Types of Unit Weight Aluminum
There are several types of aluminum and each comes with different unit weights. Below are some of the most common types that business owners need to know.
- Aluminum 1100 — This is pure aluminum that contains 99% aluminum. It is lighter and has better workability. This aluminum is preferred in the food, chemical, and dairy industries, as well as in the manufacturing of residential siding, cooking utensils, and heat exchangers.
- Aluminum 2024 — This is a heat treatable aluminum alloy. It is lighter and has higher strength than other types of aluminum. It is mostly used in aircraft structures, military vehicles, and aerospace applications.
- Aluminum 3003 — This is a commonly used non-heat treatable alloy. It is lightweight and has excellent corrosion resistance. It is mostly used in chemical equipment, storage tanks, and residential roofing.
- Aluminum 5052 — This is a non-heat treatable alloy. It has higher strength and better workability. It is commonly used in marine environments, fuel tanks, and automotive body panels.
- Aluminum 6061 — This is a versatile, medium-strength alloy. It has good corrosion resistance and is easily fabricated. It is commonly used in structural applications, such as bridges, marine structures, and aircraft components.
- Aluminum 6063 — This is a decorative and architectural alloy. It has good extrudability and surface finish. It is mostly used in architectural applications, such as windows, doors, and skylights.
- Aluminum 7075 — This is a high-strength alloy. It is heat-treatable and has low weight. It is mostly used in aerospace applications, military aircraft, and high-stress components.
From the list above, it is clear that aluminum alloys are lighter than pure aluminum. This is because of the added elements that come with the alloy, which improve strength and reduce weight. For instance, aluminum 2024 has a unit weight of 3.5g/cm while aluminum 7075 has a unit weight of 2.81g/cm. In general, the unit weight aluminum is between 2.5 and 3 grams per cubic centimeter.
Functions and Features of Different Unit Weight Aluminum
There are several functions of different types of aluminum, including:
- Construction: As mentioned earlier, aluminum is widely used in construction. This is because it can be molded into different shapes and sizes. Also, it is corrosion-resistant, and as discussed, it is lightweight. Aluminum is used to make beams, canopies, bridges, building exteriors, containers, doors, power lines, and many more.
- Transportation: Different unit weights of aluminum are also used in the transportation industry. For instance, it is used to manufacture aircraft, trains, ships, and vehicles. This is because it is lightweight, which increases efficiency. Additionally, it is used to make power lines and transmission cables.
- Consumer Electronics: Various types of aluminum are used in consumer electronics. This includes mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and televisions. This is because it is lightweight and has a long lifespan.
- Sports equipment: Different kinds of aluminum are also used in sports equipment. These include bicycles, tennis rackets, boats, baseball bats, and many more.
- Packaging: Aluminum is used to manufacture packaging materials such as foils and cans. This is because it is lightweight and recyclable. Additionally, it is used to make disposable barbecues.
Aluminum also has many features. They include:
- Corrosion resistance: Aluminum is known to be corrosion-resistant. This is because it has a protective layer. This layer is formed naturally when aluminum reacts with oxygen.
- Ductility: This refers to the ability of a metal to be drawn into wires. Aluminum can be drawn into wires for different uses in electronics.
- Malleability: Aluminum can be made into different wires and sheets through the processes of rolling and extrusion.
- Conductivity: Aluminum can conduct electricity and heat. However, it is a better conductor of both than metal.
- Reflectivity: Aluminum can reflect light and radiation, especially infrared and heat light.
- Recyclability: Aluminum is 100% recyclable. What's more, it can be recycled several times without losing its original properties.
- Non-toxicity: Aluminum is non-toxic. It is safe and can be used in food packaging and medical applications.
Scenarios of unit weight aluminum
There are several applications for aluminum sheets. These are:
- Automobiles: Aluminum sheets are used in vehicles. They are used in the construction of hoods, trunks, doors, and body panels. This is because they are lightweight. They improve fuel efficiency. Also, they are used to enhance the performance of the automobile. Additionally, aluminum is used in the construction of chassis and engine blocks. This is because of its strength and durability.
- Aerospace: Aluminum sheets are popular in the aerospace industry. They are lightweight and strong. This makes them suitable for air travel. Aluminum is used in the construction of aircraft wings, fuselage, and stabilizers.
- Marines: Aluminum sheets are used in the construction of boats and ships. This is because they are resistant to corrosion. They are used in the construction of hulls, decks, and superstructures.
- Construction: Aluminum sheets are used in the construction industry. They are used to make roofing materials, siding, windows, and doors. They are also used to make gutters and downspouts.
- Electrical: Copper and aluminum are both used in electrical applications. However, aluminum is preferred because it is lighter and more cost-effective. It is used to manufacture power transmission lines, electrical wiring, and connectors.
- Home appliances: Aluminum sheets are used in home appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and ovens. They are used to make casings, inner drums, and cooking surfaces.
- Consumer electronics: Aluminum sheets are used in the construction of consumer electronics. These include laptops, smartphones, and tablets. They are used to make casings and heat sinks.
- Sports and recreational equipment: Aluminum sheets are used in the construction of sports and recreational equipment. They are used to make bicycles frames, tennis rackets, and canoe hulls.
- Military: Aluminum is used in military applications. This includes armored vehicles, aircraft, and naval ships. It is valued for its strength, lightweight, and corrosion resistance properties.
How to choose unit weight aluminum
There are several things that a business owner should consider when purchasing aluminum sheets in bulk. The first thing to consider is the product demand. What do customers want? Are they looking for aluminum walls, roofs, or vehicle bodies? Knowing what the market wants makes it easy to select the right product.
The next thing to consider is the price. How much does the aluminum sheet or any other product cost? Is it within the budget? Aluminum is often more affordable than other metals, but this can vary depending on the alloy and other factors. Weight and thickness also come into play because heavier or thicker sheets will cost more. When buying in bulk, it is important to consider these factors to ensure the price is right.
Another important factor to consider is the unit weight aluminum. As discussed above, different alloys have different weights. Knowing the exact weight of the aluminum will help to determine how much more or less the product will cost. It will also help to determine how much the shipment will weigh.
Finally, business owners must consider the supplier and their customer service. What do previous customers have to say about the supplier? Are they satisfied with the service? Reading reviews and testimonials goes a long way in ensuring that the supplier delivers quality products. It is also important to check the delivery time and quality of customer service.
Once a business owner finds a reliable supplier, they can place their order and wait for the delivery. Some suppliers offer discounts on bulk orders, so it is a good idea to ask before placing an order.
unit weight aluminum Q & A
Q1: What is the strongest aluminum series?
A1: 7000 series is the strongest aluminum. It has about 1% to 8% zinc, which makes it stronger than other series. Depending on the amount of zinc, this aluminum can be heat-treated to increase strength. For example, 7005 series is treated by heating to 500 degrees F.
Q2: What are the three common types of aluminum?
A2: Aluminum 1100 is commercial-grade and very formable. Series 3003 is also commercial-grade, highly formable, and resistant to corrosion. Series 6061 is heat-treatable and strong, making it a popular choice for structural applications.
Q3: What are the two main types of aluminum?
A3: There are two main types of aluminum: wrought and cast. Wrought aluminum is shaped by rolling or extrusion, while cast aluminum is poured into molds.
Q4: How many types of aluminum are there?
A4: There are over 100 types of aluminum. They are divided into wrought and cast aluminum. Wrought aluminum is classified into series and types. Cast aluminum is categorized into alloy and non-alloy.
Q5: What are the two unit weight of aluminum?
A5: The two most common aluminum alloys are 6061 and 6063. Alloy 6061 is stronger and more corrosion-resistant, while 6063 is more aesthetically pleasing and easier to extrude.
