For metal stamping, choosing the correct aluminum grade is very important for the product application. Aluminum alloys are aluminum grades that contain other elements that increase the strength, durability, and other properties of pure aluminum. The addition of different alloying elements enables the material to perform in a range of applications.
Aluminum Top Cover, Aluminum Housing
Aluminum Top Cover, Aluminum Housing
Elements commonly added to aluminum include:
- silicon
- iron
- magnesium
- copper
- Zinc
- manganese
These elements make up at least 15% by weight of the final alloy. Here, we will explain the properties and types of aluminum alloys, and what are good alloys for metal stamping.
What is aluminum alloy?
Aluminum alloys contain aluminum as the main metal along with other alloying elements. Aluminum alloys come in two main forms: wrought alloys and cast alloys.
Cast aluminum alloys are alloys that are melted in a furnace and poured into a mold to cool and solidify. The melting point of the finished part is lower, and the process produces a cost-effective product. However, the tensile strength of cast alloys is generally lower than that of wrought alloys. Wrought aluminum alloys are alloys that are machined in solid form with the help of special tools. Aluminum stamping uses these alloys and can be divided into two categories: non-heat-treatable forgings and heat-treatable forgings.
Cast aluminium and forged aluminium have different identification systems. Cast aluminum alloys are identified by three digits followed by one decimal. Wrought alloys follow a four-digit system, where the first digit identifies the main alloying element. The second digit (if not 0) represents the modification of the alloy, while the third and fourth digits represent the specific alloy. For non-heat treatable alloys, add a suffix to the number to indicate the temper name.
Aluminum alloy properties
One of the main advantages of aluminum alloys is their excellent strength-to-weight ratio: they are strong without being heavy. Because they are light, they are often used in commercial projects and transportation applications where reducing weight can save money.
Because they are lightweight and effective, aluminum alloy parts last longer and require less raw material to manufacture. These and the following properties make aluminum alloys ideal for metal stamping operations:
- Thermal and Electrical Conductivity
- Flexibility and Extensibility
- Shiny, smooth surface requires little maintenance
- Corrosion resistance
- Low temperature and high temperature strength
Types of aluminum alloys
There are three types of aluminum alloys:
Forged non-heat treatable consists of high-purity aluminum alloys (1xxx series), manganese alloys (3xxx series), magnesium alloys (5xxx series), all of which are used for metal stamping and are mainly hardened by cold work
Forging heat treatable with copper, magnesium or zinc as alloying elements including 2xxx series, 6xxx series and 7xxx series Precipitation hardening increases the strength of the alloy
Cast aluminum alloys include non-heat treatable and heat treatable alloys 2xxx, 3xxx, 4xxx, 7xxx, 8xxx series Strength levels are not as high as wrought heat treatable alloys
Aluminum alloy for metal stamping
Aluminum comes in various alloys and tempered states. The best products vary from project to project. When choosing an aluminum grade, keep the following factors in mind:
- Processability or formability level
- Corrosion resistance grade
- power level
- typical application
- Weldability or machinability
- Heat treatment type
These are the characteristics and applications of common aluminum alloys used for metal stamping:
Aluminum Alloys For Metal Stamping
Contact us for the best choice of aluminum alloys
For the best turnaround time and price, Zhejiang Baifudu Stampings recommends choosing common gauges and common alloys. Since 2011, we have been making stamped metal parts for each customer’s needs. We strictly adhere to our quality control system, ensuring your customer satisfaction and confidence is our top priority.
For over a decade, unique items and parts have emerged through our facilities. Design details and custom tooling decisions can affect part performance, but the materials used are always the most critical decisions in the manufacturing process.
FAQ about Aluminum Stamping
What are the aluminum alloy stamping parts?
Aluminum alloy stamping parts find applications in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, appliances, construction, and more. Some examples of aluminum alloy stamping parts include automotive body panels, brackets, heat sinks, electrical enclosures, electronic components, and decorative trim.
What is the progressive stamping aluminum?
Progressive stamping is a manufacturing process that involves feeding a continuous strip of aluminum through a series of progressive dies to create complex stamped parts. It is a highly efficient and automated process commonly used in mass production of metal components.
When it comes to progressive stamping with aluminum, the process requires special considerations due to the unique properties of the material.
What are the different grades of aluminum stamping?
Aluminum stamping can be performed using various grades of aluminum alloys, each with its own unique properties and characteristics. Here are some common grades of aluminum used in stamping:
- Aluminum 1xxx Series: The 1xxx series is almost pure aluminum, typically containing over 99% aluminum content. These alloys are soft, ductile, and have excellent corrosion resistance. They are often used in stamping applications that require high formability and good electrical conductivity.
- Aluminum 3xxx Series: The 3xxx series alloys primarily contain manganese as the major alloying element. They offer moderate strength, good formability, and excellent corrosion resistance. These alloys are commonly used in stamping applications such as automotive components, heat exchangers, and appliance parts.
- Aluminum 5xxx Series: The 5xxx series alloys incorporate magnesium as the primary alloying element. They offer a good balance of strength, formability, and corrosion resistance. These alloys are commonly used in stamping applications requiring structural integrity, such as panels, brackets, and components in the automotive and marine industries.
- Aluminum 6xxx Series: The 6xxx series alloys contain both magnesium and silicon. They provide excellent strength, formability, and weldability. These alloys are often used in stamping applications where high strength-to-weight ratio is required, such as aerospace components, architectural parts, and automotive structural parts.
- Aluminum 7xxx Series: The 7xxx series alloys are known for their high strength and are commonly used in applications that require exceptional strength and toughness, such as aerospace and military applications. They offer good machinability and are typically used in stamping applications where strength is a critical factor.
