01Grades and what they are for
| Grade | Character | Typical uses |
|---|---|---|
| 1060 / 1100 | Pure aluminum; most conductive and formable | Reflectors, signage, busbar sheet, chemical equipment, deep-drawn parts |
| 3003 | Manganese alloy; stronger than pure aluminum, very formable | HVAC, cookware, roofing, tanks, general sheet metal |
| 5052 | Magnesium alloy; excellent corrosion resistance | Enclosures, electronics chassis, marine parts, fuel tanks |
| 6061 | Heat-treatable; machinable and weldable | Machined bases, plates, jigs and fixtures |
| 7075 | Very high strength | Molds, tooling plates, highly stressed parts |
02Sheet or plate?
The terms describe thickness. Commonly, material up to about 6 mm thick is called sheet and thicker material plate. Sheet is formed, bent and punched; plate is usually machined. Non-heat-treatable grades (1060, 1100, 3003, 5052) are supplied in O (annealed) or H (strain-hardened) tempers; 6061 and 7075 in T6 or stress-relieved T651.
03Cut and processed to your requirements
- Cut to size for your parts or panels
- CNC machining of plates to drawing
- Surface finishing, including anodizing
- Protective film and export packing
04What to send for a quote
The more of this you share, the faster and more accurate the quote. Missing something? Send what you have — we will ask.
- Grade and temper
- Thickness, width and length (or part drawing)
- Flatness or tolerance requirements
- Surface finish and protective film
- Quantity
05Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 1060 and 1100 aluminum?
Both are commercially pure. 1060 is at least 99.6 % aluminum and slightly more conductive; 1100 is at least 99.0 % with a small copper addition that makes it a little stronger. Both form very well.
5052 or 6061 plate — which should I choose?
5052 has better corrosion resistance and formability and suits sheet-metal enclosures and marine parts. 6061-T6 is stronger and machines better, so it suits machined plates and fixtures.
What is 7075 plate used for?
Highly stressed and dimensionally critical parts — molds, tooling plates, aerospace-style components and high-performance sporting goods — where its strength justifies the cost.
Last updated September 17, 2026 · Reviewed by the CharMax Aluminum engineering team