Aluminum

Aluminum Rounds

Aluminum round bars are cylindrical metal bars commonly used in manufacturing, construction, and machining. They are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and have excellent machinability, making them ideal for applications in aerospace, automotive, and general engineering.

Common Alloys for Aluminum Rounds:

  • 6061 Aluminum Round Bar – Strong, corrosion-resistant, and weldable, widely used in aerospace and structural applications.
  • 6063 Aluminum Round Bar – Known for better surface finish and corrosion resistance, often used in architectural applications.
  • 7075 Aluminum Round Bar – High strength-to-weight ratio, used in aerospace and high-performance applications.
  • 2024 Aluminum Round Bar – High strength and fatigue resistance, commonly used in aerospace applications.

Key Properties:

  • Lightweight
  • Corrosion-resistant
  • Good thermal and electrical conductivity
  • Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
  • Easy to machine and fabricate

Applications:

  • Aerospace components
  • Structural and architectural elements
  • Marine and automotive parts
  • Medical equipment
  • General engineering and machining

Precision Ground Aluminum Bars

Precision ground aluminum bars are aluminum round bars that have been precisely machined and ground to tight tolerances for enhanced dimensional accuracy and surface finish. These bars are commonly used in applications requiring high precision and smooth surfaces.

Key Features:

  • Tight diameter tolerances (often within ±0.001")
  • Improved surface finish for better wear resistance
  • High consistency in mechanical properties
  • Typically made from 6061 or 7075 aluminum

Applications:

  • Precision machining and tooling
  • Robotics and automation components
  • Aerospace and defense parts
  • Hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders
  • Optical and electronic equipment
Aluminum round bars come in various grades, each with unique properties suited for different applications. Here are some common aluminum grades used for round bars:

1xxx Series (Pure Aluminum)

  • 1100 – Commercially pure aluminum, excellent corrosion resistance, good workability, but low strength. Used in chemical and food processing.

2xxx Series (Aluminum-Copper Alloys)

  • 2024 – High strength, good fatigue resistance, but lower corrosion resistance. Common in aerospace and structural applications.

5xxx Series (Aluminum-Magnesium Alloys)

  • 5052 – Good corrosion resistance, moderate-to-high strength, and good weldability. Used in marine and transportation industries.
  • 5086 – Excellent corrosion resistance, especially in saltwater environments. Used in shipbuilding.

6xxx Series (Aluminum-Magnesium-Silicon Alloys)

  • 6061 – One of the most popular grades. Good strength, corrosion resistance, machinability, and weldability. Used in aerospace, automotive, and structural applications.
  • 6063 – Similar to 6061 but with better surface finish and slightly lower strength. Used in architectural and decorative applications.

7xxx Series (Aluminum-Zinc Alloys)

  • 7075 – Very high strength and hardness, but lower corrosion resistance and weldability. Common in aerospace and high-performance applications.
Each grade has specific mechanical properties, heat treatment options, and applications, so selecting the right one depends on your needs.