What You Need to Know About Aluminum
2026/5/15
Key Takeaways
Aluminum is a lightweight metal with an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and high thermal and electrical conductivity.
Aluminum has a relatively low melting point of approximately 660°C compared to other metals.
A wide variety of options are available, including high-strength aluminum alloys and tempered grades.
Overview of Aluminum
Aluminum is a lightweight, high-strength metal that is non-toxic and odorless. Its high thermal and electrical conductivity make it a go-to material for heat exchangers and electronic components. It also resists brittle fracture at low temperatures and has excellent toughness, making it suitable for satellite components and cryogenic plant applications.
Lightweight and high-strength
Excellent corrosion resistance
Good machinability
Suitable for low-temperature applications
High thermal and electrical conductivity
Non-toxic
Types of Aluminum
The aluminum used for machined parts is typically an aluminum alloy — aluminum combined with other metals. Alloys are classified by series number based on the type and proportion of alloying elements added.
The 2000-series, for example, contains a high percentage of copper (Cu) to boost strength. Because copper tends to oxidize, this series has lower corrosion resistance — but that can be addressed with surface treatments such as anodizing. A2017 and A2024, also known as duralumin and super duralumin, are the most common grades in this series.
The 7000-series adds zinc (Zn) and magnesium (Mg), making it the highest-strength series available. A7075, also called extra super duralumin, is the standout grade, widely used in aircraft components and automotive applications.
Series | Available Grades (Including Tempered Materials) |
|---|---|
1000-Series | A1050, A1050P-H112, A1050-H24, A1070, A1100, A1100P |
2000-Series | A2017, A2017P, A2017-T3, A2017-T4, A2017P-T351, A2017B, A2017BE-T6, A2024, A2024-T4, A2024-T351 |
5000-Series | A5052, A5052P, A5052H-O, A5052-H14, A5052-H34, A5052-H112, A5052TD, A5056, A5056B, A5056S, A5056-H34 |
6000-Series | A6061, A6061-T6, A6061-T651, A6063, A6063-T5, A6063S, A6063S-T5, A6063FB |
7000-Series | A7050, A7075, A7075P, A7075-T6, A7075-T651, A7075-T7351 |
Material Selection Considerations
Aluminum has a melting point of approximately 660°C, which is on the lower end compared to other metals. Its hardness is similarly modest—with the exception of high-hardness series like the 7000-series (e.g., A7075), most aluminum grades are prone to denting and scratching under impact. Aluminum also has a relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion, meaning it is more susceptible to dimensional changes with temperature fluctuations.
Lower melting point than most other metals
Prone to denting and scratching
High coefficient of thermal expansion
Available Post-Machining Surface Treatments
Anodizing
Alodine (Chemical Film / Chromate Conversion Coating)
Electroless Nickel Plating
Hard Chrome Plating
Black Oxide Coating
Trivalent Chromate Treatment
Plating
Step Up Your Project with Yumoto Electric
Yumoto Electric manufactures custom aluminum machined parts starting from a single piece. We have experience with over 200 materials, including metals such as stainless steel, molybdenum, and titanium; and engineering plastics including PEEK, PPS, MC Nylon, and POM.
If you’re unsure about material selection or machining methods, we offer complimentary consultations to help optimize your design and production. For any questions, please feel free to contact us.
