Reviewed · 2026-08-03
Aluminum & Aluminum Alloys
Wrought aluminum alloys are organized by internationally registered four-digit series and supplied in tempers that describe thermal and/or strain-hardening history. Alloy number, temper, product form, thickness, direction, joining route and exposure must be evaluated together.
Classification basis
The first digit identifies the principal alloy series; it does not guarantee one strength, corrosion level, weldability or product availability.
Navigate 1xxx through 8xxx wrought series, then verify the exact registered alloy, temper and product specification.
A familiar grade name never replaces the governing product specification and certified documentation.01
Explore subcategories
1xxx Commercially Pure Aluminum
The series is a first filter only; exact alloy, temper, product form and governing standard control acceptance and substitution.
→Aluminum2xxx Aluminum-Copper Alloys
The series is a first filter only; exact alloy, temper, product form and governing standard control acceptance and substitution.
→Aluminum3xxx Aluminum-Manganese Alloys
The series is a first filter only; exact alloy, temper, product form and governing standard control acceptance and substitution.
→Aluminum5xxx Aluminum-Magnesium Alloys
The series is a first filter only; exact alloy, temper, product form and governing standard control acceptance and substitution.
→Aluminum6xxx Aluminum-Magnesium-Silicon Alloys
The series is a first filter only; exact alloy, temper, product form and governing standard control acceptance and substitution.
→Aluminum7xxx Aluminum-Zinc Alloys
The series is a first filter only; exact alloy, temper, product form and governing standard control acceptance and substitution.
→Aluminum8xxx Special-Purpose Aluminum Alloys
The series is a first filter only; exact alloy, temper, product form and governing standard control acceptance and substitution.
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Representative grades and systems
| Grade / system | Use as a selection entry point |
|---|---|
| 1050 | Start with load, mass, corrosion, temperature, conductivity, forming and joining requirements. |
| 1060 | Choose alloy series and exact grade, then the temper/product route that supplies the needed property set. |
| 1100 | Account for welded-zone strength, galvanic contact, coating/anodizing and fire-temperature behavior. |
| 2024 | Start with load, mass, corrosion, temperature, conductivity, forming and joining requirements. |
| 3003 | Choose alloy series and exact grade, then the temper/product route that supplies the needed property set. |
| 5052 | Account for welded-zone strength, galvanic contact, coating/anodizing and fire-temperature behavior. |
| 5083 | Start with load, mass, corrosion, temperature, conductivity, forming and joining requirements. |
| 5754 | Choose alloy series and exact grade, then the temper/product route that supplies the needed property set. |
| 6061 | Account for welded-zone strength, galvanic contact, coating/anodizing and fire-temperature behavior. |
| 6063 | Start with load, mass, corrosion, temperature, conductivity, forming and joining requirements. |
| 7075 | Choose alloy series and exact grade, then the temper/product route that supplies the needed property set. |
| 8011 | Account for welded-zone strength, galvanic contact, coating/anodizing and fire-temperature behavior. |
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Property framework
Low density, corrosion resistance and conductivity vary with alloying and temper.
Strengthening comes from strain hardening and/or precipitation heat treatment depending on series.
Mechanical properties and forming behavior can be direction-, thickness- and product-form dependent.
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Common product forms
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Applications
- Transport, aerospace and marine structures
- Buildings, extrusions, heat transfer and electrical systems
- Packaging, foil laminates and protective moisture-barrier systems
- Start with load, mass, corrosion, temperature, conductivity, forming and joining requirements.
- Choose alloy series and exact grade, then the temper/product route that supplies the needed property set.
- Account for welded-zone strength, galvanic contact, coating/anodizing and fire-temperature behavior.
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Standards and designation systems
The Aluminum Association registration records define international wrought alloy designations and composition limits.
ANSI H35 systems define alloy/temper nomenclature and dimensional-tolerance frameworks.
ASTM, EN, ISO, AMS and national product standards define delivery and acceptance by form.
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Procurement checklist
- Specify alloy, temper, product standard, dimensions, tolerances and surface condition as one identity.
- State direction-dependent properties, flatness, residual stress, conductivity, anodizing or corrosion tests when relevant.
- Define film/interleaf protection, packing, moisture control, traceability and certificate requirements.
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Sources and editorial review
The Aluminum Association · Standards portal, accessed 2026
The Aluminum Association · December 2025 registration record
The Aluminum Association · 2024 edition overview