Aluminum alloys are popular materials for both castings and forgings. In fact, they are used in a wide variety of applications where their light weight and corrosion resistance properties are desired. For example, aluminum alloys are commonly used in the automotive industry for engine blocks and transmission cases.
There are two main types of aluminum alloys that can be used for casting: wrought alloys and non-wrought alloys. Wrought alloys contain small amounts of impurities such as copper, magnesium, silicon, manganese, and zinc. Non-wrought alloys do not contain these impurities.
Wrought aluminum alloys are further classified into two groups: heat-treatable and non-heat-treatable. Heat-treatable wrought aluminum alloys can be strengthened by heating them to high temperatures and then cooling them rapidly (quenching). Non-heat-treatable wrought aluminum alloys cannot be strengthened in this way.
The most common type of casting alloy is the non-heat-treatable wrought alloy because it is less expensive to produce than the heat-treatable wrought alloy. The most common type of forging alloy is the heat-treatable wrought alloy because it can be strengthened through heat treatment.
Aluminum Alloy Properties
Aluminum alloys have a number of desirable properties including:
Lightweight – Aluminum has a density of only 2.7 g/cm3, making it one of the lightest metals available for use in metal products. This property makes it ideal for use in applications where weight is a concern such as in aircraft or automobiles.
Corrosion Resistant – Aluminum forms a thin oxide layer on its surface when exposed to air which protects the metal from further corrosion . This property makes aluminum well suited for use in outdoor applications or in environments where other metals would corrode quickly .
Nonmagnetic – Aluminum is not attracted to magnets , making it useful in applications where magnetic materials would interfere .