COMMON METAL ALLOYS
Structural Steel
Steel plate used in construction must meet certain criteria such as high strength, formability, ability to withstand subzero temperatures and weldability.
A36: This steel is produced using a minimum yield of 36,000 psi. It has all the qualities used in structural projects requiring weldments, bolting and riveting fabrications. You will find this grade of carbon steel used most often in the construction of buildings, bridges and oil rigs.
A514 T-1: This is a heat-treated steel that offers high strength capabilities, weldability, and has few preheat requirements. Used in construction, it provides excellent durability in subzero temperatures.
A572 GR 50: This steel has a 50,000 psi minimum strength level offering a combination of high strength along with formability and is very weldable. This steel is frequently used in applications such as pressure vessels and boilers. It also achieves successful results when used in less demanding commercial projects.
Aluminum
3003 Aluminum is considered the most popular aluminum alloy because of its moderate strength, good workability, and reasonable corrosion resistance. It excels in many applications, so many that it is known as a “general-use” alloy. Because of this, it is hard to encompass all of 3003 aluminum’s applications. Some popular uses include sheet metal stock, trucks and trailers, fuel tanks, and cabinets.
5052 Aluminum is stronger than other popular alloys and has increased corrosion resistance. These characteristics allow 5052 aluminum to excel in the marine industry as well as in electronics and chemical applications. The uses of 5052 aluminum are vast, but some notable applications include pressure vessels, hydraulic tubes, medical equipment, and signage.
6061 Aluminum is one of the most widely used aluminum alloys. Its weld-ability and formability make it suitable for many general-purpose applications. Its high strength and corrosion resistance lend type 6061 alloy particularly useful in architectural, structural, and motor vehicle applications. It has many applications in the marine, electronics, and aircraft industries.
6063 Aluminum is most often in the form of extrusions. It has good workability, weldability, and moderate strength. These properties allow 6063 aluminum to excel in architectural applications, and it is used so often in this manner that it is commonly referred to as “architectural aluminum”. 6063 aluminum alloy is most common for piping, tubing, general extrusions, architectural and building products.
Abrasion Resistant Steel
Developed according to a specific carbon-manganese specification, this steel plate is designed to withstand wear resistance many times better than ordinary steel plate.
AR360: This plate offers minimum Brinell rating of 360 and a tensile strength of 177,000 psi, ranking the material medium for hardness and strength. Uses for this steel include the manufacture of heavy construction equipment.
AR400: This steel provides a high degree of hardness and strength because of its quenched and tempered chrome-moly, boron treatment. AR400 plate is resistant to corrosion from atmospheric conditions and protects well against impact abrasion. Uses for this plate include material handling equipment for mining.
AR500: This grade of steel is fabricated through heat treatment to achieve through-hardening as well as improved welding and forming capabilities. With a tensile strength of 247 ksi and a minimum yield of 187 ksi, it provides extraordinary protection from wear, including rub wear, slide wear, and heavy wear. It is also able to withstand high impact stress, regardless of temperature.
Stainless Steel
304 Stainless Steel is often referred to as “food-grade” stainless steel, as it is unreactive with most organic acids and is used in the food processing industry. However, its excellent weldability, machinability, and workability also suits these stainless steels to all strucural applications. Anything which requires a high level of corrosion resistance.
316 Stainless Steel is the second-most widely used stainless steel grade after stainless steel 304. The greatest difference between 304 and 316 is the addition of molybdenum. This increases its corrosion resistance compared to other grades of stainless steel. The addition of other alloys further enhances its properties. It is used in corrosive environments such as chemical plants, refineries, and marine equipment.