Everyone wants access to affordable, cheap, but effective metals good for all round production and machining in several industries. The 8000 aluminum series is one that packs a punch with virtually all its attributes. Let’s get into the article to learn more about the series and choose better metals for projects.
What Is Aluminum 8000?
The 8000 aluminum series is a group of enhanced aluminum alloys made of aluminum and enhancer metals including silicon, iron, copper, manganese, etc, which improve its formidability and make it more useful to different industries.
Composition of 8000 Series Aluminum
Aluminum may be combined with only magnesium or may go with both magnesium and zinc. Actually, several alloys can come from mixing up to 10 different metals.
However, combinations with different metals yield different strengths for the alloys, tensile strength, corrosion combat, and the ability to be molded more easily.
In addition, copper, zinc, and nickel increase their electricity conductance, strength, and hardness respectively.
Properties of 8000 Aluminum
This series has a set of properties that make them unique. The properties of aluminum alloys include the following:
Physical Properties
The 8000 aluminum series is known for many desirable properties. For example, most of the alloys are renowned for their high strengths. Meanwhile, AA8177 and AA8030 which both contain copper are excellent electrical conductors.
Aluminum alloys are also generally less dense than many metals and are less likely to cause trouble in spaces like airplanes which prefer lighter metals as part of its framework.
Chemical Properties
One of the aluminum 8000 series properties is its ability to oxidize when exposed to air to form a protective layer that helps it resist rust or corrosion. This feature is particularly prominent in the AA8017, AA8076, AA8176, AA8014, AA8011, etc due to the presence of silicon, magnesium, and manganese.
Mechanical Properties
Aluminum and its alloys are great for producing many metal parts. Especially when alloyed with the metals in the 8000 series. 8000 aluminum alloys are extremely malleable, indicating that it is easy to mold them to different shapes.
They are also ductile and have incredible tensile strength. Thus, they possess mechanics that allow them to produce a stream of materials for many industries.
12 Common Alloys of the 8000 Series Aluminum
The 8000 series aluminum chemical composition includes many metals. The combination of these metals with aluminum is the basis of the different numbers assigned to them.
Each code is specific for the particular combination by mass of each alloy’s content. Aluminum alloy examples include:
AA8011
This commonly used alloy comprises aluminum, iron, silicon, manganese, zinc, etc. It is flexible, repels corrosion, lightweight, and resists breakage under stress while forming. Even though it isn’t the most heat stable alloy, it makes a good wrap for many items.
AA8021
8021 is significantly applied in the packaging process of drug production because it consists of mainly aluminum with minute amounts of other alloying metals. This property affords it the ability to mold easily and resist damage from environmental factors. Thus, it houses many medications and prevents their biochemical alteration.
AA8030
AA8030 is a strong, conductive alloy made with copper, silicon, iron, and many other metals. Its main game changer is the copper content that gives it a boost in electrical conductivity. Added to the list of its reasons for being desirable is its corrosion resistance. Thus, it can easily substitute copper wires in electrical works for more long-term use.
AA8040
This alloy is rarely used in any industry. While it may contain copper and manganese, other alloys of the series stand in its place.
AA8076
The whale, as you may call it, is a formidable opponent to corrosion and is typically used in underwater or marine projects. The addition of magnesium and manganese greatly boosts this property.
AA8079
This alloy works for lightweight, care-laden projects. Aluminum makes it up almost completely but metals like iron, copper, and silicon are added sparingly.
It is known to be flexible, and anti-corrosive, and it also resists external and environmental influences. Hence, it is used mostly to cover, package, and protect materials.
AA8090
AA8090 also suits marine conditions because it is strong, durable, and malleable. It also resists corrosion and contains copper, chromium, magnesium, etc. However, it is more expensive than some others in the series.
AA8091
The AA8091 is a member of the 8000 aluminum series that’s strong, durable, pliable, lightweight, and does not easily corrode. It finds its application in aerospace parts production but is relatively costly due to its elaborate production processes. Its contents include zinc, copper, and magnesium.
AA8111
Iron and silicon are the main additives of the AA8111, while zinc and copper follow closely. It is not the most versatile alloy but it may help create some packaging wraps.
AA8176
Alloy 8176 is a strong, non corrosive aluminum alloy containing little amounts of zinc, iron, and other metals. Automotive engineering uses it for its pliability to make structural parts. AA176 may also be used in the production of some conductive wires.
AA8017
8017 contains little bits of boron, copper, iron, and lithium. It is rarely available and is not used in any specific industries.
AA8112
With copper, magnesium, chromium, iron, etc as components, it is rarely found but has been a part of machining in some manufacturing companies.
Applications of 8000 Aluminum Alloys
This series of aluminum alloys seemingly has limitless applications because they are lightweight, non-toxic, conductive, strong, etc. It can play a role or two in these industries and more.
Automotive
As expected, durable, malleable, corrosion-resistant metals would find a home in the automotive industry which essentially thrives on these properties. The 8000 Aluminum series alloys like the AA8176 and AA8030 can produce many electrical and non-electrical automotive parts.
Aerospace
One major characteristic that makes aluminum a must-have in aerospace is its light-weightiness. This makes it perfect for producing effective airplane structural parts without exceeding the weight limit required to keep them safe.
Manufacturing
The series is perfect for producing the electrical and structural parts of manufacturers’ tools and machines but are great for packaging their products.
Electricals
Many alloys in this series are known for their excellent conductances and are therefore popular in the electrical industry. Here, they act as durable conductors for many electronic components.
Packaging
For being more inert and less reactive than many metals, it is important for pharmaceuticals, food, and other packages because they require healthy, non-biodegradable but thin, light, and protective materials to house content.
Advantages of 8000 Aluminum
Their properties confer many reasons for choice.
- Despite having great strength, it is still relatively light.
- Some of the alloys have good conductance and can work in vast electrics.
- One can repurpose the alloys after using them to produce materials after they lose their viability.
Disadvantages of 8000 Series Aluminum
- Some structures may require more alloy to make up for what the 8000 aluminum series may lack in strength.
- Other metals may be better options for strength.
Conclusion
The 8000 aluminum alloys have many uses and can play a role in virtually every industry. Their high tensile strength, conductive abilities, formability, and other attributes are the best for stress-free production.
In addition, they are affordable and efficient. Reach out to us to incorporate aluminum in the best way possible to produce aluminum parts.