What is aluminum sheet used for?

Have you ever wondered what aluminum sheet is used for that makes it so popular in modern construction and industry? This article will help you understand this superior material, from its definition, properties, to practical applications and the most common types of aluminum sheet available today.

What is aluminum sheet used for? Outstanding advantages of aluminum sheet

Aluminum sheet is an aluminum alloy rolled flat into sheets of various thicknesses and sizes. Common aluminum grades include: 1050, 3003, 5052, 5083, 5086, 6061, 7075.

Aluminum sheet is favored for its many outstanding advantages. It is light and durable,helping to reduce the load on structures and making it easy to transport, while also having good strength. Aluminum's corrosion resistance is a major plus, as it naturally forms a protective layer against rust. Aluminum sheet is also very easy to process, allowing for flexible cutting, welding, bending, and drilling according to any design.In addition, its good thermal and electrical conductivity makes it ideal for heat dissipation applications and electronic devices, and notably, it is an environmentally friendly material as it can be almost 100% recycled.

Common types of aluminum sheet and specific applications 

To understand what aluminum sheet is used for in each case, let's explore the characteristics and applications of the following common types:

1. High purity A1050 aluminum sheet 

A1050 is a pure aluminum type with a minimum aluminum content of 99.5%. Due to its high purity, it is extremely ductile, easy to bend, has excellent corrosion resistance, and good thermal and electrical conductivity. However, this type has low mechanical strength. A1050 is often used in applications that do not require high load-bearing capacity but need high formability and good thermal/electrical conductivity, such as interior decoration, heat sinks, electronic casings, food packaging, or gutters.

2. A3003 aluminum sheet, a versatile solution for all projects

A3003 is an aluminum-manganese alloy, offering significantly better strength and corrosion resistance compared to A1050. It is also very easy to weld and form, suitable for many processing procedures. This type of aluminum is widely used in the production of household appliances (such as pots, pans), chemical containers, some vehicle body parts, and roofing in construction.

3. A5052 aluminum sheet with superior marine corrosion resistance

A5052 is an aluminum-magnesium alloy known for its excellent corrosion resistance, especially in saltwater and chemical environments. It has high tensile strength and good weldability, making it an ideal choice for applications requiring durability in harsh conditions. The main applications of A5052 are in the marine industry (ship hulls, marine equipment), pressure vessels, and truck bodies.

4. A5083 ultra-durable salt-resistant aluminum sheet 

A5083 is a higher-grade aluminum-magnesium alloy than A5052, with a higher magnesium content, providing superior strength and excellent stress corrosion resistance, especially in harsh marine environments. A5083 also has very good weldability. This type is used for heavy-duty applications, such as large shipbuilding (hulls, marine structures), liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanks, and heavy-duty truck bodies.

5. A5086 aluminum sheet balancing strength & weldability

A5086 is an aluminum-magnesium alloy that provides an optimal balance of high strength, good corrosion resistance, and excellent weldability. It is often chosen when greater strength than A5052 is required while still ensuring ease of processing. This type of aluminum is suitable for medium-sized boats, welded structures in marine environments, and industrial storage tanks.

6. A6061 diverse structural alloy aluminum sheet 

A6061 is an aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy, known for its harmonious combination of high strength, easy weldability, and relatively good corrosion resistance. This alloy is often T6 heat-treated to achieve optimal strength, making it a popular choice for structures. A6061 is widely used in building structures (frames, railings), automotive components, aircraft, and mold manufacturing.

7. A7075 superior high-strength aluminum sheet

A7075 is an aluminum-zinc alloy, characterized by extremely high strength and hardness, comparable to steel. Often T6 or T7351 heat-treated, it is used in applications requiring maximum strength. However,A7075 is more difficult to weld and has lower corrosion resistance than other types. Its main applications are in aerospace (load-bearing parts), military, high-end molds, and high-performance sports equipment.

Diverse applications of aluminum sheets in various industries

Aluminum sheet is truly a versatile material, present in almost every field. In construction and architecture, it is used for facade cladding, partitions, aluminum doors, stairs, railings, canopies, and aluminum ceilings. The transportation industry applies aluminum sheets for truck bodies, containers, tankers, ships, canoes, as well as aircraft fuselages and automotive components. In the machinery manufacturing and component industry, aluminum sheets are found in machine frames, workbenches, electrical cabinet enclosures, heat sinks, and electronic equipment housings. In addition, the packaging and decoration industries also utilize aluminum sheets for offset printing, packaging molds, metal labels, control panels and wall cladding, cabinets, and high-end shelving. Furthermore, aluminum sheets are also used in water treatment equipment, sound/heat insulation panels, bus interiors, and flooring.

Where to buy reputable aluminum sheets? Contact Kenta Viet Nam 

As you can see, aluminum sheets are an extremely versatile material, providing effective solutions for many technical and aesthetic requirements. With a variety of types and thicknesses, you can easily choose the most suitable aluminum sheet for your project.

If you need high-quality aluminum sheets, complete with certifications (CO, CQ, international registration) and dedicated consulting services, please contact Kenta VietNam. We supply a wide range of aluminum sheets from 1050, 5052, 6061, 5083... Do not hesitate to contact us immediately for support and a direct quote.