Aluminum alloy properties
Strength and typical uses of common wrought aluminum alloys and tempers. Aluminum alloys all weigh about the same and share the same stiffness, so they differ mainly in strength, corrosion resistance, and how they are processed.
Common aluminum alloys
| Alloy / temper | Yield (ksi) | Tensile (ksi) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1100-H14 | 17 | 18 | Pure aluminum, very formable, electrical and chemical |
| 2024-T3 | 50 | 70 | Aircraft structures, high strength, fair corrosion |
| 3003-H14 | 21 | 22 | General sheet metal, good formability |
| 5052-H32 | 28 | 33 | Marine and pressure vessels, excellent corrosion |
| 6061-T6 | 40 | 45 | General-purpose structural alloy, weldable |
| 6063-T5 | 21 | 27 | Architectural extrusions and trim |
| 7075-T6 | 73 | 83 | Aerospace and high-stress parts, very high strength |
All aluminum alloys share a density near 0.098 lb/in³ (2.70 g/cm³) and a modulus near 10 Mpsi (69 GPa), so they differ in strength, not stiffness or weight. The temper code (T6, H14, and so on) sets the heat treatment or work hardening; the same alloy can be soft or strong depending on temper.
Comparing aluminum against other metals?
See the Material Properties Comparison, or the Material Density Chart for weights.
Reading aluminum alloy and temper codes
The four-digit number names the alloy family by main alloying element: the 2000 series adds copper, 5000 adds magnesium, 6000 adds magnesium and silicon, and 7000 adds zinc. The suffix is the temper: T tempers are heat treated (T6 is solution treated and aged), while H tempers are strain hardened. 6061-T6 is by far the most common structural choice.
Choosing an aluminum alloy
6061-T6 balances strength, weldability, corrosion resistance, and cost for most structural work. For marine or corrosive settings, 5052 resists salt water well. Where strength matters most, 7075 and 2024 lead, but they weld poorly and corrode more, so they suit machined and riveted aerospace parts.
FAQ
What is the strongest aluminum alloy?
Among common alloys, 7075-T6 is the strongest, with about 73 ksi yield and 83 ksi tensile. It is used for aerospace and highly stressed parts but welds poorly.
What is the difference between 6061 and 6063 aluminum?
6061 is stronger and used for structure; 6063 is softer with a smoother extruded finish, used for architectural shapes and trim.
Does the alloy change aluminum weight?
Barely. All aluminum alloys weigh about the same, near 0.098 lb/in³. Alloying changes strength and corrosion resistance, not density.