With the continuous progress of technology, automation technology plays an increasingly important role in modern industry. Automation brings the benefits of efficient production, cost reduction, and improved quality. In the automation industry, selecting suitable materials for mechanical structural or structural components is crucial. Aluminum alloy and steel are two common materials that are widely used in automation equipment. So what are the differences between them? Let's continue to look down.
Industrial aluminum profiles actually refer to aluminum alloys, which are divided into magnesium aluminum alloys, silicon aluminum alloys, and zinc aluminum alloys. We commonly see magnesium aluminum alloys and zinc aluminum alloys. Let's first take a look at the composition of these types of aluminum alloys:
Magnesium aluminum alloy
Magnesium alloy is a type of alloy with magnesium as the main alloying element. This type of alloy usually contains a high proportion of magnesium (Mg), and may add small amounts of other elements such as aluminum (Al), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), etc. to change the properties and properties of the alloy. It is widely used in the mechanical industry, aerospace, automotive manufacturing, and construction industries.
Serial Number
| component
| proportion
| notes
|
1 | Aluminum（AI） | 98.9%
| Main components |
2
| Magnesium (Mg)
| 1.0%~1.2%
| Improve alloy strength and corrosion resistance, and improve heat treatment response.
|
3
| Silicon (Si)
| 0.4%~0.8%
| Increase the strength and hardness of the alloy, and improve the performance after heat treatment.
|
4
| Copper (Cu)
| 0.15%~0.4%
| Improve the strength and hardness of aluminum alloys, and increase their thermal expansion resistance.
|
5
| Impurities (Other)
| 0.8%~1.2%
| Elements such as zinc, manganese, chromium, titanium, etc
|
Common grades of magnesium aluminum alloys:
5083: It has high magnesium content and excellent corrosion resistance, especially to seawater. It is commonly used in ships and marine engineering;
5052: Like 5083, it has good corrosion resistance and is commonly used in the manufacturing of fuel tanks, etc;
Series 6: 6061 and 6063 are also magnesium aluminum alloys with high hardness, strength, and corrosion resistance, widely used in mechanical manufacturing, aerospace, automotive manufacturing, and aluminum alloy doors and windows.
Silicon aluminum alloy
Silicon aluminum alloy is an alloy with silicon and aluminum as the main alloying elements. This alloy typically contains a certain proportion of silicon (Si) and aluminum (Al), while other elements such as copper (Cu) and magnesium (Mg) may be added. Silicon aluminum alloys are commonly used in casting processes and have excellent corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and high-temperature stability. It is widely used in fields such as aviation, automotive manufacturing, and construction.
Serial Number
| component
| proportion
| notes
|
1 | Aluminium（AI） | 88.00% | Main components |
2 | Magnesium (Mg) | 0.6%~1.2% | Improve alloy strength and corrosion resistance, and improve heat treatment response. |
3 | Silicon (Si) | 12.00% | Increase the strength and hardness of the alloy, and improve the performance after heat treatment. |
4 | Zinc(Zn) | 0.5%~1.2% | Improve the strength and hardness of aluminum alloys, and increase their thermal expansion resistance. |
5
| Impurities (Other) | 0.8%~1.2% | Elements such as copper (Zn), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), etc |
Common grades of silicon aluminum alloy:
4000 series: 4043, 4047, etc., are commonly used in welding applications due to their ability to improve melting point and flowability due to silicon content.
Zinc aluminum alloy
Zinc aluminum alloy is an alloy with zinc and aluminum as the main alloying elements. This type of alloy usually contains a certain proportion of zinc (Zn) and aluminum (Al), while small amounts of other elements such as magnesium (Mg) and copper (Cu) may be added.
Serial Number
| component
| proportion
| notes
|
1 | Aluminium（AI） | 90.00% | Main components |
2 | Magnesium (Mg) | 2.1%~2.9% | Improve alloy strength and corrosion resistance, and improve heat treatment response. |
3 | Silicon (Si) | 0.5~1.2% | Increase the strength and hardness of the alloy, and improve the performance after heat treatment. |
4 | Zinc(Zn) | 5.1~6.1 | Improve the strength and hardness of aluminum alloys, and increase their thermal expansion resistance. |
| 5 | Impurities (Other) | 0.8%~1.2% | Elements such as copper (Zn), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), etc |
Common grades of zinc aluminum alloys:
7000 series: High strength, especially in the interaction with other alloy elements, can achieve higher levels of strength, widely used in the aerospace and military industries.