ALUMINUM ALLOY

I. DEFINITION:
 An “alloy” is a blend of different metallic elements, often created to enhance the strength and
durability of the material. An aluminum alloy typically consists of the latter as the main metal in
the blend, often combined with other elements, such as silicon, tin, manganese, or even
copper, tin, and magnesium, depending on the desired application. With the right combination
of elements, aluminum can acquire a lot more strength, and in some cases, it could even
outperform steel. Alloys bring the same benefits of pure aluminum, and they are also relatively
cost-effective because they have a lower melting point.

II. COMPOSITION:

 The alloy is made by mixing together the elements when aluminum is molten (liquid), which
cools to form a homogeneous solid solution. The other elements may make up as much as 15
percent of the alloy by mass. Added elements include iron, copper, magnesium, silicon, and
zinc. Aluminum alloys are named according to a 4-digit number, where the first number
indicates the major alloying element. A processing code follows the 4-digit number, which
indicates the condition and treatment of
the material.
Series Major Alloying Element Heat Treatable
1XXX None (commercially pure) No
2XXX Copper Yes
3XXX Manganese No
4XXX Silicon No (mostly)
5XXX Magnesium No
6XXX Magnesium and Silicon Yes
7XXX Zinc Yes
Suffix Treatment
-F As fabricated
-O Annealed
-HX Cold worked (strain hardened)
-TX Solution heat treated, precipitation hardened
The 2000, 6000, and 7000 series aluminum alloys can all be heat treated, and therefore these can achieve
the highest strengths. The other alloys can be strengthened through cold work.

The table below provides representative mechanical properties for several common aluminum alloys.

Yield Ultimate Elastic

Elongation Density Poisson's
Material Condition Strength Strength Modulus
% [lb/in3] Ratio
[ksi] [ksi] [psi]

Al 2014 T6, T651 59 67 7 10.5 0.101 0.33

Al 2024 T4 40 62 10 10.5 0.1 0.33

Al 5052 H32 23 38 9 10.1 0.097 0.33

H116,
31 44 10
Al 5083 H321 10.3 0.096 0.33
H32 31 56 12

T4 16 26 16
Al 6061 9.9 0.098 0.33
T6 35 38 8

Al 7075 T6, T651 68 78 6 10.3 0.101 0.33

III. PRODUCT AND EXAMPLE

Bicycle Frame - Most Velor aluminum alloys have about the same strength and weight, as close
to them in the frame price of chrome-molybdenum steel. Their increased stiffness is good for a ride in
the mountains or in the sprint, but not to overcome the pits and bumps. In contrast to the steel frames,
aluminum does not rust.
Aircraft - Aluminum is ideal for aircraft manufacture because it's lightweight and strong. Aluminum is
roughly a third the weight of steel, allowing an aircraft to carry more weight and or become more fuel
efficient.

IV. MATERIAL TESTING

A. Destructive

These are the tests which are carried out to the specimens failure. Benefits Verifies properties of a
material. Determines quality of welds. Helps you to reduce failures, accidents and costs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hD_NJaZIpT0

B. Non Destructive

Non-destructive testing (NDT) is a testing and analysis technique used by industry to evaluate the
properties of a material, component, structure or system for characteristic differences or welding
defects and discontinuities without causing damage to the original part.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfMi2kMvjlA
V. HOW TO RECYCLE AND REUSE
Aluminium is an infinitely recyclable material, and it takes up to 95 percent less energy to recycle it than
to produce primary aluminum, which also limits emissions, including greenhouse gases. Today, about
75 percent of all aluminum produced in history, nearly a billion tons, is still in use. The recycling of
aluminium generally produces significant cost savings over the production of new aluminium, even
when the cost of collection, separation and recycling are taken into account Over the long term, even
larger national savings are made when the reduction in the capital costs associated with landfills,
mines, and international shipping of raw aluminium are considered.