Aerospace Grade Aluminium - thyssenkrupp Materials (UK)

Commonly used aluminium alloys in aerospace

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Aluminium alloy is the most widely used in aerospace development. The alloy has a high yield strength and is a high-grade alloy with excellent fatigue resistance. It is commonly used in sheet form for the wings and fuselage.

Alloy is the second most used aluminium alloy in this industry. It is known for its strength and toughness but is susceptible to corrosion. As such, it’s often used inside the framework rather than the shell. One of the other reasons why this alloy is preferred is because it is suitable for arc welding.

This is a non-heat treatable grade of alloy. It provides the highest strength and is highly ductile as well. It can be formed into various shapes and is highly corrosion resistant making it an ideal addition for numerous applications in aerospace.

Grade is commonly used in light crafts. Its easy machinability and welding are some of the reasons why it’s often preferred for these applications. It is fairly strong and features prominently in the wings and fuselage of the planes.

For its high corrosion resistance and strength in wide sections, grade is commonly used in the wing skins and fuselage and more so in military crafts. Its high resistance to fractures compared to other alloys is one of the reasons it’s highly regarded in the aerospace industry.

This is one of the strongest alloys in the market, and it has a low mass. It's perfect for crafts that need to stand up to the tough conditions and is also used in military aircraft.

The strength of grade is comparable to that of steel thanks to its high levels of zinc. It has impeccable fatigue resistance and is easy to machine. It was a popular choice for planes in World War II and remained frequently featured in some military crafts.

Less common aluminium alloys

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Several other aluminium alloys not known to many play a crucial role in the development of the aerospace and aircraft industries.

This aluminium alloy provides maximum strength at high temperatures. It was used successfully for the external fuel tank of the first successfully launched space shuttle Columbia. Its properties include good weldability.

Grade is commonly used for its aesthetic appeal and not necessarily its structural prowess. It’s commonly used for intricate extrusion but also has a high resistance to fracture and fatigue and is very strong.

Finally, there is aluminium alloy , which is at times found in the fuselage bulkheads of large aircraft. Like others mentioned herein, it's incredibly strong.

The demand for aluminium in the aerospace will most likely double in the next few years, especially with the newly developed aluminium-lithium alloys that could reduce aircraft weight and improve performance.

Features of Aerospace Grade Aluminium

High strength to weight ratio

Aerospace grade aluminium alloys are strong and lightweight. Both desirable qualities for machining aerospace parts used in high-performance applications such as those found in aerospace and automotive industry.

Corrosion resistance

Multiple aerospace grade aluminium alloys have excellent corrosion resistance. However, the degree of corrosion resistance might vary depending on the alloy, but most have commendable corrosion resistance for longer service life and while maintaining their surface finish.

Electrical conductivity

Aluminium in general exhibits greater electrical conductivity than other materials like stainless steel this makes machined aluminium parts more suitable as electrical and electronic components.

Surface finish

In many aerospace applications where the component is visible, aesthetic appeal is crucial. Aluminium readily accommodates various surface treatments and finishing processes including anodization, tinting and painting which allows manufacturers to improve the function and aesthetic properties of the machined aluminium part or product. 

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