Aluminum Alloy 1100 Datasheet

Welding

Please note the following regarding UNS A91100: it can be welded easily using traditional techniques like TIG or MIG welding. The most commonly used filler metal for this alloy is ER4043, an aluminum-silicon alloy that offers excellent corrosion resistance while minimizing porosity when applied correctly during welding operations. It should be noted that preheating is generally not required for this alloy due to its low melting point. Preheating can still enhance the quality of welds made from this material.

Machinability

The Aluminum 1100 alloy is highly machinable, especially in a hard temper. Carbide tooling is recommended, but high-speed steel tooling can also be used. If heavy cuts are needed, an oil lubricant should be applied.

Forming

Aluminum 1100 alloy can be easily formed both hot and cold. It can also be extensively cold-worked in the annealed condition without intermediate annealing.

Forging

The Aluminum 1100 alloy can be easily hot forged without encountering much difficulty.

Heat Treatment

Aluminum Alloy 1100 can be heat treated to increase strength, but this lowers its corrosion resistance. Other heat treatments like age or precipitation hardening may be used, but they are more complex and expensive.

Corrosion Resistance

After heat treatment processes, some loss of corrosion resistance occurs, especially with age hardening. However, due to its high chromium content at 0.2%, this alloy still protects against oxidation effects.

Heat Resistance

When machining aluminium alloys, it’s crucial to use cutting fluids to reduce wear on your tools and improve productivity. It is because the material has low thermal conductivity, and cooling down the cutting edges is necessary during extended operation periods to avoid tool failure or poor surface finishes. Furthermore, aluminium alloys have excellent heat-resistant properties, making them ideal for high-temperature applications where other materials may deform.

Annealing

Extensive cold work on Aluminum 1100 alloy necessitates annealing. The process should be carried out at 343°C (650°F) for a sufficient time, and then air-cooled.