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ALLOYS

Alloys

As it is well known, aluminum is an excellent material, but its use is often limited by relatively poor mechanical properties.
For this reason, aluminum alloys are developed by adding specific elements that enhance the base material, creating an optimal balance of performance characteristics.

Selection Criteria

The choice of an alloy suitable for anodizing should be based on several key factors:

  • Cost

  • Manufacturing processes

  • Mechanical properties

  • Oxide quality

  • Traceability

Selecting the correct alloy is essential and must be aligned with the intended application and the performance requirements to be achieved.

Alloy Series Overview

SERIES 1000 – Al 99%
Suitable for food applications. Low mechanical properties, but excellent anodizing behavior.

SERIES 2000 – Al-Cu
Not suitable for food applications. Exhibits poor anodic oxidation performance.

SERIES 3000 – Al-Mn
Suitable for food applications. Limited use in mechanical applications and rarely processed through anodizing.

SERIES 4000 – Al-Si
Potentially suitable for food applications depending on composition.
Appropriate for anodizing if the silicon content is below 9%. Evaluation is required on a case-by-case basis.

SERIES 5000 – Al-Mg
Suitable for food applications. Medium mechanical properties.
Good anodizing performance, but typically with a less refined aesthetic finish due to higher porosity.

SERIES 6000 – Al-SiMg
Suitable for food applications. Medium mechanical properties and good corrosion resistance.
Excellent anodizing results with high-quality aesthetic and technical finishes.

SERIES 7000 – Al-CuZn
Not suitable for food applications. High mechanical properties but lower corrosion resistance.
Good anodizing performance with excellent final mechanical properties, though corrosion resistance is inferior compared to other alloys, with potential risk of defects (see defects section).

Technical Support

G.H.A. Europe® is available to provide technical guidance in selecting the most suitable alloy and treatment, ensuring optimal performance based on specific customer requirements.

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