Pure aluminum is soft and malleable, but most applications require greater strength and different properties than pure aluminum can provide. This is accomplished by the addition of different types, quantities and combinations of alloying elements and/or through temper differences.
The 1xxx Series Alloys
This alloy group offers better corrosion resistance than any other alloy group and displays excellent forming, welding, brazing and finishing characteristics. Excellent forming characteristics permit these alloys to be easily impacted, cold drawn, deep drawn and bent into various configurations. They can be extruded as profiles, rod, bar and tubing.
Because they are technically pure, series 1xxx alloys have:
- Excellent corrosion resistance
Since there are virtually no other metallic elements present, the integrity of the naturally occurring aluminum oxide film is not disrupted and less corrosion occurs. 1xxx series alloys are also very good for anodizing. - High electrical and thermal conductivity
Aluminum has an electrical conductivity high enough for use as an electrical conductor. Its thermal conductivity is about three times greater than that of steel, making it an important material for heating and cooling applications. - Highly reflective and decorative
Aluminum is inherently reflective and decorative, reaching up to 92% total reflection with different levels of surface brightness. This can be slightly reduced by alloying. - Low tensile strength
With fewer alloy elements present, 1xxx alloys do not have a high tensile strength, leading to very high formability and excellent workability. Moderate increases in strength may be obtained by strain hardening.
The alloys in this series are suitable for electrical conductors and wire, electronic devices, heating equipment, lighting applications, food packaging, and decorative fittings.
1350 Alloy
Alloy 1350 is primarily used in the manufacture of electrical conductors, and -H111 temper exhibits the highest electrical conductivity of all extruded aluminum conductor grades, meeting or exceeding 61.0% IACS.
1350 Alloy Standard Tempers
Generally, the 1xxx series of aluminum alloys is produced in these standard tempers:
- F – As fabricated
There is no special control over thermal conditions and there are no mechanical property limits. - O – Annealed
Applies to products that are annealed to obtain the lowest strength temper. - H111 & H112
Strain hardened tempers via the extrusion process to develop minimum property requirements.
About Non-Heat Treatable Alloys
There are two principal groups of wrought aluminum alloys – heat treatable and non-heat treatable.
Alloys in the 1xxx series are non-heat treatable, which means they cannot be strengthened by heat treatment. Any additional hardening must be done by cold work (strain hardening).
These alloys are moderately strong and ductile, or able to be drawn out into a thin wire. They are generally used in the manufacture of extruded parts, deep drawn parts, sheets, tubes, wire and foil.
Hydro Extrusion is the leading North American supplier of common alloy extrusions and part of the world’s largest extruded aluminum profile company. We have extrusion presses throughout the U.S. and Canada and experienced teams to assist clients with custom solutions for their unique applications.
Hydro Extrusion typically produces extrusion in the 6000 series of aluminum alloys. This article may refer to alloys not available at all Hydro locations. Contact Hydro Extrusion today to learn more about the aluminum alloys we offer and the potential alternatives to Aluminum 1350.