When you’re working on a project that calls for the use of aluminum, you’ll have a few different choices in terms of type. Popular varieties include 3003, 5052, and 6061 aluminum. But how do they differ? Here, the metal suppliers at American Metal Supply, serving the residents of Cincinnati, OH, and Louisville, KY, offer a simple guide to these options. 

A Metal Supplier’s Guide to Aluminum 

1. Aluminum 3003

This type is incredibly popular, and metal suppliers create it with a small portion of manganese. The result is a strong, durable product that won’t easily corrode and isn’t too hard to work with. Unfortunately, if you plan to anodize it to enhance its corrosion resistance or adhesion properties, it won’t hold up well.

2. Aluminum 5052

This product is known for being incredibly tough and strong. It won’t degrade or corrode easily and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Furthermore, it’s affordable and notable for being perfect for machining work. Unfortunately, if the work you’re doing requires you to bend the metal past a 90-degree angle, this isn’t the best choice, since it will likely crack.

3. Aluminum 6061

This highly durable product can withstand both the elements and a lot of wear and tear. For these reasons, it’s frequently used to construct buildings and to complete framing and welding projects. However, it’s not particularly flexible, and it’s also one of the more expensive products available.

Whether you require raw materials or finished products to complete a project, American Metal Supply is an experienced metal supplier who can do it all. They are dedicated to customer service; in fact, if they can’t complete your request in-house, they will work with one of their partners to make sure you get what you need. For more than three decades, their clients have been relying on them. To get a quote, call their Louisville location at (502) 634-4321 or the Cincinnati office at (513) 396-6600. You can also visit their new, revamped website for in-depth information about their products.