When choosing an aluminum extrusion alloy for your project, there are several factors to consider, including strength, corrosion resistance, machinability, and cost. Aluminum alloys are widely used in industries such as construction, automotive, aerospace, and electronics due to their lightweight, durable, and versatile properties. Here's a guide to help you choose the best alloy for your needs.

Common aluminum extrusion alloys

The 1XXX series aluminum alloys offer the highest formability. Other alloys can also be extruded. For example, the 3XXX, 4XXX, and 5XXX series alloys combine formability with other improved properties.

Wrought aluminum alloys in the 2XXX, 6XXX, and especially 7XXX series can be challenging to extrude, but due to the advanced processes and experience of extrusion suppliers, high-quality extruded products can be produced. These alloys offer exceptional strength and a balance of overall properties.

•6061 Aluminum - Characteristics: Excellent strength, good corrosion resistance, and weldability. Applications: Structural components, automotive frames, and various accessories. Advantages: Ability to undergo various heat treatments, versatile applications, and abundant supply.

•6063 Aluminum Alloy - Characteristics: Excellent corrosion resistance, smooth surface finish, and good extrudability. Applications: Building frames, door and window system structures, and electronic components. Advantages: Suitable for various anodizing treatments, enhancing the appearance.

•6005 and 6005A Aluminum - Characteristics: Slightly stronger than 6063, with good processability. Applications: Automotive interiors, railings, and structural components. Advantages: A combination of strength and formability.

•6082 Aluminum - Characteristics: High strength, good weldability, and corrosion resistance. Applications: Heavy structural applications, transportation components such as bridges. Advantages: Similar to 6061, but with higher strength.

•7075 Aluminum Alloy - Characteristics: Extremely strong, commonly used in aerospace. Applications: Highly stressed mechanical parts. Advantages: One of the strongest aluminum alloys, but with lower corrosion resistance than the 6xxx series alloys.

How to choose the right aluminum alloy?

Strength requirements: For high-pressure applications, the best choices are 6061 or 7075 aluminum alloys.

Corrosion resistance: 6063 and 6005 aluminum alloys are suitable for outdoor use.

Processing and fabrication: 6061 is easier to process than 7075 aluminum alloy.

Cost considerations: For industries like construction, 6061 or 6063 aluminum alloy is more economical and cost-effective.

These alloys are not exhaustive. The appropriate aluminum extrusion alloy depends on the specific needs of your project. Feel free to communicate with the extrusion manufacturer to provide you with the optimal choice based on your required performance and cost.