Aluminum & Aluminum Alloys

Aluminum Alloy 5056:

Commonly referred to as Alclad 5056, this alloy possesses moderate to high strength, is non-heat-treatable and has good welding characteristics. Care must be taken when cold working above 66°C to avoid stress corrosion. 5056 aluminum has good corrosion resistance in marine atmospheres largely due to its high purity aluminum outer cladding which usually measures 20% total thickness per side. Magnesium is the major alloying element. Applications include cable sheathing and wire screens.

Aluminum Alloy 6061:

Alclad 6061 is one of the most versatile of the heat-treatable aluminum alloys. 6061 aluminum's combination of high strength, corrosion resistance and good formability make it attractive for use in a wide variety of mechanical applications. Silicon and magnesium are alloyed in approximate proportion forming magnesium silicide making 6061 heat-treatable. High purity aluminum cladding averages 5% of thickness per side.

Properties of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys:

	Alloy Chemical Composition Ultimate Tensile Strength (PSI) Electrical Conductivity Electrical Resistance Density Specific Gravity Melting Point 1100 .12 Cu, 99 Al min. 13,000 59 18 2.71 23.6 645° 1350 99.5 Al min. 13,000 61.8 17 2.7 23.8 648° 1199 99.996 Al min. 6,800 64.9 15 2.7 23.6 660° 5056 .12Mn, 5Mg, 12Cr 42,000 29 36 2.64 24.1 605° 6061 .6Si, .28Cu, 1Mg 17,000 47 22 2.7 23.6 617°