Aluminium bars are a forged product generally produced by extrusion. They are semi-finished products mainly used in machining processes to obtain all types of parts for a wide range of industrial sectors.
CALIBRATED OR EXTRUDED QUALITY
One of the main distinguishing features of this type of product is its supply quality, which can be calibrated or extruded depending on the final dimensional tolerances. Calibrated bars have dimensions that are closer to their nominal size and are ideal for products whose final size final measurement matches the starting measurement. For parts where the bar needs to be completely machined, extruded quality will be sufficient.
BEVELED SIDES
To facilitate the use of the bars in machines with automatic feeders, they must have a bevel on one side, or on both sides, as appropriate. Please consult us about the stock of bevelled bars or the possibility of having them.
ALLOYS
The end use of the product to be manufactured with the bars will determine the appropriate alloy to be used:
2011
The standard commercial alloy that machines best. Its higher percentage of lead and bismuth favour this property.
Its resistance to corrosion is low.
2007/2030
Equivalent alloys in practice. Its behaviour machining is significantly worse than 2011.
2017
Less machinable than 2011. However, it has better mechanical characteristics than 2011.
2024
Similar to 2017 but with North American influence. It is less productive but has higher mechanical characteristics. Its main applications are aeronautical or defence components.
2014
Alloy with high mechanical properties mainly used in the aeronautical sector.
5083
A common alloy in flat semi-finished products, it can also be found in bars with applications in the naval sector thanks to its good weldability and corrosion resistance corrosion.
6061/6082
Alloys with very similar characteristics. 6082 is mainly used in the European market and 6061 in the American market. It is a versatile alloy, although it does not offer the ease of machining of the 2000 series alloys.
2000 series alloys.
6262
This is a variant of the 6061 alloy with lead and bismuth, which improves machinability.
6026
An alternative to alloy 6262 with lead limits in the composition within current regulations. It has mechanical characteristics mechanical characteristics similar to 2011 but with better corrosion resistance.
6064A
Very similar to 6026. Mainly used in the automotive sector.
7075
Commercially, this is one of the alloys with the best mechanical characteristics. With low productivity, its main applications.
REGULATIONS
One factor to consider when choosing the right alloy is the regulatory requirements to be met, with particular emphasis on particularly the RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) or ELV (End-of-Life Vehicles) regulations. These regulations will determine the alloying elements that the aluminium semi-finished product may contain.
Throughout 2018, the European Commission has determined the end of the declared exemption for aluminium alloys aluminium with lead within the RoHS regulation. Therefore, the market will tend to use alloys without equivalent lead-free alloys that offer similar performance. The main alternative to alloy 2011 is alloy 6026 and the new 2033.
