Technical Terms

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Glossary

• Aluminum Bar, Extruded

  This refers to aluminum bar products that are used in general purpose applications. Extruded bars have the same chemistry as Cold Finished bars but tend to be less expensive and are produced to looser tolerances and lower mechanical properties. They are usually designated by standards from ASTM, although there may also be AMS specifications associated as well.

• Aluminum Sheet, Alclad

  The sheets are formed with layers of aluminum that are bonded to the surface to add increased corrosion resistance. Generally associated with aluminum grades 2024-T3 and 7075-T6, which are commonly used by the aircraft industry.

• Aluminum Sheet, Bare

  Raw aluminum sheet (that has no cladding). All of the grades in stock at A.E.D. are “bare” (other than a plastic masking on up to .125”), with the exception of prepainted aluminum sheets.

• Aluminum Sheet, Prepainted

  These are colored aluminum sheets often used in race car body panels, trailers, pit equipment and signage. These sheets are also called “Prefinished” or simply “Painted,” and they offer excellent durability for inside and outside applications. The grade is 3105 and does not offer UV protection.

• Aluminum Tube, Drawn

  This type of tube is produced by pushing a hollow billet through a die. Because there is no seam, it can safely be used to transport or store pressurized gases and liquids. It is suitable for bending with the proper tools. These tubes are produced to AMS specifications and are often used in aircraft and aerospace applications. Common grades include 6061-T6, 5052-O and 2024-T3.

• Aluminum Tube, Extruded

  This type is produced by pushing the material through a die to obtain its desired shape. While suitable for applications that require good corrosion resistance, medium strength, and good machining characteristics, it is generally not recommended to transport gases or liquids under extreme pressure. It is also not recommended for bending without some sort of softening. We generally see this tube as 6061-T6511 or 6063-T5, and it is produced to ASTM standards.

• Annealed (or annealing)

  This is a heat treatment process used to bring a metal closer to its equilibrium state. In its heated, soft state, the uniform microstructure of a metal will allow for excellent ductility and workability.

• Autogenous weld

  This is a process that joins two or more metals without the addition of filler metal. Autogenous welding can be performed on many different joint types. A wide variety of materials and welding processes can be used for autogenous welding.