Wrought Aluminium refers to aluminium and aluminium-based alloys that are mechanically processed into shape through deformation rather than casting.
Processes such as rolling, extrusion, forging, drawing, and stretching refine the grain structure, resulting in higher mechanical strength, improved ductility, superior fatigue resistance, and excellent surface finish compared to cast aluminium.
Aluminium Alloy Numbering System (Wrought Series)
| Series | Principal Alloying Element | Key Characteristics | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1xxx | ≥99% Aluminium | Excellent conductivity & corrosion resistance | Electrical, chemical |
| 2xxx | Copper | Very high strength | Aerospace |
| 3xxx | Manganese | Good formability & corrosion resistance | Roofing, cans |
| 4xxx | Silicon | Low melting point | Welding wire |
| 5xxx | Magnesium | Excellent marine resistance | Shipbuilding |
| 6xxx | Magnesium + Silicon | Balanced strength & weldability | Structural profiles |
| 7xxx | Zinc | Ultra-high strength | Aerospace & defense |
| 8xxx | Other elements | Specialized properties | Foils, aerospace |
Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Property | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Density | ~2.70 g/cm³ |
| Melting Range | 580 – 660 °C |
| Elastic Modulus | ~69 GPa |
| Tensile Strength | 40 – 600+ MPa (temper dependent) |
| Yield Strength | 25 – 500 MPa |
| Elongation | 5 – 40% |
| Hardness | 20 – 120 HB |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent |
| Fatigue Resistance | High |
Temper Designations
✔ O – Annealed (maximum ductility)
✔ H – Strain hardened (H12, H14, H18)
✔ T4 – Solution heat treated & naturally aged
✔ T6 – Solution heat treated & artificially aged
✔ T651 – Stress-relieved T6
Manufacturing Processes
✔ Rolling – sheets, plates, foils
✔ Extrusion – complex structural profiles
✔ Forging – highest strength & fatigue resistance
✔ Drawing – wires, tubes, precision components
Available Forms
✔ Sheets & plates
✔ Coils
✔ Extruded profiles
✔ Bars & rods
✔ Pipes & tubes
✔ Foils
✔ Wires & conductors
✔ Forged components
Industry Applications
✔ Construction & architecture
✔ Automotive & EVs
✔ Aerospace & defense
✔ Electrical & power transmission
✔ Marine structures
✔ Consumer & industrial products
✔ Packaging & medical applications
Advantages
✔ Superior strength & fatigue resistance
✔ Excellent ductility and formability
✔ Consistent mechanical properties
✔ Superior surface finish & tolerances
✔ Highly recyclable & sustainable
Limitations
⚠ Higher cost for complex shapes than casting
⚠ Material waste during machining
⚠ Limited weldability for some high-strength alloys
Wrought Aluminium vs Cast Aluminium
| Feature | Wrought Aluminium | Cast Aluminium |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Higher | Moderate |
| Ductility | Excellent | Lower |
| Surface Finish | Superior | Good |
| Complex Shapes | Limited | Excellent |
| Fatigue Resistance | High | Lower |
| Structural Use | Ideal | Limited |
Wrought Aluminium is the preferred material for structural, load-bearing, precision, and safety-critical applications due to its refined grain structure, predictable performance, and superior mechanical properties.