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Aluminum Grade

Aluminum Grade

Aluminum Grade

(OP)
I need to quickly specify an aluminium grade for some mostly non-structural outdoor pretty stuff. It will be anodized and coloured. Can anyone recommend an appropriate, readily available grade of aluminum? Also, I'd happily accept any other recommendations on the use and specification of aluminum as well.

In this instance, I've come straight here instead of doing my own research. That's not normally how I do things on the forum but I'm pressed for time here. Thanks guys.

The greatest trick that bond stress ever pulled was convincing the world it didn't exist.

RE: Aluminum Grade

On occasion when we need aluminum items, we use 6061-T6, but no idea on the anodizing part of it.

RE: Aluminum Grade

You didn't specify what form you need.
6061 is typically provided in round or rectangular bars, but not sheet (because it doesn't bend well).

You need to discuss your needs in person.

Not with us.

Call your local metals supplier and ask for a sales engineer. Said person will be able to recommend products based on your proposed service, the forms you need, and most important, what's actually available in the quantities you need.

Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

RE: Aluminum Grade

(OP)
Thanks guys. My needs were for HSS and angles. For the benefit of future enquiring minds, here's the answer that I provided to my client:

Here’s what I know about aluminum specification. The grades are listed below in order of increasing cost. All will be workable structurally.

• 6061-T6. This is a strong, inexpensive, readily available grade. It’s what we’d use for sure if there were no fishing requirements. We may want to use it still. It can be anodized and colored. However, the anodized color can be less consistent that with alloys specifically formulated for anodizing.
• 6063. For use in anodized applications where color consistency is important.
• 6463. For use when a bright colored finish is desired.

So there you have it. The price of the various grades can vary significantly, but I really don’t know by how much. The consistency of the finish can also vary, but again, I don’t know how to quantify that.

If your spec department has any contacts in the specialty metals world, I’d recommend making some calls. My gut says that 6061 would be fine as it’s mostly going to be viewed at a distance. That being said, I don’t actually know what “color inconsistency” looks like in the real world.

The greatest trick that bond stress ever pulled was convincing the world it didn't exist.

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