Aluminum Factoids
2024-T3
2024-T3 is the defacto aerospace alloy with excellent fatigue resistance. 2024-T3 Alclad aluminum sheets often times make up aircraft skins, cowls, aircraft structures, and is specified for repair and restoration work. An added benefit is the shiny finish (2024-T3 Alclad) that appeals to classic aircraft projects. 2024 is not recommended to be welded.
Ultimate strength is 62000 PSI – shearing strength of 40000 PSI.
6061-T6
Awesome corrosion resistance and finishing ability particularly welding makes this a favourite with frames and in particular it has become very popular with high end bicycles. In terms of strength 6061-T6 aluminum sheet similar to mild steel. 6061-T6 aluminum sheet can be fabricated by most of the techniques for mild steel. Typical applications include aircraft landing mats, frames, structural components etc
Ultimate strength is 45000 PSI with a shearing strength of 30000 PSI.
7075
7075 Aluminium is the main aerospace / aircrafty alloy used in strengthening aluminum aircraft structures. As stated previously Aluminum 7075 has Copper (1.6%), Magnesium (2.5%) and zinc (5.6%) providing strength, however, copper content creates an issue with welding. If your seeking anodizing then 7075 is your metal. 7075 is machinable with a great finish.
Ultimate strength is 33000 PSI (-0) and 82000 PSI (-T6) – shearing strength of 22000 PSI (-0) and 49000 PSI (-T6).
5052-H32
A very high strength alloy but its a none heatable alloys. It is not structural. 5052 aluminium sheet has high fatigue strength and excellent corrosion resistance. It is well suited to marine applications and has excellent workability. Fuel tanks build often include 5052.
3003-H14
The widest use of aluminum alloys, its pure aluminum with manganese addational strength, it is approximately 20% stronger than the 100 series aluminium. 3003-H14 aluminum sheet is highly workability, can be deep drawn, welded, brazed or spun. 3003 aluminum sheet is not-heat treatable. This sheet is widely used for cowl / baffle plating.
Its ultimate strength is 21000 PSI – shearing strength of 14000 PSI.
