Characteristics of Aluminium

• High specific strength
• High corrosion fatigue resistance
• Low specific gravity (2.70g/cm³). Approximately one third of steel
• Highly economic to recycle
• Good electrical conductivity; about 60% that of copper but reduced by the presence of alloying elements
• Non magnetic

Although available in a number of grades, aluminium can be divided into two major categories of wrought alloys: 

Work hardening alloys: (i.e. non heat treatable) Include commercially pure aluminium and the alloys including manganese or magnesium. The degree of work hardening is expressed as a temper H, with a number e.g. H22. These alloys can be fully or partly softened by annealing (at 350°-400°C). 

Heat treatable or precipitation hardening alloys: Include copper, magnesium, zinc and silicon as important constituents. Heat treatment can be used to increase strength especially those alloys with high magnesium content. 

A complete range of extrusions suitable for machining, general engineering and architectural applications are available. For the machining market in particular, we carry a complete range of Speedal 2011 medium strength free machining and 6262 anodising quality free machining aluminium rod.