Aluminium disc 1060
When we talk about aluminium alloys, the spotlight often shines on the high-strength, multi-element blends that promise engineering marvels. Yet, among these, the 1060 aluminium disc deserves recognition not merely for what it is—a simple, almost pure aluminium grade—but for the unique role it plays in industries where purity, workability, and corrosion resistance are paramount.
What Makes Aluminium Disc 1060 Special?
Aluminium 1060 is classified under the 1xxx series of aluminium alloys, meaning it contains 99.6% aluminium minimum. This high level of purity imparts several distinct characteristics. At the heart of the 1060 alloy is purity that offers remarkable corrosion resistance unmatched by many other aluminium grades laden with alloying elements.
1060 aluminum disc, owing to its high purity and excellent workability, presents both advantages and challenges in our production line. Its softness, while beneficial for processes like deep drawing and spinning, requires careful handling to prevent scratching or deformation during transport and storage. We've found that optimizing stacking procedures, using protective interleaving materials, and implementing strict quality control checks at each stage are crucial to minimize surface defects and maintain consistent product quality. Furthermore, the inherent softness means tooling needs to be meticulously maintained; even minor imperfections can lead to significant surface irregularities on the finished discs. This necessitates regular tool inspections and replacements, a factor impacting production efficiency and overall costs.
Another unique aspect of working with 1060 aluminum discs relates to its susceptibility to oxidation. While not as dramatic as with some other aluminum alloys, we've observed that surface discoloration can occur if proper storage and handling protocols aren't followed, particularly in humid environments. Implementing a controlled environment within our warehouse, including temperature and humidity regulation, has significantly reduced this issue. Moreover, the relationship between surface finish and the subsequent applications of the discs is critical. A smoother finish is often preferred for certain industries, requiring additional polishing steps and impacting the final cost. This necessitates a close dialogue with clients to ensure we're producing discs with the optimal surface finish for their specific needs.
When crafted into disc form—a shape favored for further fabrication such as machining, spinning, or stamping—the 1060 alloy disc serves as a foundational material for applications that demand excellent conductivity, aesthetic surface finish, and formability.
Chemical Composition: Embracing Simplicity
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Aluminium (Al) | 99.6 (min) |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.25 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.35 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.05 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 0.03 |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ≤ 0.03 |
| Chromium (Cr) | ≤ 0.03 |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤ 0.05 |
| Titanium (Ti) | ≤ 0.03 |
| Others (each) | ≤ 0.03 |
| Others (total) | ≤ 0.10 |
The scarcity of alloying elements truly makes 1060 a high-purity metal with highly predictable physical and chemical behavior.
Temper and Mechanical Properties
1060 aluminium discs are typically supplied in the following tempers to suit different processing needs:
- O (Annealed): Soft, maximum ductility, minimum strength. Excellent for deep drawing and forming.
- H14 (Strain-Hardened): Partial hardening often used for moderate strength without sacrificing too much ductility.
- H24 (Strain-Hardened and Partially Annealed): Balances strength and remaining malleability.
| Temper | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| O | 55–75 | 35–50 | ≥ 35 |
| H14 | 85–115 | 75–105 | 10–20 |
| H24 | 110–130 | 85–110 | 8–12 |
These properties guide manufacturers when deciding how to deploy the discs based on the intended deformation or machining processes.
Practical Applications and Standards
The aluminium disc 1060 is widely embraced in applications where:
- Electrical Conductivity is critical. 1060 alloy can provide approximately 61% of the conductivity of pure copper, beneficial in electrical components and busbars.
- Corrosion Resistance matters, especially in food processing or chemical environments. Its purity ensures it doesn’t form harmful intermetallic phases.
- Formability and Surface Finish are important, such as in decorative trims, reflective surfaces, or anodizable components.
- Machining and Fabrication Flexibility enable spinning into complex shapes or etching for artistic pieces.
In terms of standards, aluminium 1060 is produced according to various recognized norms to ensure material consistency and performance:
- ASTM B209: Covers aluminium and aluminium-alloy sheet and plate.
- ASTM B221: For aluminium-alloy extruded bars, rods, wire, profiles, and tubes.
- EN 573-3 and EN 755-2: European standards for chemical composition and mechanical properties.
Discs manufactured for these standards meet exacting tolerances in thickness, diameter, surface finish, and temper.
From Raw Material to Finished Product: Implementation Considerations
A typical production route for 1060 aluminium discs follows:
- Melting and Casting: High-purity molten aluminium is alloyed minimally and cast into billets or slabs.
- Hot Rolling: These slabs undergo hot rolling to form plates.
- Annealing (if required): Discs are annealed in controlled atmosphere to achieve uniform temper O.
- Blanking/Punching: Circular discs are cut to size with care to avoid edge imperfections.
- Surface Treatment: Depending on customer use, surfaces may be polished, cleaned, or prepared for anodizing.
Meticulous control during production ensures these discs remain flat, dimensionally accurate, and free of surface blemishes—for their downstream use.
Why Choose Aluminium Disc 1060?
Opting for aluminium disc 1060 means embracing purity and predictability. Its unmatched corrosion resistance translates to long service life in many environments. Its softness in annealed form guarantees ease when forming complex parts. When lightly hardened, it can sustain moderate mechanical loads without compromising shapeability.
Additionally, since 1060 can be anodized readily, it offers versatility in aesthetic and protective finishes.
In conclusion, aluminium disc 1060 is much more than just another metal blank. Through its pure nature and superior characteristics, it serves as the essential starting point for an array of components spanning from everyday household items to high-precision electrical assemblies. Its unassuming purity quietly supports innovations that rely on consistency, resistance, and workability. If you seek a metal with a blend of clean simplicity and practical functionality, the 1060 aluminium disc is an ideal choice.
