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Density of Aluminium
This table provides density data for common aluminum alloy materials, including conversions for units such as g/cm³, kg/cm³, lb/in³ and kg/m³, facilitating engineering calculations and material selection reference.
Search From the Density Table
Search for aluminum alloy density by grade, standard designation, or equivalent name. You can also use the density unit converter below to switch to more other density units.
Alloy | Germany (DIN) | US (AA) | UK (BS) | EN | ISO | Density (g/cm³) | Density (g/mm³) | Density (kg/cm³) | Density (kg/mm³) | Density (kg/m³) | Density (t/m³) | Density (lb/in³) | Density (lb/ft³) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1050 | Al99.5 | 1050 | 1B | EN AW-1050 | ISO Al 99.5 | 2.710 | 0.002710 | 0.002710 | 0.000002710 | 2705 | 2.710 | 0.0977 | 168.87 |
1060 | Al99.6 | 1060 | 1A | EN AW-1060 | ISO Al 99.6 | 2.710 | 0.002710 | 0.002710 | 0.000002710 | 2705 | 2.710 | 0.0977 | 168.87 |
1100 | Al99.0Cu | 1100 | 1C | EN AW-1100 | ISO Al 99.0Cu | 2.710 | 0.002710 | 0.002710 | 0.000002710 | 2710 | 2.710 | 0.0979 | 169.18 |
1145 | Al99.45Cu | 1145 | - | EN AW-1145 | ISO Al 99.45 | 2.700 | 0.002700 | 0.002700 | 0.000002700 | 2700 | 2.700 | 0.0975 | 168.56 |
1175 | - | 1175 | - | - | - | 2.700 | 0.002700 | 0.002700 | 0.000002700 | 2700 | 2.700 | 0.0975 | 168.56 |
1200 | - | 1200 | - | EN AW-1200 | ISO Al 99.0 | 2.700 | 0.002700 | 0.002700 | 0.000002700 | 2700 | 2.700 | 0.0975 | 168.56 |
1230 | - | 1230 | - | - | - | 2.700 | 0.002700 | 0.002700 | 0.000002700 | 2700 | 2.700 | 0.0975 | 168.56 |
1235 | - | 1235 | - | EN AW-1235 | - | 2.710 | 0.002710 | 0.002710 | 0.000002710 | 2705 | 2.710 | 0.0977 | 168.87 |
1345 | - | 1345 | - | - | - | 2.710 | 0.002710 | 0.002710 | 0.000002710 | 2705 | 2.710 | 0.0977 | 168.87 |
1350 | - | 1350 | - | EN AW-1350 | ISO Al 99.5E | 2.710 | 0.002710 | 0.002710 | 0.000002710 | 2705 | 2.710 | 0.0977 | 168.87 |
2011 | AlCuBiPb | 2011 | FC1 | EN AW-2011 | ISO Al-Cu6BiPb | 2.830 | 0.002830 | 0.002830 | 0.000002830 | 2830 | 2.830 | 0.1022 | 176.67 |
2014 | AlCu4SiMg | 2014 | H15 | EN AW-2014 | ISO Al-Cu4SiMg | 2.800 | 0.002800 | 0.002800 | 0.000002800 | 2800 | 2.800 | 0.1012 | 174.80 |
2017 | AlCu4MgSi | 2017 | H14 | EN AW-2017 | ISO Al-Cu4MgSi | 2.790 | 0.002790 | 0.002790 | 0.000002790 | 2790 | 2.790 | 0.1008 | 174.17 |
2018 | AlCu2Mg1.5Ni | 2018 | - | - | ISO Al-Cu2Mg1.5Ni | 2.820 | 0.002820 | 0.002820 | 0.000002820 | 2820 | 2.820 | 0.1019 | 176.05 |
2024 | AlCu4Mg1 | 2024 | L97/L98 | EN AW-2024 | ISO Al-Cu4Mg1 | 2.780 | 0.002780 | 0.002780 | 0.000002780 | 2780 | 2.780 | 0.1004 | 173.55 |
2025 | - | 2025 | - | - | - | 2.810 | 0.002810 | 0.002810 | 0.000002810 | 2810 | 2.810 | 0.1015 | 175.42 |
2036 | - | 2036 | - | - | - | 2.750 | 0.002750 | 0.002750 | 0.000002750 | 2750 | 2.750 | 0.0994 | 171.68 |
2117 | - | 2117 | - | - | - | 2.750 | 0.002750 | 0.002750 | 0.000002750 | 2750 | 2.750 | 0.0994 | 171.68 |
2124 | - | 2124 | - | - | - | 2.780 | 0.002780 | 0.002780 | 0.000002780 | 2780 | 2.780 | 0.1004 | 173.55 |
2218 | - | 2218 | - | - | - | 2.810 | 0.002810 | 0.002810 | 0.000002810 | 2810 | 2.810 | 0.1015 | 175.42 |
2219 | AlCu6Mn | 2219 | - | EN AW-2219 | ISO Al-Cu6Mn | 2.840 | 0.002840 | 0.002840 | 0.000002840 | 2840 | 2.840 | 0.1026 | 177.30 |
2618 | AlCu2Mg1.5Ni | 2618 | - | EN AW-2618 | ISO Al-Cu2Mg1.5Ni | 2.760 | 0.002760 | 0.002760 | 0.000002760 | 2760 | 2.760 | 0.0997 | 172.30 |
3003 | AlMn1Cu | 3003 | N3 | EN AW-3003 | ISO Al-Mn1Cu | 2.730 | 0.002730 | 0.002730 | 0.000002730 | 2730 | 2.730 | 0.0986 | 170.43 |
3004 | AlMn1Mg1 | 3004 | N4 | EN AW-3004 | ISO Al-Mn1Mg1 | 2.720 | 0.002720 | 0.002720 | 0.000002720 | 2720 | 2.720 | 0.0983 | 169.80 |
3005 | AlMn1Mg0.5 | 3005 | N41 | EN AW-3005 | ISO Al-Mn1Mg0.5 | 2.730 | 0.002730 | 0.002730 | 0.000002730 | 2730 | 2.730 | 0.0986 | 170.43 |
3105 | - | 3105 | - | EN AW-3105 | ISO Al-Mn0.5Mg0.5 | 2.720 | 0.002720 | 0.002720 | 0.000002720 | 2720 | 2.720 | 0.0983 | 169.80 |
4032 | AlSi12.5MgCuNi | 4032 | LM18/LM20 | EN AW-4032 | ISO Al-Si12.5MgCuNi | 2.680 | 0.002680 | 0.002680 | 0.000002680 | 2680 | 2.680 | 0.0968 | 167.31 |
4043 | AlSi5 | 4043 | N21 | EN AW-4043 | ISO Al-Si5 | 2.690 | 0.002690 | 0.002690 | 0.000002690 | 2690 | 2.690 | 0.0972 | 167.93 |
4045 | AlSi10 | 4045 | - | EN AW-4045 | ISO Al-Si10 | 2.670 | 0.002670 | 0.002670 | 0.000002670 | 2670 | 2.670 | 0.0965 | 166.68 |
4047 | AlSi12 | 4047 | N32 | EN AW-4047 | ISO Al-Si12 | 2.660 | 0.002660 | 0.002660 | 0.000002660 | 2660 | 2.660 | 0.0961 | 166.06 |
4145 | - | 4145 | - | EN AW-4145 | ISO Al-Si10Cu4 | 2.740 | 0.002740 | 0.002740 | 0.000002740 | 2740 | 2.740 | 0.0990 | 171.05 |
4343 | AlSi7.5 | 4343 | - | EN AW-4343 | ISO Al-Si7.5 | 2.680 | 0.002680 | 0.002680 | 0.000002680 | 2680 | 2.680 | 0.0968 | 167.31 |
4643 | - | 4643 | - | EN AW-4643 | ISO Al-Si4Mg | 2.690 | 0.002690 | 0.002690 | 0.000002690 | 2690 | 2.690 | 0.0972 | 167.93 |
5005 | AlMg1 | 5005 | N41 | EN AW-5005 | ISO Al-Mg1 | 2.700 | 0.002700 | 0.002700 | 0.000002700 | 2700 | 2.700 | 0.0975 | 168.56 |
5050 | AlMg1.5 | 5050 | N5 | EN AW-5050 | ISO Al-Mg1.5 | 2.690 | 0.002690 | 0.002690 | 0.000002690 | 2690 | 2.690 | 0.0972 | 167.93 |
5052 | AlMg2.5 | 5052 | N5 | EN AW-5052 | ISO Al-Mg2.5 | 2.680 | 0.002680 | 0.002680 | 0.000002680 | 2680 | 2.680 | 0.0968 | 167.31 |
5056 | AlMg5 | 5056 | N6 | EN AW-5056 | ISO Al-Mg5 | 2.640 | 0.002640 | 0.002640 | 0.000002640 | 2640 | 2.640 | 0.0954 | 164.81 |
5083 | AlMg4.5Mn0.7 | 5083 | N8 | EN AW-5083 | ISO Al-Mg4.5Mn0.7 | 2.660 | 0.002660 | 0.002660 | 0.000002660 | 2660 | 2.660 | 0.0961 | 166.06 |
5086 | AlMg4 | 5086 | N51 | EN AW-5086 | ISO Al-Mg4 | 2.660 | 0.002660 | 0.002660 | 0.000002660 | 2660 | 2.660 | 0.0961 | 166.06 |
5154 | AlMg3.5 | 5154 | N5 | EN AW-5154 | ISO Al-Mg3.5 | 2.660 | 0.002660 | 0.002660 | 0.000002660 | 2660 | 2.660 | 0.0961 | 166.06 |
5183 | AlMg4.5Mn0.7 | 5183 | N8 | EN AW-5183 | ISO Al-Mg4.5Mn0.7 | 2.660 | 0.002660 | 0.002660 | 0.000002660 | 2660 | 2.660 | 0.0961 | 166.06 |
5252 | - | 5252 | - | EN AW-5252 | ISO Al-Mg2.5Cr | 2.660 | 0.002660 | 0.002660 | 0.000002660 | 2660 | 2.660 | 0.0961 | 166.06 |
5254 | AlMg3.5Mn | 5254 | - | EN AW-5254 | ISO Al-Mg3.5Mn | 2.660 | 0.002660 | 0.002660 | 0.000002660 | 2660 | 2.660 | 0.0961 | 166.06 |
5356 | AlMg5Cr | 5356 | N6 | EN AW-5356 | ISO Al-Mg5Cr | 2.640 | 0.002640 | 0.002640 | 0.000002640 | 2640 | 2.640 | 0.0954 | 164.81 |
5454 | AlMg3Mn | 5454 | N51 | EN AW-5454 | ISO Al-Mg3Mn | 2.690 | 0.002690 | 0.002690 | 0.000002690 | 2690 | 2.690 | 0.0972 | 167.93 |
5456 | AlMg5Mn1 | 5456 | N61 | EN AW-5456 | ISO Al-Mg5Mn1 | 2.660 | 0.002660 | 0.002660 | 0.000002660 | 2660 | 2.660 | 0.0961 | 166.06 |
5457 | - | 5457 | - | EN AW-5457 | ISO Al-Mg1Si1 | 2.690 | 0.002690 | 0.002690 | 0.000002690 | 2690 | 2.690 | 0.0972 | 167.93 |
5554 | - | 5554 | - | EN AW-5554 | ISO Al-Mg3Mn | 2.690 | 0.002690 | 0.002690 | 0.000002690 | 2690 | 2.690 | 0.0972 | 167.93 |
5556 | AlMg5Cr | 5556 | N6 | EN AW-5556 | ISO Al-Mg5Cr | 2.660 | 0.002660 | 0.002660 | 0.000002660 | 2660 | 2.660 | 0.0961 | 166.06 |
5652 | - | 5652 | - | EN AW-5652 | ISO Al-Mg2.5 | 2.670 | 0.002670 | 0.002670 | 0.000002670 | 2670 | 2.670 | 0.0965 | 166.68 |
5654 | - | 5654 | - | EN AW-5654 | ISO Al-Mg3.5Mn | 2.660 | 0.002660 | 0.002660 | 0.000002660 | 2660 | 2.660 | 0.0961 | 166.06 |
5657 | - | 5657 | - | EN AW-5657 | ISO Al-Mg1 | 2.690 | 0.002690 | 0.002690 | 0.000002690 | 2690 | 2.690 | 0.0972 | 167.93 |
5754 | - | 5754 | - | EN AW-5754 | - | 2.670 | 0.002670 | 0.002670 | 0.000002670 | 2670 | 2.670 | 0.0970 | 167.86 |
6003 | - | 6003 | - | EN AW-6003 | ISO Al-Si1.5Mn | 2.700 | 0.002700 | 0.002700 | 0.000002700 | 2700 | 2.700 | 0.0975 | 168.56 |
6005 | AlSiMg | 6005 | H9 | EN AW-6005 | ISO Al-SiMg | 2.700 | 0.002700 | 0.002700 | 0.000002700 | 2700 | 2.700 | 0.0975 | 168.56 |
6053 | - | 6053 | - | EN AW-6053 | ISO Al-Mg0.7Si0.4 | 2.690 | 0.002690 | 0.002690 | 0.000002690 | 2690 | 2.690 | 0.0972 | 167.93 |
6060 | AlMgSi0.5 | 6060 | H9 | EN AW-6060 | ISO Al-Mg0.5Si | 2.700 | 0.002700 | 0.002700 | 0.000002700 | 2700 | 2.700 | 0.0975 | 168.56 |
6063 | AlMgSi0.5 | 6063 | H9 | EN AW-6063 | ISO Al-Mg0.7Si | 2.700 | 0.002700 | 0.002700 | 0.000002700 | 2700 | 2.700 | 0.0975 | 168.56 |
6066 | AlMg1Si1Cu | 6066 | H11 | EN AW-6066 | ISO Al-Mg1Si1Cu | 2.720 | 0.002720 | 0.002720 | 0.000002720 | 2720 | 2.720 | 0.0983 | 169.80 |
6070 | - | 6070 | - | EN AW-6070 | ISO Al-Mg0.8Si1.3 | 2.710 | 0.002710 | 0.002710 | 0.000002710 | 2710 | 2.710 | 0.0979 | 169.18 |
6082 | - | 6082 | - | EN AW-6082 | - | 2.710 | 0.002710 | 0.002710 | 0.000002710 | 2710 | 2.710 | 0.0979 | 169.18 |
6101 | AlMgSi0.5 | 6101 | H10 | EN AW-6101 | ISO Al-Mg0.5Si0.5 | 2.700 | 0.002700 | 0.002700 | 0.000002700 | 2700 | 2.700 | 0.0975 | 168.56 |
6105 | - | 6105 | - | EN AW-6105 | ISO Al-Si0.6Mg0.7 | 2.690 | 0.002690 | 0.002690 | 0.000002690 | 2690 | 2.690 | 0.0972 | 167.93 |
6151 | - | 6151 | - | EN AW-6151 | ISO Al-Si0.6Mg0.6Cu | 2.710 | 0.002710 | 0.002710 | 0.000002710 | 2710 | 2.710 | 0.0979 | 169.18 |
6162 | - | 6162 | - | EN AW-6162 | ISO Al-Mg0.8Si0.9 | 2.700 | 0.002700 | 0.002700 | 0.000002700 | 2700 | 2.700 | 0.0975 | 168.56 |
6201 | AlMgSi0.7 | 6201 | - | EN AW-6201 | ISO Al-Mg0.7Si0.3 | 2.690 | 0.002690 | 0.002690 | 0.000002690 | 2690 | 2.690 | 0.0972 | 167.93 |
6262 | - | 6262 | - | EN AW-6262 | ISO Al-Mg1Si0.8Pb0.8Bi0.8 | 2.720 | 0.002720 | 0.002720 | 0.000002720 | 2720 | 2.720 | 0.0983 | 169.80 |
6351 | AlSi1Mg0.5Mn | 6351 | H30 | EN AW-6351 | ISO Al-Si1Mg0.5Mn | 2.710 | 0.002710 | 0.002710 | 0.000002710 | 2710 | 2.710 | 0.0979 | 169.18 |
6463 | - | 6463 | - | EN AW-6463 | ISO Al-Mg0.7Si0.3 | 2.690 | 0.002690 | 0.002690 | 0.000002690 | 2690 | 2.690 | 0.0972 | 167.93 |
6951 | - | 6951 | - | EN AW-6951 | ISO Al-Mg0.8Si0.7Cu | 2.700 | 0.002700 | 0.002700 | 0.000002700 | 2700 | 2.700 | 0.0975 | 168.56 |
7005 | AlZn4.5Mg1.5Mn | 7005 | - | EN AW-7005 | ISO Al-Zn4.5Mg1.5Mn | 2.780 | 0.002780 | 0.002780 | 0.000002780 | 2780 | 2.780 | 0.1004 | 173.55 |
7008 | - | 7008 | - | EN AW-7008 | ISO Al-Zn5Mg | 2.780 | 0.002780 | 0.002780 | 0.000002780 | 2780 | 2.780 | 0.1004 | 173.55 |
7049 | - | 7049 | - | EN AW-7049 | ISO Al-Zn8MgCu | 2.840 | 0.002840 | 0.002840 | 0.000002840 | 2840 | 2.840 | 0.1026 | 177.30 |
7050 | AlZn6CuMgZr | 7050 | - | EN AW-7050 | ISO Al-Zn6CuMgZr | 2.830 | 0.002830 | 0.002830 | 0.000002830 | 2830 | 2.830 | 0.1022 | 176.67 |
7072 | AlZn1 | 7072 | N3 | EN AW-7072 | ISO Al-Zn1 | 2.720 | 0.002720 | 0.002720 | 0.000002720 | 2720 | 2.720 | 0.0983 | 169.80 |
7075 | AlZn5.5MgCu | 7075 | H41 | EN AW-7075 | ISO Al-Zn5.5MgCu | 2.810 | 0.002810 | 0.002810 | 0.000002810 | 2810 | 2.810 | 0.1015 | 175.42 |
7175 | AlZn5.5MgCu | 7175 | H41 | EN AW-7175 | ISO Al-Zn5.5MgCu | 2.800 | 0.002800 | 0.002800 | 0.000002800 | 2800 | 2.800 | 0.1012 | 174.80 |
7178 | AlZn7MgCu | 7178 | H42 | EN AW-7178 | ISO Al-Zn7MgCu | 2.830 | 0.002830 | 0.002830 | 0.000002830 | 2830 | 2.830 | 0.1022 | 176.67 |
7475 | - | 7475 | - | EN AW-7475 | ISO Al-Zn5.5MgCu | 2.810 | 0.002810 | 0.002810 | 0.000002810 | 2810 | 2.810 | 0.1015 | 175.42 |
8006 | - | 8006 | - | EN AW-8006 | ISO Al-Fe1.4Si0.6 | 2.710 | 0.002710 | 0.002710 | 0.000002710 | 2710 | 2.710 | 0.0979 | 169.18 |
8011 | - | 8011 | - | EN AW-8011 | ISO Al-Fe0.7Si0.9 | 2.710 | 0.002710 | 0.002710 | 0.000002710 | 2710 | 2.710 | 0.0979 | 169.18 |
8017 | - | 8017 | - | EN AW-8017 | ISO Al-Fe1.3Si | 2.710 | 0.002710 | 0.002710 | 0.000002710 | 2710 | 2.710 | 0.0979 | 169.18 |
8030 | - | 8030 | - | EN AW-8030 | ISO Al-Fe0.8Si0.3 | 2.710 | 0.002710 | 0.002710 | 0.000002710 | 2710 | 2.710 | 0.0979 | 169.18 |
8176 | - | 8176 | - | EN AW-8176 | ISO Al-Fe2Si | 2.710 | 0.002710 | 0.002710 | 0.000002710 | 2710 | 2.710 | 0.0979 | 169.18 |
8177 | - | 8177 | - | EN AW-8177 | ISO Al-Fe0.7Si0.3 | 2.700 | 0.002700 | 0.002700 | 0.000002700 | 2700 | 2.700 | 0.0975 | 168.56 |
Density Unit Conversion
Enter Density Value and Select Unit
Metric Unit Conversion
- 1 g/cm³ = 0.001 kg/cm³
- 1 g/cm³ = 0.000001 kg/mm³
- 1 g/cm³ = 1000 kg/m³
- 1 g/cm³ = 1 t/m³
- 1 kg/cm³ = 1000 g/cm³
- 1 kg/mm³ = 1000000 g/cm³
- 1 kg/m³ = 0.001 g/cm³
Imperial Unit Conversion
- 1 g/cm³ ≈ 0.036127 lb/in³
- 1 g/cm³ ≈ 62.428 lb/ft³
- 1 lb/in³ ≈ 27.68 g/cm³
- 1 g/cm³ ≈ 0.578 oz/in³
- 1 g/cm³ ≈ 1685.6 lb/yd³
- 1 oz/in³ ≈ 1.73 g/cm³
- 1 lb/ft³ ≈ 0.016 g/cm³
Conversion result
Metric Units
What is the Density of Aluminum?
Aluminum is one of the most widely used metals in modern industry, with its density being a crucial physical property for engineering calculations and material selection. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information about aluminum density, including pure aluminum and various alloy compositions.
Density is a measure of the mass per unit volume of a material. It is commonly expressed in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) or kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³). The density of pure aluminum at room temperature (20°C) is typically 2.70 g/cm³(equivalent to 2700 kg/m³). In industrial applications, aluminum is often used in alloyed forms, where its density can range from2.6 g/cm³ to 2.9 g/cm³depending on the types and proportions of alloying elements.
Aluminum's low density means thatfor the same volume, its mass is lighter. This is crucial for weight-sensitive applications:
- Transportation: Reducing the weight of vehicles directlylowers fuel consumption and emissions.
- Aerospace: Lightweighting enableshigher payloads and longer range. Approximately 70% of a modern passenger aircraft's structural weight comes from aluminum and its alloys.
- Sustainability: Aluminum is easily recyclable, with the energy required for recycling being only about 5% of that needed for primary aluminum production, making it an environmentally friendly material choice.
Although aluminum itself is relatively soft, through alloying and appropriate heat treatment, aluminum alloys can achievehigh strength. Theirspecific strength (strength-to-density ratio)often exceeds that of many steels, perfectly balancing lightweight and structural strength requirements.
How to Calculate the Density of Aluminum
Calculating the density of aluminum follows the fundamental physical formula:Density (ρ) = Mass (m) / Volume (V).
Calculation Steps
- Measuring Mass (m): Use a balance or scale to directly measure the mass of the aluminum sample.
- Measuring Volume (V): The method depends on the shape:
- Regular shapes(e.g., plates, rods, tubes): Calculate volume by measuring dimensions. For example, Volume of a cuboid = Length × Width × Height; Volume of a cylinder = π × (Radius)² × Height.
- Irregular shapes: Commonly use the water displacement method (Archimedes' principle) to measure the volume of displaced water.
- Calculating Density (ρ): After obtaining mass (in g or kg) and volume (in cm³ or m³), substitute them into the formula. Ensure units are consistent.
Weight Estimation in Engineering:
In engineering, the weight of aluminum materials is often calculated directly using the density formula:
- Weight of Aluminum Plate (kg) = Thickness (mm) × Width (m) × Length (m) × Density (2.7)
- Weight of Aluminum Round Rod (kg) = π × (Diameter/2)² × Length (m) × Density (2.7)
Reference Table for Common Aluminum Alloy Densities
Alloy Series | Typical Grades | Main Alloying Elements | Density (g/cm³) | Key Properties & Applications |
---|---|---|---|---|
1000 Series | 1050/1060/1070 | 99%+ Aluminum (Industrial Pure Al) | 2.70-2.71 | High purity, excellent electrical/thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance. Commonly used for electrical materials, heat exchangers, food packaging, chemical equipment piping. |
2000 Series | 2024/2014/2017 | Copper (Cu) as primary alloying element | 2.76-2.80 | High strength-to-weight ratio, excellent machinability, heat treatable. Widely used in aerospace, aircraft structures, military applications, and high-stress components. |
3000 Series | 3003/3004/3105 | Manganese (Mn) as primary alloying element | 2.72-2.73 | Good formability, moderate strength, excellent corrosion resistance. Common applications include cookware, heat exchangers, pressure vessels, and architectural panels. |
5000 Series | 5052/5083/5754 | Magnesium (Mg) as primary alloying element | 2.66-2.70 | Excellent corrosion resistance, good weldability, moderate to high strength. Used in marine applications, automotive panels, pressure vessels, and architectural structures. |
6000 Series | 6061/6082/6005 | Magnesium (Mg) and Silicon (Si) | 2.69-2.70 | Good strength-to-weight ratio, excellent extrudability, heat treatable. Widely used in structural applications, automotive components, bicycle frames, and architectural extrusions. |
6063 Series | 6063/6063A | Magnesium (Mg) and Silicon (Si) - optimized for extrusion | 2.69 | Excellent extrudability, good surface finish, moderate strength. Primary choice for architectural extrusions, window frames, door frames, and decorative applications. |
7000 Series | 7075/7050/7020 | Zinc (Zn) as primary alloying element | 2.80-2.85 | Highest strength among aluminum alloys, excellent fatigue resistance, heat treatable. Used in aerospace, high-performance automotive, sports equipment, and military applications. |
Factors Affecting the Density of Aluminum
The density of aluminum is not fixed and is primarily influenced by the following factors:
Alloying Elements (Primary Factor):
Adding different elements to aluminum significantly alters its density.
Decrease Density: Adding lighter elements like Lithium (Li), Magnesium (Mg), Silicon (Si). For instance,aluminum-lithium alloys, containing lightweight lithium, can have densities as low as 2.4-2.6 g/cm³.
Increase Density: Adding heavier elements like Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni). For example, 2024 alloy (high copper content) has a density of ~2.78 g/cm³, and 7075 alloy (high zinc content) has a density of ~2.81 g/cm³.
Processing Techniques
Casting: Different casting methods (sand casting, die casting, investment casting) can affect the final density due to variations in porosity and grain structure. Die casting typically produces denser parts with fewer voids.
Deformation Processing: Rolling, extrusion, and forging can increase density by reducing porosity and refining the microstructure. Cold working generally results in higher density than hot working.
Heat Treatment: Solution treatment, aging, and annealing processes can influence density through changes in precipitate formation and grain structure. Proper heat treatment optimizes both mechanical properties and density.
Temperature Effects
Temperature significantly affects aluminum density through thermal expansion. As temperature increases, aluminum expands and its density decreases. At room temperature (20°C), pure aluminum has a density of 2.70 g/cm³. The coefficient of thermal expansion for aluminum is approximately 23.1 × 10⁻⁶ /°C, meaning density decreases by about 0.006% per degree Celsius increase.
Porosity Effects
Porosity significantly reduces aluminum density by introducing voids and air pockets within the material structure. Even small amounts of porosity can have measurable effects on density. Typical porosity levels in aluminum castings range from 1-5%, which can reduce density by 0.03-0.14 g/cm³. Porosity is influenced by casting parameters, cooling rates, and gas content during processing.
Aluminum Density Comparison with Other Metals
Material | Density (g/cm³) | Ratio to Aluminum | Key Characteristics |
---|---|---|---|
Aluminum (Pure) | ~2.70 | 1.00 | Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, excellent conductivity |
Magnesium Alloy | 1.74-1.84 | 0.65-0.68 | High strength, corrosion-resistant, magnetic |
Titanium | 4.40-4.85 | 1.63-1.8 | High strength, magnetic, corrosion-resistant |
Carbon Steel | ~7.85 | 2.91 | High strength, magnetic, prone to corrosion |
Stainless Steel | 7.75-7.93 | 2.87-2.94 | Corrosion-resistant, high strength, non-magnetic grades available |
Pure Copper | ~8.96 | 3.32 | Excellent electrical/thermal conductivity, antimicrobial |
Brass | 8.40-8.70 | 3.11-3.22 | Good machinability, decorative appeal, corrosion-resistant |
Zinc Alloy | 6.60-7.20 | 2.44-2.67 | Good castability, moderate strength, galvanizing applications |
Pure Lead | ~11.34 | 4.20 | Very heavy, soft, radiation shielding, toxic concerns |
Aluminum's density is approximately 1/3 that of steel and copper, making it an excellent choice for weight-sensitive applications. Compared to magnesium alloys (1.74-1.84 g/cm³), aluminum offers better strength and corrosion resistance while maintaining reasonable weight advantages.
Practical Applications of Aluminum Density
Aerospace Industry
Weight reduction is critical for fuel efficiency and payload capacity. Aluminum's low density enables lighter aircraft structures while maintaining structural integrity.
Packaging Industry
Lightweight aluminum cans and foils reduce transportation costs and environmental impact while providing excellent barrier properties.
Construction and Architecture
Lower structural loads, reduced foundation requirements, and easier handling during installation make aluminum ideal for modern building applications.
Electronics and Heat Dissipation
Aluminum's combination of low density and high thermal conductivity makes it perfect for heat sinks, electronic enclosures, and thermal management solutions.
Sports and Recreation
From bicycle frames to tennis rackets, aluminum's lightweight properties enhance performance and reduce user fatigue in sporting equipment.
Conclusion
Aluminum's density characteristics (pure aluminum: 2.7 g/cm³, alloys: 2.6-2.9 g/cm³) make it an exceptional material for applications requiring the optimal balance of strength, weight, and performance. Its lightweight nature, combined with excellent corrosion resistance, formability, and recyclability, positions aluminum as a cornerstone material in modern engineering.