What Is the Difference Between Aluminum or Aluminum Alloy？
Aluminum is one of the most widely used metals in the world. From beverage cans and cookware to aircraft parts and high-speed trains, it plays a key role in modern manufacturing. However, when choosing materials, many engineers, buyers, and DIY enthusiasts face a common question: What's the difference between aluminum and aluminum alloy?
In this article, we'll break down the key differences, explain the unique characteristics of pure aluminum and aluminum alloys, and help you decide which one best suits your project.
What Is Aluminum?
Aluminum, also called pure aluminum, refers to aluminum with a purity of 99% or more. Common grades include 1050, 1060, 1070 1100, 1235 and 1350, all of which are known for their softness, excellent corrosion resistance, and high conductivity.
🔹 Key Properties of Pure Aluminum:
Purity: ≥99% aluminum
Soft and ductile: Easy to form and bend
Excellent corrosion resistance
High electrical and thermal conductivity
Lightweight and non-magnetic
Low mechanical strength
🔹 Common Applications:
Electrical wires and cables (e.g., 1350 aluminum)
Reflective lighting equipment
Kitchenware and foil
Chemical equipment
If your application requires flexibility, corrosion resistance, or conductivity more than strength, pure aluminum is often the best choice.
What Is an Aluminum Alloy?
Aluminum alloys are created by adding other elements such as copper, magnesium, silicon, zinc, or manganese to aluminum. These elements significantly enhance the mechanical properties of aluminum, making it suitable for demanding applications.
Aluminum alloys are divided into two main categories:
Wrought alloys – used for rolling, extruding, or forging (e.g., 6061, 7075)
Cast alloys – used for casting into molds (e.g., A356)
They are also grouped by:
Heat-treatable alloys: such as 6061, 7075, which gain strength through heat treatment.
Non-heat-treatable alloys: such as 5052, 3003, which gain strength through cold working.
🔹 Key Advantages of Aluminum Alloys:
Higher strength-to-weight ratio
Improved hardness and durability
Better machinability and weldability (depends on alloy type)
Greater versatility in structural applications
🔹 Common Applications:
6061 alloy: frames, pipelines, automotive and marine parts
5052 alloy: marine-grade structures, pressure vessels
7075 alloy: aerospace parts, bicycle frames, sporting goods
Aluminum vs Aluminum Alloy Comparison Chart
| Property | Pure Aluminum | Aluminum Alloy |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | ≥99% Aluminum | Aluminum + other elements (Cu, Mg, Zn…) |
| Strength | Low | Medium to very high |
| Ductility | Very high | Moderate to high |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Good to excellent (depends on alloy) |
| Electrical Conductivity | Very high | Lower than pure aluminum |
| Weldability | Good | Varies by alloy |
| Heat Treatable | No | Some are (e.g., 6061, 7075) |
| Cost | Lower | Generally higher |
| Applications | Wiring, cookware, foil | Aerospace, automotive, structural parts |
Pure Aluminum Applications:
1, When You need high corrosion resistance, especially in chemical or marine environments.
2, The application involves electric conductivity, such as in power transmission.
3, You require high formability and low cost.
4, Strength is not the top priority.
Examples:
1100 aluminum sheet for roofing and siding
1350 aluminum wire for electrical transmission
1050 aluminum strip for transformer windings
Aluminum Alloys Applications:
1, High strength is required (e.g., load-bearing structures)
2, The material needs to be machined, welded, or anodized
3, When you are working in aerospace, marine, automotive, or construction
Examples:
6061 T6 aluminum plate – strong, weldable, widely used in structural parts
5052 H32 aluminum sheet – corrosion-resistant and ideal for marine and tank use
7075 T651 aluminum plate – one of the strongest aluminum alloys for aerospace
Questions to be considered before choose the aluminum materials
When choosing between pure aluminum and aluminum alloy, consider the following:
1, What is the application? (e.g., electrical, structural, decorative)
2, Do you need strength or flexibility?
3, Will the material be exposed to corrosion or moisture?
4, Do you need to weld, machine, or anodize the material?
5, What’s your budget?
For many projects, aluminum alloys like 6061 or 5052 provide the ideal balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and cost-effectiveness.
Conclusion
While both pure aluminum and aluminum alloys offer excellent properties, they serve different purposes. Pure aluminum stands out in terms of conductivity, corrosion resistance, and workability. Aluminum alloys, on the other hand, bring in higher strength and versatility to meet the demands of modern engineering.
Still not sure which material is right for your project? Shenzhen Chinalco Metal is here to help.