The Difference Between 5052 And 6061 Aluminum

If you have been searching for a very specific type of aluminum, you may come across to different types that are very popular. One of them is called 5052 aluminum, and the other is called 6061 aluminum. Although each of them does have a large amount of aluminum as they are being created, they are very different because of the additives that are used. On a basic level, 5052 aluminum plate is going to have a substantial amount of magnesium. In some cases, it may even represent 2.5% of the total mixture. As far as non-heat treatable grades are concerned, it has a very high strength. In fact, it has one of the highest strengths of all aluminum that is produced today. Conversely, the 6061 aluminum plate is going to contain less magnesium, and to compensate, it will have more silicon. According to statistics, this is one of the most commonly used types of aluminum that is utilized for both residential and commercial projects. It may also be found in the many industrial projects and products that are made today.

What You Should Know About 5052 Aluminum

This type of aluminum will contain up to 2.8% magnesium. The remainder of this aluminum will have additives such as zinc, iron, silicon, manganese, chromium and copper. This combination allows it to have a substantial amount of weldability. However, it should never be used for creating soldering wire. This has many different uses which will include general sheet metal work. Professionals that are in the architecture or marine industry will also use this aluminum. It will also be used in mass quantities when producing aircraft, heat exchangers, appliances, flooring panels, and fuel tanks.

An Overview Of 6061 Aluminum

This type of aluminum is a little bit different. It is regarded as a precipitation hardened alloy. This is possible because of the mixture of silicon and magnesium in high amounts. This was originally developed back in the 1930s. Unlike 5052 aluminum for sale, it has very good weldability. It is also one of the more common types of aluminum that is utilized today. It is commonly used in the construction of aircraft, yachts, and also aluminum cans. If you have ever purchased a tactical flashlight, or if you are responsible for the construction of automotive parts, this is the type of aluminum that you will use.

Additional Uses For 5052 And 6061 Aluminum

These types of aluminum can also be found in bicycle frames, fishing reels, and most helicopter rotors are made of these types of aluminum. Additionally, they can be used for gangways, docs, and ultra high vacuum chambers. In most cases, 6061 aluminum will be used for all of these additional products aluminum.

If you are in any of these industries, and you are currently looking for one of the top suppliers for either of these types of aluminum, you can find them for sale on the Internet. You can contact companies directly by email, or you may call them on the phone. This will allow you to find out exactly how much it will cost to have these types of aluminum ship to you. If you are able to find a company overseas, this is where you will find the most savings. Regardless of the industry you are in, if you are in any of the ones that have been mentioned, you will need to have an ample supply of these types of aluminum to complete jobs that you are doing, or finish projects and products that you are responsible for at your business.