What Is 1050 Aluminum Plate?
1050 aluminum belongs to the 1xxx series of commercially pure aluminum. With a minimum aluminum content of 99.5%, it offers high corrosion resistance against air, water, alkalis, and mild acids, good electrical conductivity, superior thermal conductivity, and exceptional formability and weldability. Its durable, rust-resistant surface keeps a clean appearance over time, which makes it a dependable choice for chemical processing, electrical equipment, architectural components, kitchenware, and many other industrial and domestic applications.
Hot Rolled vs Cold Rolled Forms
1050 aluminum is available in several mill forms. Hot rolled plate is produced by rolling at elevated temperature and is commonly used for industrial equipment, boilers, and heat-transfer devices. Cold rolled plate is rolled at room temperature for tighter dimensional tolerances and a smoother surface, and is often selected for electrical components, food containers, and decorative panels. Hot rolled sheet serves architectural flashings and lamp reflectors, while cold rolled sheet is used for cable sheathing and chemical processing equipment. Beyond plates and sheets, the grade is also supplied as strips, coils, and chequered plates.
Key Properties
Excellent corrosion resistance against air, water, alkalis, and mild acids.
High electrical conductivity suitable for electrical and chemical applications.
Superior thermal conductivity, making it ideal for heat sinks and heat-transfer devices.
Exceptional formability and weldability for complex fabrication.
Durable, rust-resistant surface with a shiny finish that maintains its appearance over time.
These characteristics make 1050 suitable for manufacturing vessels, heat-transfer devices, boilers, packaging industry components, and other high-precision applications.
Chemical Composition
The typical composition of 1050 plate, in percent, is as follows: aluminum 99.5 minimum with balance, copper up to 0.05, magnesium up to 0.05, silicon up to 0.25, iron up to 0.40, manganese up to 0.05, and other elements up to 0.10 in total. This high-purity composition ensures excellent corrosion resistance and optimal electrical and thermal conductivity.
Typical Applications
Chemical industry: storage tanks, containers, and processing equipment. Pharmaceutical industry: non-reactive containers and equipment. Automotive: lightweight components and reflective parts. Architecture: facades, flashings, and decorative panels. Electrical: conductors, busbars, and heat sinks. Household and kitchenware: utensils, cookware, and appliances. Common equivalent designations include EN AW-1050, Al99.5, and 19500/19501 in different national systems.
Specification and Ordering Notes
1050 plates are commonly supplied to ASTM B209 and ASME SB209. A wide range of tempers is available, including O, F, H12, H14, H16, H18, H22, H24, H26, H32, H34, H36, H38, H111, H112, and H321, with typical thicknesses from 0.2 mm up to 300 mm, widths from 500 to 2500 mm, and lengths from 500 to 10000 mm. Surface finishes include bright, polished, hairline, brushed, sandblast, checkered, embossed, and etched, with optional coatings such as PVC, color-coated polyester, fluorocarbon, polyurethane, and epoxy. Published reference values for the alloy include a density of about 2.71 g/cm3, thermal conductivity of about 222 W/m-K, and electrical resistivity of about 0.0282 x 10-6 ohm-m. When ordering, specify the product form, temper, thickness, width, length, surface finish, and governing standard.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between hot rolled and cold rolled 1050 plate?
A: Hot rolled plate is produced at elevated temperature and is typical for industrial and heat-transfer equipment; cold rolled plate is rolled at room temperature with tighter tolerances and a smoother surface for electrical, food, and decorative applications.
Q: What is the aluminum content of 1050?
A: 1050 has a minimum aluminum content of 99.5%, with copper, magnesium, silicon, iron, and manganese present only in small amounts.
Q: Which standards cover 1050 aluminum plate?
A: ASTM B209 and ASME SB209 are the most common standards, and the European designation is EN AW-1050.
Q: Can 1050 plate be anodized?
A: Yes. Its high purity makes it very suitable for anodizing, producing a clear and uniform film for decorative and protective purposes.
Q: What tempers are available for 1050 plate?
A: A wide range is available from soft O and F tempers through work-hardened H12 to H38 states and stabilized tempers such as H111 and H112.
Q: Is 1050 suitable for electrical applications?
A: Yes. Its good electrical conductivity makes it a common choice for conductors, busbars, and heat sinks.
