MATERIALS
Aluminum and its alloys
General features
Aluminum is one of the most spread elements on the earth, second only to oxygen and silicon.
In nature it is always combined to other elements and it is present in many minerals.
From the industrial point of view this light metal ( whose density is 2.71 g/cm3) is produced starting from bauxite, a brown red or yellow stone spread in the USA, Russia, Guyana, Hungary and ex Yugoslav countries. Its main characteristics are:
Few elements in nature can make such a high number of alloys like aluminum. In order to improve its mechanical features it is possible to add more elements which make it change from tender and ductile to the second hardest substance in nature after diamond, the aluminum oxide (Al203), which is aluminum + oxygen.
All metallic alloys constituted by aluminum have got the following characteristics:
· Low fusion temperature between 510 and 650°C.
· Low specific weight between 2,66 and 2,85 gr./cm3.
· Very high thermic and electric conductivity.
· Aluminum content higher than 95%.
The most part of metallic elements is aluminum - soluble but nevertheless copper, silicon, magnesium, zinc and manganese are used together to make the main alloys.
Every element has got its peculiar effect for example:
· Silicon improves casting and reduces dilatation coefficient.
· Magnesium increases the resistance to corrosion in alkaline environment and in the sea.
· Manganese increases mechanical resistance and corrosion.
· Copper increases mechanical resistance especially at high temperature.
· Zinc, especially if associated to magnesium, gives a high mechanical resistance.
Aluminum alloys
International classification provides a system of four figures where the first one indicates the main binding elements according to this index:
TABLE
Series 1000, aluminium at least 99% .
Alloys of the series are characterized by excellent resistance to corrosion, thermic and electric conductibility, good work capability,
Used for chemical systems, electrical systems, electrical condensers.
Series 2000 called Avional .
Alloys obtained with thermical treatment after which they develop mechanical features similar to carbon steels.
They are used for planes or where good mechanical qualities and lightness are requested.
Series 3000
The main element in this alloy is manganese which increases mechanical resistance of the worked alloys and reduces the corrosion.
Series 4000
Silicon is important in this alloy because its main function is to increase fluidity and reduction of thermical dilatation coefficient which is very useful to castings and weldings. Good resistance to wear.
Series 5000 called Peraluman
These alloys are used mainly for aluminum bodies thanks to their high resistance to corrosion and a good welding capability.
Series 6000 called Anticorodal.
They are thermically treated before they can be used for motorcycle frames, cycles frames, and welded structures in general. They have good features for welding, work capacity, chipping and shaping.
Series 7000 called Ergal
Zinc increases their resistance and hardness and those alloys containing also manganese have got the highest resistance to traction of all other aluminum alloys.
They have a good work capability, low welding possibilities, and they are used mainly for planes, transport means and for very stressed parts.
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