AL1060 Aluminum Plate
AL1060 aluminum plate is a high-purity wrought aluminum product belonging to the 1000 series (commercially pure aluminum), with an aluminum content of at least 99.6%. It is celebrated for its excellent corrosion resistance, superior formability, and high thermal/electrical conductivity, making it a preferred material in industries where purity, workability, and conductivity are prioritized over high strength. Below is a detailed introduction:
I. Basic Information
Alloy Series: 1000 series (commercially pure aluminum)
Purity Level: Aluminum content ≥99.6%, with minimal impurity elements, classifying it as a high-purity aluminum alloy.
Key Features:
Non-heat-treatable (strength is enhanced only through cold working).
Exceptional ductility and formability, suitable for complex shaping processes.
Excellent corrosion resistance, especially in atmospheric and mild chemical environments.
High thermal and electrical conductivity, close to that of pure aluminum.
II. Chemical Composition (Mass Fraction, %)
The strict control of impurities ensures its high purity and stable performance:
Element Content Range Element Content Range
Aluminum (Al) ≥99.6% Iron (Fe) ≤0.35%
Silicon (Si) ≤0.25% Copper (Cu) ≤0.05%
Manganese (Mn) ≤0.03% 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)
The mechanical performance varies with processing states, primarily influenced by cold working and annealing:
Property O Temper (Annealed) H14 Temper (Cold Worked) H18 Temper (Full Hard)
Tensile Strength 85 – 110 MPa 120 – 150 MPa 160 – 190 MPa
Yield Strength ≤50 MPa ≥100 MPa ≥140 MPa
Elongation (δ5, in 50mm) 25 – 30% 8 – 12% 3 – 5%
Hardness (HB) 20 – 30 35 – 45 50 – 60
Note: Cold working (e.g., rolling, stamping) increases strength but reduces ductility. Annealing (O temper) restores maximum ductility.
2. Key Characteristics
Outstanding Corrosion Resistance: Forms a dense, self-repairing oxide film in air, resisting corrosion from moisture, most organic acids, and atmospheric pollutants. Ideal for food contact and humid environments.
Excellent Formability: In the annealed state, it can be easily bent, deep-drawn, spun, or rolled into complex shapes without cracking—superior to many alloyed aluminums.
High Thermal & Electrical Conductivity: Thermal conductivity ~230 W/m·K (≈60% of pure copper); electrical conductivity ~59% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard), suitable 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.
Surface Finish: Natural silver-white appearance with good reflectivity, often used in decorative or reflective applications (e.g., lighting fixtures, solar reflectors).
IV. Processing & Applications
1. Processing Methods
Cold Working: Rolling, stamping, or drawing to increase strength (H tempers), with H14 (half-hard) and H18 (full-hard) being common.
Annealing: Heating to 340 – 410°C and slow cooling to achieve O temper, restoring ductility for further forming.
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 eliminates the need for coating.
2. Typical Applications
Leveraging its purity and properties, AL1060 aluminum plate is widely used in:
Electrical Engineering: Bus bars, transformer windings, capacitor shells, and electrical connectors (for high conductivity).
Heat Exchange: Radiators, heat sinks, and cooking utensils (utilizing thermal conductivity).
Food & Packaging: Food processing equipment, beverage cans, and aluminum foil (due to corrosion resistance and non-toxicity).
Architecture: Decorative panels, roofing, and signage (natural finish and formability).
Lighting: Reflectors, lamp shades, and LED heat sinks (reflectivity and thermal management).
V. Comparison with Similar Alloys
Property AL1060 AL1100 AL3003
Aluminum Content ≥99.6% ≥99.0% ~97%
Tensile Strength (H14) 120 – 150 MPa 150 – 180 MPa 160 – 190 MPa
Ductility (O Temper) 25 – 30% 25 – 35% 20 – 25%
Thermal Conductivity Higher Slightly Lower Lower
Corrosion Resistance Excellent Excellent Good
Cost Higher Lower Moderate
Note: AL1060 offers higher purity and conductivity than AL1100 but slightly lower strength. AL3003 (alloyed with manganese) has higher strength but lower conductivity.
VI. Limitations & Considerations
Low Strength: Not suitable for load-bearing structural parts; cold working can enhance strength but with reduced 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 act as an anode and corrode—insulation or protective coatings are recommended.
Summary
AL1060 aluminum plate is a high-purity, versatile material valued for its corrosion resistance, formability, and conductivity. While it lacks the strength of alloyed aluminums, its purity-driven properties make it irreplaceable in electrical, thermal, food, and decorative applications, balancing performance and cost effectively.