Aluminum

Aluminum-magnesium alloy valued for corrosion resistance and weldability. O temper favors formability; strain-hardened tempers such as H32 increase strength while changing bending capability.

UsesBent parts, sheet-metal fabrication and hydraulic tubing.

Strength comes from strain hardening, not heat-treatment hardening. Specify temper and thickness when assessing allowable bending.

Heat-treatable aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy. It combines weldability and corrosion resistance. O, T4 and T6/T651 tempers have different mechanical and forming behavior.

UsesFrames, supports, transport components and machined mechanical parts.

Welding reduces strength near the joint in T6 temper. For bending, O and T4 form more readily than T6; specify the required temper.

Heat-treatable aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy often chosen for architectural applications and anodized surfaces. It offers good corrosion resistance and weldability.

UsesArchitectural profiles, cylinder tubing and conductors.

Often preferred to 6061 when anodized appearance is the priority. T6 is stronger but less readily formed than T4.

High-strength alloy commonly used for loaded aerospace components. T73/T7351 tempers improve stress-corrosion resistance compared with peak-strength tempers.

UsesAircraft parts and mechanical components subject to high loads.

T6/T651 prioritize strength; T73/T7351 improve stress-corrosion resistance at the expense of strength. Poorly suited to fusion welding.