1060 aluminum plate is a commercially pure aluminum alloy belonging to the 1xxx series. It contains a minimum of 99.6% aluminum, making it one of the purest aluminum grades available. This high purity is a defining characteristic that dictates many of its properties.
Key Properties of 1060 Aluminum Plate
- High Purity: With at least 99.6% aluminum content, it exhibits properties very close to pure aluminum.
- Excellent Corrosion Resistance: 1060 aluminum naturally forms a protective oxide layer, offering excellent resistance to atmospheric and chemical corrosion.
- High Electrical and Thermal Conductivity: Its purity contributes to superior electrical and thermal conductivity, making it ideal for relevant applications.
- Good Formability and Weldability: This alloy is easily formed, bent, and drawn. It also possesses excellent weldability using various common welding techniques.
- Low Mechanical Strength: Compared to many other aluminum alloys, 1060 has relatively low tensile and yield strength. It is not typically chosen for structural applications requiring high strength.
Common Applications
The unique combination of properties makes 1060 aluminum plate suitable for a wide range of applications where high purity, corrosion resistance, and conductivity are paramount. These include:
- Electrical components such as busbars, connectors, and transformer windings.
- Chemical processing equipment and storage tanks.
- Heat exchangers and cooling fins.
- Reflective surfaces and lighting fixtures.
- Nameplates, signage, and decorative trim.
- Kitchenware and food handling equipment.
- Architectural flashing and roofing.
Many industries source 1060 aluminum plates from reliable suppliers, with companies like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company often providing various specifications.
Choosing the Right Aluminum Alloy
While 1060 aluminum offers excellent formability and corrosion resistance, its low strength means it’s not suitable for all applications. For projects requiring high strength-to-weight ratios, alloys like 2024 or 7075 should be considered. If exceptionally high formability beyond what 1060 offers is needed for complex shaping, grades such as 1100 or 3003 might be preferred, although 1060 itself is highly workable. The selection process often involves consultation with material experts, such as those at Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company, to match the alloy to the specific performance demands.
Temper Designations
The properties of 1060 aluminum plate can be further modified through various temper designations, such as:
- O (Annealed): Softest temper, offering maximum ductility.
- H1x series (Strain-hardened): e.g., H12, H14, H16, H18, indicating increasing degrees of strain hardening and strength.
- H2x series (Strain-hardened and partially annealed): e.g., H24, H26.
Understanding these tempers is crucial when specifying 1060 aluminum plate for a particular application. For specific temper requirements and availability, consulting with manufacturers like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company is advisable. Some projects may also require specialized finishes, which suppliers such as Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company can often provide.
