Aluminum is an extremely popular choice for sheet metal suppliers due to its cost effectiveness, flexible nature, and range of options and grades. For example, high strength aluminum can be specialized for the aerospace industry, while corrosion resistant aluminum alloys are ideal for marine applications. It is highly weldable, machinable, and weather resistant. Common grades of aluminum include: Grade 1100-H14 — 1100-H14 aluminum offers the best ductility for welding and deep draws, but the lowest strength. It’s commercially pure, with high chemical and weather resistance, making it popular for chemical processing applications. Grade 3003-H14 — Stronger than the 1100 grade, this type of aluminum is still formable, low cost, weldable, and corrosion resistant. It is popular for storage solutions such as cabinets or tanks, and lends itself well to stamping and drawing. Grade 5052-H32 — A much stronger aluminum sheet, 5052 still offers weldability, corrosion resistance and good formability, though it’s best for applications such as tanks or chassis. Grade 6061-T6 — Less formable and weldable than the other grades, 6061 is a heat-treated structrual aluminium alloy that is ideal for aircraft applications. It is the strongest of this list, and can also be found in yachts, automotive parts, bicycles, and firearms. Due to its flexibility and many variations, aluminum sheet metal is an excellent material choice for both structural and mechanical applications. Even a specialized alloy such as 6061 can be further manipulated through tempering to produce particular strength or weldability.

Due to its physical properties aluminum sheet & plate is valued and sought after choice metal for many different industrial applications, some of which include: Roofing Gutters Wall panels Aerospace Transportation Construction

“What’s the difference between Aluminum Alloys 3003 and Aluminum 5052? If that also sounds like aluminum 5052 that is because both alloys obtain similar characteristics. However, the 5052 alloy has a higher strength and greater corrosion resistance (including to salt water). Its major alloying element is magnesium. Magnesium overcomes the corrosive effects of the iron present in the alloy. It also has better finishing characteristics than the 3003 alloy. These attributes make aluminum 5052 a great fit for food processing equipment and truck trailers as well as marine and aquatic features.”