Aluminum 1100 properties
Aluminum 1100 is a commercially pure aluminum alloy with a minimum aluminum content of 99.0%. It belongs to the 1000 series of wrought alloys and is characterized by excellent corrosion resistance, high thermal and electrical conductivity, and outstanding formability. Due to its purity, it is the strongest mechanically within the 1xxx alloys and the only one frequently used in the manufacture of rivets. Its chemical, physical, and mechanical properties, as well as its most relevant applications, are detailed below.
Chemical Composition
Section titled “Chemical Composition”| Element | Content (% by weight) |
|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | 99.0 min |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.05 – 0.20 |
| Iron + Silicon (Fe+Si) | < 0.95 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.05 max |
| Zinc (Zn) | 0.10 max |
| Other elements (each) | 0.05 max |
| Other elements (total) | 0.15 max |
Physical Properties
Section titled “Physical Properties”At room temperature, alloy 1100 has a density of 2.71 g/cm³ (0.0979 lb/in³) and an electrical conductivity of approximately 35 MS/m, equivalent to 60% IACS. The following table summarizes its main physical properties.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.71 g/cm³ / 0.0979 lb/in³ |
| Relative density | 2.71 |
| Electrical conductivity | 35 MS/m / 60 % IACS |
| Modulus of elasticity | 70-80 GPa / 10 152-11 603 ksi |
| Poisson’s ratio | 0.33 |
Mechanical Properties
Section titled “Mechanical Properties”In the O (annealed) temper, aluminum 1100 reaches a minimum tensile strength of about 90 MPa (13 ksi) and an elongation greater than 30%, while in the H18 temper it exceeds 150 MPa (22 ksi) with elongations below 5%. The following table lists typical mechanical properties as a function of strain hardening treatment.
| Temper | Tensile Strength (MPa / ksi) | Yield Strength 0.2% (MPa / ksi) | Elongation (%) | Brinell Hardness (HBW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| O (annealed) | 90-110 / 13-16 | 35 / 5 | 30-40 | 23-28 |
| H12 | 100-130 / 14.5-18.9 | 85 / 12.3 | 12-20 | 35 |
| H14 | 110-160 / 16-23.2 | 100 / 14.5 | 1-10 | 40-44 |
| H16 | 130-170 / 18.9-24.7 | 120 / 17.4 | 4-6 | 45-48 |
| H18 | 150-180 / 21.8-26.1 | 145 / 21.0 | 2-4 | 48-52 |
Thermal Properties
Section titled “Thermal Properties”The thermal conductivity of alloy 1100 in H18 temper is 218 W/(m·K) (126 BTU/(h·ft·°F)) at 25 °C, making it an excellent choice for heat exchangers. The following table gathers the main thermal properties.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Thermal conductivity (H18, 25 °C) | 218 W/(m·K) / 126 BTU/(h·ft·°F) |
| Coefficient of thermal expansion (20-100 °C) | 23.6 × 10⁻⁶ /°C / 13.1 × 10⁻⁶ /°F |
| Specific heat | 904 J/(kg·K) / 0.216 BTU/(lb·°F) |
| Melting range | 643-657 °C / 1190-1215 °F |
Fabrication and Heat Treatment
Section titled “Fabrication and Heat Treatment”Machinability
Section titled “Machinability”The machinability of aluminum 1100 is excellent when worked in the hard temper (H temper). Both carbide and high-speed steel tools are suitable. In heavy cutting operations, oil-type lubricant is recommended.
Forming
Section titled “Forming”It has exceptional formability both hot and cold. In the annealed state, it withstands very severe cold work without requiring intermediate anneals, facilitating complex deep drawing and bending processes.
Welding
Section titled “Welding”Alloy 1100 exhibits good weldability with all conventional methods, including gas, resistance, and electric arc welding. Filler material is typically the alloy 1100 or 4043. The welded area retains much of the corrosion resistance of the base material, although mechanical strength may be slightly reduced.
Heat Treatment
Section titled “Heat Treatment”Aluminum 1100 is not heat treatable; hardening is achieved exclusively through cold work. The only relevant heat treatment is stress relief annealing.
Forging
Section titled “Forging”It can be forged without difficulty, especially in closed dies, within the hot working range.
Hot Working
Section titled “Hot Working”Recommended hot working temperatures range between 260 and 510 °C (500-950 °F). Prolonged heating at higher temperatures should be avoided to prevent degradation of surface properties.
Cold Working
Section titled “Cold Working”It responds very well to cold working, allowing the various H strain hardening tempers (H12, H14, H18, etc.) to be achieved without risk of cracking.
Annealing
Section titled “Annealing”Annealing is performed by heating the material to 343 °C (650 °F) and holding it at that temperature until obtaining a uniform heat distribution; cooling can be done in air. This treatment returns the alloy to its softest state (O temper).
Hardening
Section titled “Hardening”The only hardening mechanism available for this alloy is cold deformation (strain hardening). It does not admit precipitation or solution hardening.
Applications
Section titled “Applications”Thanks to its combination of formability, corrosion resistance, and competitive cost, aluminum 1100 is used in the following sectors:
- Food industry: processing equipment, kitchen utensils, containers and packaging.
- Chemical industry: piping, tanks, and non-structural components in corrosive environments.
- Thermal equipment: heat exchangers, radiators, and diffusers.
- Consumer goods: lightweight jewelry, decorative products, frames, nameplates, and lamps.
- Construction and architecture: cladding, roofing sheets, and non-structural finishes.
- Electrical and electronics: busbars, housings, and components requiring high conductivity.
- Transportation: rivets and low-load parts in non-structural bodywork.
Comparison with Similar Materials
Section titled “Comparison with Similar Materials”The following table contrasts aluminum 1100 with other frequently used aluminum alloys, showing differences in purity, mechanical strength, and typical applications.
| Alloy | Minimum Aluminum (%) | Tensile Strength (MPa / ksi) | Typical Elongation (%) | Representative Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1100 | 99.0 | 90-180 / 13-26 | 1-40 | Chemical equipment, food industry, rivets |
| 1050 | 99.5 | 60-110 / 9-16 | 1-40 | Electrical conductors, signage |
| 1350 | 99.5 | 75-165 / 11-24 | 1-35 | Electrical cables, busbars |
| 3003 | 96.7 (Al+Mn) | 110-200 / 16-29 | 4-40 | Utensils, containers, roofing, tanks |
Other Designations
Section titled “Other Designations”Aluminum 1100 has multiple equivalent standardized designations, including:
- AMS 4003, AMS 7220
- ASTM B209, ASTM B210, ASTM B211, ASTM B221, ASTM B241, ASTM B247, ASTM B313, ASTM B316, ASTM B361, ASTM B479, ASTM B483, ASTM B491, ASTM B547, ASTM B548
- ASME SFA5.10 (ER1100), ASME SFA5.3 (E1100)
- AWS A5.10 (ER1100), AWS A5.3 (E1100)
- MIL A-52174, MIL A-52177, MIL C-26094, MIL R-5674, MIL S-24149/5, MIL E-15597 (MIL-1100), MIL I-23413 (MIL-1100), MIL W-6712, MIL W-85
- QQ WW-T-700/1, QQ A-1876, QQ A-250/1, QQ A-430
- SAE J454
- UNS A91100
- EN AW-1100 (ENAW-Al99.0Cu)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Section titled “Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)”Is it possible to harden aluminum 1100 by heat treatment?
Section titled “Is it possible to harden aluminum 1100 by heat treatment?”No, aluminum 1100 is not heat treatable; its strength increase is only achieved through cold work (strain hardening).
What is the melting temperature of aluminum 1100?
Section titled “What is the melting temperature of aluminum 1100?”The melting range is approximately between 643 °C and 657 °C (1190-1215 °F), typical of commercially pure aluminums.
Is aluminum 1100 corrosion resistant?
Section titled “Is aluminum 1100 corrosion resistant?”Yes, it offers excellent corrosion resistance in most atmospheric, urban, and industrial environments, as well as against many chemicals.
Can aluminum 1100 be easily welded?
Section titled “Can aluminum 1100 be easily welded?”Yes, it exhibits good weldability with all conventional procedures (resistance, arc, gas). It is recommended to use filler metal 1100 or 4043 to obtain quality joints.
What are the most common applications of aluminum 1100?
Section titled “What are the most common applications of aluminum 1100?”It is widely used in food industry equipment, heat exchangers, kitchen utensils, decorative parts, rivets, and signage, taking advantage of its formability and corrosion resistance.
What international equivalents does alloy 1100 have?
Section titled “What international equivalents does alloy 1100 have?”It is equivalent to designations UNS A91100, EN AW-1100 (ENAW-Al99.0Cu) and complies with numerous standards such as AMS 4003, ASTM B209, and AWS A5.10, among others.
Sources Consulted
Section titled “Sources Consulted”- azom.com: https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=6588
- engineeringtoolbox.com: https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/aluminum-alloy-mechanical-properties-d_1350.html
- steelnumber.com: https://www.steelnumber.com/en/steel_alloy_composition_eu.php?name_id=1019