1050 1060 Polished Finish Mirror Aluminum
1050 and 1060 polished finish mirror aluminum sheets are widely used non-heat-treatable, commercially pure aluminum products that combine excellent reflectivity, corrosion resistance, and formability.
1050 and 1060 aluminum belong to the 1xxx series of wrought aluminum alloys and are among the purest commercially available (minimum Al content typically ≥ 99.5% for 1050 and ≥ 99.6% for 1060). When polished to a mirror finish, these sheets deliver high specular reflectivity, clean appearance, and a smooth surface ideal for decorative, architectural, optical, and reflective thermal applications.
benefits:
- Excellent surface reflectivity and aesthetics (mirror-like gloss)
- Very good corrosion resistance (especially in atmospheric and many chemicals)
- Excellent electrical and thermal conductivity
- Good formability, deep-draw and stretchability
- Non-heat-treatable, easily cold-worked and annealed
Typical Applications
- Reflective panels for lighting fixtures, reflectors, and luminaires
- Decorative panels, interior cladding, elevator panels, and signage
- Mirror-like architectural features and trim
- Heat exchangers and radiators where surface reflectivity helps thermal management
- Food service and appliance exteriors (non-toxic, hygienic surface)
- Optical and laser beam guidance components (non-critical optics)
- Automotive trims, badges, and interior decorative elements
Alloy Identification and Comparison
| Property | 1050 Aluminum | 1060 Aluminum |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal Aluminum Content | ≥ 99.5% | ≥ 99.6% |
| Typical Use Cases | General-purpose, good forming & welding | Slightly higher purity for optics, better conductivity |
| Common Tempers | O, H14, H16, H18 | O, H14, H16, H18 |
| Conductivity (IACS) | ~61–62% | ~62–64% |
| Typical Tensile Strength (O) | 40–60 MPa | 40–60 MPa |
Chemical Composition
Nominal composition ranges are per common international standards (e.g., EN 573-3 / ASTM B209 / JIS). Exact limits depend on the specification (supplier, standard). The table below shows typical maximum impurity limits and Al balance.
| Element | 1050 (wt%) | 1060 (wt%) |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | Balance (≥ 99.5%) | Balance (≥ 99.6%) |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.25 | ≤ 0.25 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.40 | ≤ 0.40 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.05 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.05 |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.05 |
| Chromium (Cr) | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.05 |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.05 |
| Titanium (Ti) | ≤ 0.03 | ≤ 0.03 |
| Others (each) | ≤ 0.03 | ≤ 0.03 |
| Others (total) | ≤ 0.15 | ≤ 0.15 |
Note: "Balance" indicates that nearly all the rest of the alloy is aluminum.
Physical Properties
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ |
| Melting Range | 660 – 670 °C |
| Electrical Conductivity | 61–64 % IACS (depending on alloy & temper) |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~200–235 W/m·K (approx. pure Al range) |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 23.1 ×10^-6 /K (20–100°C) |
| Surface Reflectivity (polished) | Visible: up to 85–90% specular reflectance (depends on polish & measurement) |
Reflectivity depends on surface preparation, polishing technique, and surface treatment (e.g., protective lacquer).
Mechanical Properties (Typical, by Temper)
Note: Values vary by thickness and standard. The table lists representative ranges.
| Alloy / Temper | Yield Strength (Rp0.2) | Tensile Strength (Rm) | Elongation (A%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1050 / O (annealed) | ~20–35 MPa | 40–70 MPa | 30–40% |
| 1050 / H14 (half-hard) | ~35–65 MPa | 80–120 MPa | 5–15% |
| 1050 / H16 (quarter-hard) | ~70–95 MPa | 110–150 MPa | 3–10% |
| 1060 / O (annealed) | ~20–35 MPa | 40–70 MPa | 30–40% |
| 1060 / H14 | ~35–65 MPa | 80–120 MPa | 5–15% |
Alloy Tempering and Heat Treatment
1xxx series alloys are non-heat-treatable. Strength is controlled by cold working and thus designated H tempers. Common temper conditions:
| Temper | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| O | Annealed (full soft) | Maximum formability, deep drawing and polishing |
| H12 | Strain-hardened (full-hard) | Moderate stiffness, limited formability |
| H14 | Half-hard | Good combination of strength and ductility for forming |
| H16 | Quarter-hard | Higher stiffness, used where more springback resistance needed |
| H18 | Hard | Maximum strain hardening from cold work |
Annealing (O) is typically done at 350–420°C followed by controlled cooling to restore ductility and produce the best mirror finish.
Surface Finish and Polishing
Polished mirror aluminum is produced by mechanical polishing and/or chemical-mechanical finishing to achieve a smooth, highly reflective surface. Typical steps:
- Initial grinding (if needed) to remove mill marks
- Progressive abrasive polishing (e.g., from coarse to fine grits)
- Buffing with polishing compounds
- Optional electrochemical polishing or chemical brightening for extreme reflectivity
- Optional protective coating (clear lacquer, anodic film) to protect the finish from oxidation, fingerprints and scratches
surface parameters:
| Parameter | Typical Value / Standard |
|---|---|
| Surface Roughness (Ra) | 0.02 – 0.2 µm achievable depending on polishing |
| Visual Reflectance (Visible) | 70–90% specular (depending on process) |
| Thickness Tolerance (polished sheet) | Depends on standard (e.g., ±0.05 mm for thin sheets) |
| Protective Film | PVC or PE film often applied for shipping |
Common Standards & Specifications
Polished mirror aluminum sheets are produced and tested under various standards. Common specifications include:
- EN 573-3 / EN 485 (chemical composition, mechanical properties)
- ASTM B209 (aluminum and aluminum-alloy sheet and plate)
- JIS H4000 series (for Japanese standards)
- ISO 9001 (quality management systems for manufacturing)Suppliers often cite these standards and provide certification on request.
Fabrication & Forming Guidelines
- Cutting: Shearing, laser cutting, waterjet, and CNC routing are commonly used. Polished surface should be protected with film during cutting to avoid scratches.
- Bending/Forming: Use appropriate tooling (smooth dies, larger radius) to avoid surface marring. For tight bends, annealed (O) temper yields the best results.
- Welding: Aluminum alloys 1050/1060 weld readily with TIG, MIG, and resistance welding. Clean surfaces before welding to avoid contamination and discoloration. Post-weld polishing/brightening often required to restore mirror finish.
- Joining: Adhesives and mechanical fasteners are common. Consider surface treatment for bonding compatibility.
- Surface Protection: Use protective films and handle with clean gloves. For long-term use in corrosive environments, consider additional protective coatings (clear anodize, lacquer).
Typical Dimensions & Tolerances
| Parameter | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 0.2 mm – 6.0 mm (commercially available; custom thicker sheets also possible) |
| Width | Up to 2000 mm+ (dependent on mill) |
| Length | As per customer requirement; common coils or cut-to-length sheets |
| Flatness & Tolerance | According to customer spec/standards; depends on thickness & temper |
Corrosion Resistance & Environmental Performance
- 1050 and 1060 are highly resistant to atmospheric corrosion and many chemicals due to the native oxide layer.
- Not recommended for exposure to strong alkalies and some acids without protection.
- Polished surfaces are more susceptible to fingerprints and localized staining; protective coatings or anodizing can enhance resistance.
Quality Control & Inspection
Common QC checks include:
- Chemical composition analysis (spectrometer testing)
- Mechanical testing (tensile, elongation)
- Surface inspection for scratches, pitting, and uniformity
- Thickness and dimensional measurement
- Reflectivity and surface roughness measurement
- Coating adhesion tests if protective coatings are applied
- Excellent purity and conductivity make them ideal for reflective and thermal management applications.
- Very good formability and ease of fabrication support complex shapes and decorative components.
- High corrosion resistance and hygienic surface suit food, appliance, and architectural use.
- Polished finish offers high aesthetic value and functional reflectivity for lighting and optical guidance.
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