A Complete Guide to Aluminum Sheet, Plate, Coil & Coated Aluminum – Alloys 1050, 1060, 1350, 1070, 3003, 5052, 6061

1. What Are Aluminum Sheet, Plate & Coil?

• Aluminum Sheet: Thin-gauge flat aluminum, typically 0.2mm–6.0mm thick. It features light weight, good formability, and easy processing, making it suitable for signage, lighting, kitchenware, electronics, and decoration.
• Aluminum Plate: Thick, heavy-duty flat aluminum, usually ≥6.0mm. It has higher strength and load-bearing capacity, used for structural parts, machinery, molds, vehicles, and shipbuilding.
• Aluminum Coil: Rolled continuous aluminum strip, with uniform thickness and smooth surface. It is ideal for mass processing, stamping, bending, cutting, and roofing, improving production efficiency for large-scale projects.

2. Complete Alloy Guide: 1050, 1060, 1350, 1070, 3003, 5052, 6061

1000 Series (Pure Aluminum, Aluminum Content ≥99%)

• Aluminum content: ≥99.50%, with trace impurities (iron, silicon ≤0.40%).
• Mechanical properties: Tensile strength ≥75MPa, elongation ≥30%, hardness (HB) ≤25.
• Key characteristics: High purity, excellent formability, weldability, and corrosion resistance; good thermal conductivity (about 220 W/(m·K)).
• Applications: Chemical equipment, lighting, reflectors, general parts, heat exchangers, and food packaging.

• Aluminum content: ≥99.60%, silicon ≤0.25%, iron ≤0.35%.
• Mechanical properties: Tensile strength ≥80MPa, elongation ≥28%, hardness (HB) ≤26.
• Key characteristics: Higher electrical conductivity (about 60% IACS) than 1050, soft and easy to process (cutting, bending, stamping), non-toxic and tasteless.
• Applications: Electrical components, heat sinks, batteries, decoration, cookware, and medical equipment accessories.

• Aluminum content: ≥99.70%, the highest purity in the 1000 series.
• Mechanical properties: Tensile strength ≥70MPa, elongation ≥35%, hardness (HB) ≤24.
• Key characteristics: Ultra-high electrical conductivity (about 62% IACS) and thermal conductivity (230 W/(m·K)), excellent ductility, and good corrosion resistance.
• Applications: Power and electrical industries, such as high-voltage cables, busbars, transformers, and precision electronic components.

• Aluminum content: ≥99.50%, specially optimized for electrical conductivity.
• Mechanical properties: Tensile strength ≥75MPa, elongation ≥30%, electrical conductivity ≥61% IACS.
• Key characteristics: Professional grade for electrical conductors, stable performance at high temperatures, good weldability, and low resistance.
• Applications: Transformers, busbars, power transmission lines, and electrical equipment conductors.

3000 Series (Al-Mn Alloy, Manganese Content 1.0–1.5%)

• Composition: Aluminum base, 1.0–1.5% manganese, 0.6% silicon, 0.7% iron.
• Mechanical properties: Tensile strength ≥110MPa, elongation ≥20%, hardness (HB) ≤35.
• Key characteristics: Stronger than 1000 series alloys, good corrosion resistance (resistant to atmospheric and chemical corrosion), excellent formability and weldability, can be cold-worked to strengthen.
• Applications: Cans, tanks, ducts, kitchenware, general components, heat exchangers, and decorative panels.

5000 Series (Al-Mg Alloy, Magnesium Content 2.0–5.0%)

• Composition: Aluminum base, 2.2–2.8% magnesium, 0.25% silicon, 0.40% iron, 0.15–0.35% chromium.
• Mechanical properties: Tensile strength ≥190MPa, elongation ≥15%, hardness (HB) ≤50.
• Key characteristics: High strength, excellent corrosion resistance (resistant to saltwater and chemical media), good weldability and fatigue resistance, light weight, and good formability.
• Applications: Marine, automotive, fuel tanks, vehicle bodies, shipbuilding, offshore platforms, and outdoor structural parts.

6000 Series (Al-Mg-Si Alloy, Magnesium 0.8–1.2%, Silicon 0.4–0.8%)

• Composition: Aluminum base, 0.8–1.2% magnesium, 0.4–0.8% silicon, 0.15–0.40% copper, 0.04–0.35% chromium.
• Mechanical properties (T6 temper): Tensile strength ≥310MPa, elongation ≥10%, hardness (HB) ≤95.
• Key characteristics: Heat-treatable (T6 temper can significantly improve strength), good machinability (easy to cut, drill, and mill), excellent corrosion resistance, and good weldability.
• Applications: Structural parts, aerospace, auto parts, frames, profiles, machinery components, and precision equipment.

3. How to Choose the Right Aluminum Product

• Need formability & corrosion resistance for general use? Choose 1050, 1060, 3003 (cost-effective and easy to process).
• Need electrical conductivity for power or electronic products? Choose 1060, 1070, 1350 (high conductivity and stable performance).
• Need marine & outdoor durability (resistant to saltwater and harsh environments)? Choose 5052 (excellent corrosion resistance and high strength).
• Need structural strength for machinery or construction? Choose 6061 (heat-treatable, high strength, and good machinability).
• Need color & long-term protection for decoration or building facades? Choose coated aluminum plate/coil (weather-resistant, aesthetic, and low maintenance).

4. Why Choose TOP METAL 

• Full product range: sheet, plate, coil, coated aluminum, covering all your aluminum needs.
• Complete alloys: 1050, 1060, 1350, 1070, 3003, 5052, 6061, with strict quality control to meet international standards (ASTM, EN, GB).
• Custom specifications: thickness, width, length, temper (O, H14, H18, T6, etc.), color (customizable for coated products), tailored to your project needs.
• Strict quality control: From raw material selection to production, testing, and packaging, we ensure each product meets the highest quality standards.
• Efficient global logistics: We have established stable logistics partnerships worldwide, ensuring timely delivery to your destination.
• Professional sales support: Our team of aluminum experts provides one-on-one consultation, helping you select the right alloy and product, and offering after-sales service.