Aluminum

A metal which is commonly used for its light weight property while still being somewhat strong.

How to read the aluminum material names.

1xxx Aluminum, 99% minimum2xxx Copper

3xxx Manganese

4xxx Silicon

5xxx Magnesium

6xxx Magnesium and Silicon

7xxx Zinc

8xxx Other Element

9xxx Unused

Fatigue Analogy: Aluminum runs short sprints while steel does marathons/

1000 Series

The 1000 series has "excellent corrosion resistance, high thermal and electrical conductivity, low mechanical properties, and excellent workability."

1100

Used in soft solid rivets

2000 Series

The 2000 series is generally heat-treated for optimum properties, and heat-treated properties can exceed mild steel. Notable alloys are 2024, the most widely used alloy in aircraft, and 2117, which is used in solid rivets.

3000 Series

The 3000 series is best for non-structural uses. 3003 is a notable alloy for being easy to weld.

5000 Series

5000 series alloys are used for tanks and fluid lines, and are moderate- to high-strength nonheat-treatable.

6000 Series

The 6000 series has medium strength and good formability and corrosion resistance. A notable alloy is 6061.

7000 Series

The 7000 series can be high-strength, with a notable alloy being 7075.