. Adding alloying constituents greatly increases both strength and hardness. In this article, we will focus on the 1000 series aluminum; revealing its properties, uses, and comparison with 6061.
What is 1000 Series Aluminum
1000 series aluminum is a non-heat treatable wrought alloy; meaning it depends upon the hardening effects of elements such as manganese, magnesium, silicon, and iron, used in combination or singly. These alloys can be further strengthened only by cold working. The 1000 series contains a minimum of 99% aluminum with no major alloying elements.
The most common type is A91100, which is commercially pure aluminum. It is soft and very ductile, with excellent workability. It is well suited for applications involving severe forming, as it work-hardens more slowly during forming. Above all, it is the most weldable of all aluminum alloys.
Knowing the common physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of it will help you know which one suits your needs.
Properties of 1000 Series Aluminum
The 1000 series alloys are characterized by excellent corrosion resistance and due to lower mechanical properties, excellent ductility. The high aluminum content provides high thermal and electrical conductivity.
Chemical Properties
| Grade | Aluminum | Si(%) | Fe(%) | Cu(%) | Mn(%) | Mg(%) | Ze(%) |
| 1050 | 99.50 | 0.25 | 0.40 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.07 |
| 1100 | 99.00 | 0.95 Si + Fe | 0.05+0.20 | 0.03 | 0.05 | 0.10 | |
| 1200 | 99.00 | 1.00 Si + Fe | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.10 | |
| 1350 | 99.50 | 0.25 | 0.40 | 0.02 | —- | 0.05 | 0.05 |
Other Usable Features
| Grade | Strength | Corrosion resistance | Weldability | Anodizing |
| 1050 | Sufficient | Very good | Very good | Very good |
| 1100 | Sufficient | Good | Very good | Very good |
| 1200 | Sufficient | Good | Very good | Very good |
| 1350 | Sufficient | Very good | Very good | Very good |
Tempers and Forms
These alloys can be cold-worked to various tempers. Some tempers include; H12, H14, H16, H18, H19, H22, H24, H26 and H28.
Apart from its various tempers, 1000 series aluminum comes in different forms; profile, round, flat, and square.
Specifications:
O Temper Sheet: AMS QQ-A-250/1, ASTM B 209, AMS 4001
H-14 Temper Sheet: AMS QQ-A-250/1, ASTM B 209, AMS 4003.
Also, 1000 series aluminum sheets have a typical thickness of 0.20-0.40mm, width of 750-1500mm, and length of 500-2500mm. If you need 1000 series aluminum sheets, plates, or rods, we have the ideal grade or temper for your needs.
Distinct Mechanical Properties
1xxx series aluminum has distinct properties that make it ideal for diverse applications. To best understand these properties, we will specify the properties of some tempers.
| Temper | 0.2% Proof Stress Mpa (min) | Tensile Strength (Mpa) | Elongation (%) |
| 0 (annealed) | 25 | 75-105 | 15-26 |
| H12 | 75 | 95-130 | 3-10 |
| H14 | 95 | 110-145 | 1-8 |
| H24 | 95 | 110 Max | 1-8 |
The distinctive properties of it account for why it is a very versatile material.
Uses of 1000 Series Aluminum
As mentioned earlier, aluminum’s unique properties make it a versatile material used across multiple industries. Here are some applications of 1000 series aluminum.
- Chemical Equipment
- Decorative Parts
- Cooking Utensils
- Heat exchanger fins
- Sheet metal work
- Electrical Conductors
- Coil Windings
- Power transmission systems
Difference Between 1000 Series Aluminum and 6061
Like the 1000 series aluminum, 6061 is also considered a versatile grade. However, there are some differences between both.
Composition
The 1000 series aluminum contains about 99% aluminum with no major alloys. Conversely, 6061 contains 97% aluminum with alloying elements like magnesium, silicon, copper, and chromium.
Mechanical Properties
| Property | 1000 Series | 6061 |
| Elongation at break, (%) | 1.1-32 | 3.4-20 |
| Fatigue strength, MPA | 32-71 | 58-110 |
| Shear strength, MPA | 54-95 | 84-210 |
| Tensile strength | 86-170 | 130-410 |
Electrical Properties
| Property | 1000 Series | 6061 |
| Electrical Conductivity: Equal Volume, % IACS | 59 | 43 |
| Electrical Conductivity: Equal Weight (Specific), % IACS | 190 | 140 |
General Properties
The 1000 series aluminum has excellent corrosion resistance, high thermal and electrical conductivity, and low mechanical properties. 6061 has medium to high strength, good weldability, and machinability. It’s often used in high-stress applications, such as automotive parts.
Uses
The 1000 series is used for heat exchangers, kitchen equipment, decorative parts, and power transmission systems. 6061 is used where appearance, better corrosion resistance with good strength are required, for instance, in mechanical processes such as machining, and structural components.
Heat Reaction
The 1XXX series aluminum alloys form part of the non-heat treatable wrought alloys. As such, it depends on the hardening effects of elements such as manganese, magnesium, silicon, and iron. On the contrary, 6061 is a heat-treatable alloy. As such, its initial strength is heightened by adding elements such as copper, zinc, silicon, and magnesium, used singly or in combination. Also, it may be further strengthened by a suitable thermal treatment.
Conclusion
The 1000 series aluminum is an economical, and attractive metallic material used worldwide. It can be used in kitchen equipment and its electrical properties make it suitable for electrical conductors and heat exchangers. Compared to 6061, it falls short of the impressive mechanical properties of 6061. Nevertheless, one area where it outperforms 6061 is its electrical properties.
Therefore, if you intend to buy aluminum for any electrical purposes, the 1000 series is perfect. It is also versatile and affordable, hence could cover your other needs.
