DESIGNATION
Read route, alloy and temper together
- EN AW: wrought aluminium alloy.
- EN AC: aluminium casting alloy.
- T4: solution heat-treated and naturally aged.
- T6: solution heat-treated and artificially aged for increased strength and hardness.
Aluminium selection begins with the product route: wrought alloy for sheet, bar, tube or extrusion; casting alloy for complex near-net-shape parts. The alloy family and temper then balance strength, formability, corrosion resistance, weldability and machining.
SELECTION LOGIC
Strength is only one design input
Specify the delivery condition with the grade because temper changes the mechanical properties. Then check the actual product thickness, manufacturing route and governing product standard before releasing the drawing.
EN AW-6082 T6 · EN AC-42000 T6
These are useful alloy-and-temper identifiers, but dimensions, product form and product standard still belong in the BOM or order specification.
| Alloy | Alloy family | Application-led decision |
|---|---|---|
| EN AW-6060 · AlMgSi | Wrought alloy · 6000 series | Moderate-strength extrusions for windows, vehicle structures, machine beds and optical equipment. |
| EN AW-6082 · AlSi1MgMn | Wrought alloy · 6000 series | Higher-strength hardware, fixtures, mould tooling and machine beds; T6 raises strength markedly. |
| EN AW-7075 · AlZn5.5MgCu | Wrought alloy · 7000 series | Very high-strength aircraft, automotive, tooling and screw applications; weldability is limited. |
| EN AC-42000 · AlSi7Mg | Casting alloy | Weather-resistant, complex or pressure-tight cast parts such as pump and motor housings. |