subject: Aluminium Sections: Choosing The Best Materials For Your Construction Needs [print this page] Aluminium is the most commonly used material today, next to steel. It is also one of the most available commercially, leading to its frequent use in many household and commercial items. In fact, most of the things that we use to decorate and make our homes more convenient are made of aluminium or its alloys. This is because aluminium sections are very pliable and can be cut and moulded into all shapes and sizes.
However, the metal in its pure form has little strength but possesses a high conductivity to electricity. In addition, it also exhibits high reflectivity and corrosion resistance properties. Because of the relatively low strength of the metal, a lot of aluminium alloys have been developed to be able to cope with the various things that it is put to use, from small flashlights to aircraft parts. The different classes of alloys are classified by numbers such as 2011, 6063, 6262 and so on.
Aluminium sections made from 2011 aluminium is the most versatile among the most common alloys. It can be machined to produce a high quality surface finish for various aluminium products. If you are on a tight schedule to finish the project you are making, this kind of aluminium alloy would be your best choice. However, it does not have a high corrosion resistance and its strength, welding ability and anodizing properties are average at best.
If you are making something that will be subjected to prolonged stress for long periods, choose the 2024 kind of aluminium alloy. Pure aluminium has been paired with copper with this alloy making it very strong as compared with other kinds of alloys. However, the addition of copper made it prone to corrosion and it cannot be welded. Its machinability is also just average. If you have to make something out of this alloy, put a protective covering on its surfaces to protect it against corrosion.
For high corrosion resistance, use sections made from the 5052 kind of aluminium alloy. It has an excellent anti corrosion properties. This aluminium type can also be welded easily and has a great workability making the alloy perfect for forming operations. However, you cannot treat the metal with heat and is not suitable for extensive machining.
The aluminium alloy that probably has the most common usage is the 6061 alloy.
The metal is used extensively for various purposes since it is very strong, heat treatable and can be machined easily compared with the other alloys of aluminium. It can also be welded easily and is capable of being anodized, which adds a certain amount of protection for the finished parts. The alloy is made from aluminium mixed with silicon and magnesium.
The type of project or parts that you will use dictates the kind of aluminium alloy that you will use. Therefore, it is important to know the properties of the different kinds of alloys of this metal to make your project last as it should.
