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How do I know what alloy and temper of aluminum to use?

Discussion in 'Off Topic' started by AntoineJackson, Dec 22, 2016.

  1. AntoineJackson

    AntoineJackson New Member

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    How could I know the quality and type of alloys used in aluminum sheets and which are the best?
     
    #1 AntoineJackson, Dec 22, 2016
  2. daniel871

    daniel871 Well-Known Member

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    #2 daniel871, Dec 22, 2016
  3. mark tomlinson

    mark tomlinson ༼ つ ◕_ ◕ ༽つ
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    Not sure that it is terribly important which way you go if you are thinking of using it for a bed replacement. If you are asking more generically then @daniel871 has you covered with that link :)
     
    #3 mark tomlinson, Dec 24, 2016
  4. Bob Davis

    Bob Davis New Member

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    The purest form of aluminum is relatively soft. This is the reason the metal can be alloyed with other metals. All types of aluminum is alloyed with one other elements. Based on the type of alloying elements the alloys are divided into 8 groups 1xxx Series, 2xxx Series, 3xxx Series, 4xxx Series, 5xxx Series, 6xxx Series, 7xxx Series, 8xxx Series. The 1xxx series contains no alloying elements, the proportion of aluminum is 99.3 – 99.9% and the rest is formed with the help of tiny impurities.

    It also depends on the type of material you want to make with aluminum alloy.
     
    #4 Bob Davis, Jan 9, 2017
  5. WheresWaldo

    WheresWaldo Volunteer ( ͠° ͟ʖ ͡°)
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    Most of the beds out there will use something in the 4000-6000 range. It makes little difference if you use something like a sheet of glass or some other material over the top of it. It is more important just how flat it is. There sometimes might be a difference between plate stock and sheet stock, although some shops use them interchangeably. Plate stock is usually thicker and manufactured flat, while sheet stock is flattened from rolls. As I said, that is usually but not always. There is aluminum plate that is machined and it is often called Jig or Tool plate and it goes by various brand names. The machining makes the surface possibly flatter than normal plate/sheet material. In most cases a bed, being as small as it is does not need the Jig/Tool plate, it is good to know what your options are.
     
    #5 WheresWaldo, Jan 9, 2017

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