AL1050 Aluminum Plate
AL1050 aluminum plate is a high-purity member of the 1000 series (commercially pure aluminum), with an aluminum content of at least 99.5%. It is celebrated for its exceptional corrosion resistance, superior formability, and high thermal/electrical conductivity, making it a go-to material in industries where purity, workability, and conductivity are prioritized over high strength. Below is a detailed overview:
I. Basic Information
Alloy Series: 1000 series (commercially pure aluminum)
Purity Level: Aluminum content ≥99.5%, with minimal impurities, classified as a high-purity aluminum alloy.
Key Features:
Non-heat-treatable (strength is enhanced only through cold working, not heat treatment).
Excellent ductility, allowing for complex forming processes like deep drawing and bending.
Natural corrosion resistance, forming a protective oxide layer in air.
High thermal and electrical conductivity, close to that of pure aluminum.
II. Chemical Composition (Mass Fraction, %)
The strict control of impurities ensures its purity and stable performance:
Element Content Range Element Content Range
Aluminum (Al) ≥99.5% Iron (Fe) ≤0.40%
Silicon (Si) ≤0.25% Copper (Cu) ≤0.05%
Manganese (Mn) ≤0.05% Zinc (Zn) ≤0.05%
Titanium (Ti) ≤0.03% Other Impurities Each ≤0.03%, Total ≤0.10%
III. Core Properties
1. Mechanical Properties (Typical Values by Temper)
Mechanical performance varies with processing states, influenced by cold working and annealing:
Property O Temper (Annealed) H14 Temper (Cold Worked) H18 Temper (Full Hard)
Tensile Strength 80 – 105 MPa 110 – 140 MPa 150 – 180 MPa
Yield Strength ≤45 MPa ≥90 MPa ≥130 MPa
Elongation (δ5, in 50mm) 25 – 35% 10 – 15% 4 – 6%
Hardness (HB) 15 – 25 30 – 40 45 – 55
Note: Cold working (e.g., rolling, stamping) increases strength but reduces ductility. Annealing (O temper) restores maximum flexibility.
2. Key Characteristics
Superior Corrosion Resistance: Forms a dense, self-healing oxide film in air, resisting corrosion from moisture, most organic acids, and atmospheric pollutants. Safe for food contact and humid environments.
Excellent Formability: In the annealed state, it can be easily bent, deep-drawn, spun, or rolled into intricate shapes without cracking—outperforming many alloyed aluminums.
High Thermal & Electrical Conductivity: Thermal conductivity ~235 W/m·K (≈61% of pure copper); electrical conductivity ~60% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard), ideal for heat sinks and electrical conductors.
Good Weldability: Compatible with TIG, MIG, and resistance welding. Welded joints retain corrosion resistance without post-weld heat treatment.
Natural Aesthetics: Silver-white surface with moderate reflectivity, suitable for decorative applications (e.g., lighting fixtures, trim parts).
IV. Processing & Applications
1. Processing Methods
Cold Working: Rolling, stamping, or drawing to increase strength (H tempers). H14 (half-hard) and H18 (full-hard) are common for balanced strength and workability.
Annealing: Heating to 340 – 410°C and slow cooling (O temper) to restore ductility after cold working.
Machining: Soft and gummy in O temper; requires sharp tools and coolants to prevent chip adhesion. Performs better in cold-worked tempers.
Surface Treatment: Easily anodized to enhance wear resistance or painted for color customization, though its natural corrosion resistance often makes coatings unnecessary.
2. Typical Applications
Leveraging its purity and properties, AL1050 aluminum plate is widely used in:
Electrical Engineering: Bus bars, transformer components, capacitor casings, and electrical connectors (for high conductivity).
Heat Exchange: Radiators, heat sinks, cooking utensils, and solar panel backsheets (utilizing thermal conductivity).
Food & Packaging: Food processing equipment, beverage cans, and foil containers (due to corrosion resistance and non-toxicity).
Architecture: Decorative panels, roofing, and signage (natural finish and formability).
Lighting: Lamp shades, reflectors, and LED heat management parts (reflectivity and thermal performance).
V. Comparison with Similar Alloys
Property AL1050 AL1060 AL1100
Aluminum Content ≥99.5% ≥99.6% ≥99.0%
Tensile Strength (H14) 110 – 140 MPa 120 – 150 MPa 150 – 180 MPa
Ductility (O Temper) 25 – 35% 25 – 30% 25 – 35%
Thermal Conductivity High Higher Slightly Lower
Cost Moderate Higher Lower
Note: AL1050 offers a balance of purity, formability, and cost between AL1060 (higher purity) and AL1100 (lower purity but higher strength).
VI. Limitations & Considerations
Low Strength: Not suitable for load-bearing structural parts. Cold working enhances strength but reduces ductility.
Softness: Prone to scratching and deformation under high wear or impact, limiting use in heavy-duty applications.
Galvanic Corrosion Risk: When in contact with more noble metals (e.g., copper, steel) in wet environments, it may corrode as an anode—insulation or coatings are recommended.
Summary
AL1050 aluminum plate is a high-purity, versatile material valued for its corrosion resistance, formability, and conductivity. While lacking the strength of alloyed aluminums, its purity-driven properties make it essential in electrical, thermal, food, and decorative applications, offering an optimal balance of performance and cost.