What is Aluminum Sheet?
Aluminum Sheet refers to rectangular sheet materials processed by rolling aluminum ingots.
Properties of Aluminum Sheet
Aluminum sheets possess a series of excellent characteristics. Firstly, they have good corrosion resistance, maintaining stability in various environments without rusting or oxidizing easily. Secondly, aluminum sheets are relatively light in weight but have high strength, making them widely used in situations where weight reduction is needed while ensuring strength, such as in the aerospace field. Additionally, aluminum sheets have good thermal and electrical conductivity, commonly used in electronics, electrical industries, and more. Moreover, aluminum sheets have strong plasticity and are easy to process into various shapes and structures through stamping, stretching, bending, and other processes.
Types of Aluminum Sheets
There are various types of aluminum sheets, including pure aluminum sheets and alloy aluminum sheets. Pure aluminum sheets have a high aluminum content and more singular properties; alloy aluminum sheets, by adding other elements, improve the performance of aluminum sheets, such as strength, hardness, and wear resistance.
Classification of Aluminum Sheets
Pure Aluminum Sheet
Contains over 99.00% aluminum. It has good electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance, but relatively lower strength. Commonly used for making conductors, chemical instruments, and thin sheet processing parts. For example, some radiators in electronic devices may use pure aluminum sheets.
Alloy Aluminum Sheet
Significantly improves the performance of aluminum sheets by adding magnesium, silicon, copper, and other alloying elements.
Aluminum-Manganese Alloy Sheet
Has good rust prevention performance, commonly used for the casing of air conditioners, refrigerators, and other home appliances.
Aluminum-Magnesium Alloy Sheet
High strength and corrosion resistance, widely used in shipbuilding, aerospace, and other fields. For example, some structural parts of aircraft.
Aluminum-Copper Alloy Sheet
Has high strength and hardness, commonly used in mold manufacturing.
Rust-Resistant Aluminum Sheet
This type of aluminum sheet has good rust prevention performance, suitable for humid environments or occasions that require rust prevention, such as outdoor advertising frame.
Attributes of Pure Aluminum Sheet
Pure aluminum sheets have the following main attributes:
Physical Properties
Low density, about 2.7 g/cm³, relatively light in weight. Good thermal and electrical conductivity, with a thermal conductivity of about 237 W/(m・K), and an electrical conductivity of about 37.7 MS/m.
Chemical Properties
Outstanding corrosion resistance, not prone to chemical reactions in most environments. A dense oxide film easily forms on the surface, further enhancing its corrosion resistance.
Mechanical Properties
Relatively low strength, with tensile strength generally between 70 – 130 MPa. High elongation, with certain ductility.
Processing Properties
Good plasticity, easy to stamp, stretch, roll, and process in various other ways. Annealing treatment can be used to improve its plasticity, facilitating further processing and shaping. In practical applications, pure aluminum sheets are commonly used for making electrical wires and cables that require good conductivity, chemical equipment that requires corrosion resistance, and parts for electronic components such as radiators where strength is not a high requirement but lightweight materials are needed.
Application Scenarios of Aluminum Sheets in the Construction Field
Building Curtain Walls
Aluminum sheet curtain walls are aesthetically pleasing and modern, capable of creating unique architectural shapes. For example, many high-rise commercial office buildings use aluminum sheet curtain walls to create a simple and atmospheric image.
Roof Systems
Aluminum sheet roofs are lightweight, placing less load on the building structure.
Interior Decoration
Ceilings, such as those in shopping malls, hotels, and other public places, can increase the sense of space and aesthetics through the shape and color of aluminum sheets.
Sunshade Systems
Aluminum sheet-made sunshades can effectively block direct sunlight while ensuring indoor lighting and ventilation.
Stairs and Handrails
Provide a sturdy and aesthetic structure, with good wear resistance.
Door and Window Frames
Have good airtightness and water tightness, improving the energy-saving effect of doors and windows.
How to Choose Aluminum Sheets Suitable for the Construction Field?
Material
Choose the appropriate alloy series according to specific needs. For example, the corrosion resistance of 1 series pure aluminum is good; 5 series is also good; 3 series and 6 series also have good corrosion resistance; while 2 series and 7 series have relatively weaker corrosion resistance. If higher strength is needed, consider 2 series and 7 series heat-treated aluminum sheets, but their welding difficulty is relatively greater.
Surface Treatment
Choose the appropriate surface treatment method according to the requirements of the building appearance and durability. Common treatments include spraying, sandblasting, anodizing, etc. These treatments can improve the wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and aesthetics of aluminum sheets.
Specifications and Sizes
Choose the appropriate specifications and sizes of aluminum sheets according to actual construction needs to avoid material waste and ensure that the design requirements can be met during installation.
Brand Reputation
Prioritize manufacturers with a good reputation and brand credibility to ensure reliable product quality and comprehensive after-sales service.
Hardness and Strength
The choice of hardness is related to the chemical composition of the alloy. From the highest hardness achievable, 7 series, 2 series, 4 series, 6 series, 5 series, 3 series, 1 series are in descending order. Strength is an important factor to consider in product design, with pure aluminum having lower strength and 2 series and 7 series heat-treated aluminum sheets having higher hardness.
Processability
If the aluminum sheet needs to be bent, stretched, deep drawn, and other forming processes, choose annealed material with better formability; when cutting is needed for molds or mechanical parts, consider the cutting and processing performance of the aluminum sheet.
Weldability
Most aluminum sheets have no issues with welding, but some 2 series and 7 series aluminum sheets are more difficult to weld, while some 5 series aluminum sheets are designed specifically for welding.
Decorative Performance
When used for building decoration, consider whether the aluminum sheet can achieve the desired color and surface structure after anodizing, painting, etc.
Environmental Protection, Fire Resistance, and Corrosion Resistance
These properties are also important in modern construction. For example, curved aluminum sheets have good environmental performance, materials can be recycled; excellent fire resistance, effectively preventing flame spread; strong corrosion resistance, suitable for long-term use in harsh environments.
On-Site Inspection or Reference Cases
If conditions permit, inspect the effects and quality of similar products at actual construction sites to better understand the actual use of the product.
Price
Compare the prices of products from different manufacturers while ensuring quality, choosing products with higher cost performance, but do not take price as the only standard.
Additionally, if choosing exterior wall insulation aluminum sheet decorative integrated panels, also pay attention to the following points: choose high-quality aluminum alloy materials to ensure good durability and weather resistance; pay attention to the wear resistance and corrosion resistance of surface treatment to maintain long-term aesthetic effects; consider the convenience of installation for easy maintenance and replacement.
How to Determine if the Hardness and Strength of Aluminum Sheets Used in the Construction Field Meet the Requirements?
Check Product Specifications and Technical Parameters
When purchasing aluminum sheets, manufacturers usually provide detailed product specifications, including data on hardness and strength. These data can be compared with the standards specified in the architectural design requirements.
Material Testing
Hardness Testing
Common methods include Brinell hardness test, Rockwell hardness test, and Vickers hardness test. For example, the Brinell hardness test determines the hardness value by measuring the indentation diameter; the Rockwell hardness test measures hardness based on the indentation depth.
Strength Testing
Such as tensile tests, which apply tensile force to aluminum sheet samples and measure indicators such as yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation rate.
Refer to Relevant Standards and Specifications
The construction industry has a series of standards and specifications that define the hardness and strength requirements for aluminum sheets used in different parts of the building. These standards, such as the national standard “GB/T 3880.2-2012 General industrial aluminum and aluminum alloy sheets, strips Part 2: Mechanical properties,” can be consulted to determine if the selected aluminum sheet meets the standards.
Check Quality Inspection Reports
Regular manufacturers will conduct quality inspections on aluminum sheets and provide corresponding inspection reports. The reports will include test results for hardness and strength.
Consult Professional Institutions or Experts
If there are doubts about the performance of aluminum sheets, consult professional material testing institutions or experts in the construction field for accurate assessment and advice.
How to Choose the Right Aluminum Sheet Thickness Based on Construction Needs?
Building Location and Environment
If the building is located in coastal areas or high-corrosion environments, thicker aluminum sheets may be required to enhance corrosion resistance. For instance, buildings by the sea may need to choose aluminum sheets of 3mm or more to cope with the erosion caused by salt mist from sea breezes.
In regions with extreme climates, such as those frequently experiencing strong winds or heavy snow, thicker aluminum sheets are needed to ensure structural stability.
Usage Area of the Aluminum Sheet
As decorative panels for the exterior walls of buildings, the general thickness ranges from 2.5mm to 4mm. For high-rise buildings, thicker aluminum sheets may be necessary to withstand greater wind pressure.
For indoor ceiling or partition use, a thickness usually between 1.5mm and 2mm can meet the requirements.
Design Requirements and Style
Buildings pursuing unique shapes and complex designs may require thicker aluminum sheets to maintain the stability and precision of shapes. For example, some aluminum sheet decorations with large spans, curves, or irregular shapes may require aluminum sheets of 4mm or thicker.
For buildings with simple designs, thinner aluminum sheets may suffice.
Load-bearing and Stress Conditions
When aluminum sheets are used as supporting structures or to bear large loads, thicker aluminum sheets are needed. For example, aluminum sheets used as balcony railings or stair handrails may require a thickness of over 3mm.
For decorative non-load-bearing parts, relatively thinner thickness can be used.
Budget Constraints
Thicker aluminum sheets are usually more expensive. When the budget is limited, it is necessary to reasonably choose thinner aluminum sheets while meeting the performance requirements of the building.
Fire Protection Requirements
If the building has strict fire protection requirements, a specific thickness of aluminum sheet may be needed to meet fire protection specifications.
What is the Standard Thickness of Aluminum Sheets for Construction?
The standard thickness of aluminum sheets for construction varies depending on the specific usage scenario and requirements.
In the field of building curtain walls, the commonly used standard thicknesses for aluminum sheets are as follows:
Ceilings: 1.5mm to 2.5mm;
Curtain Walls: 2.0mm to 3.0mm.
However, there are also cases in the market where aluminum sheets of different thicknesses are used. For example, common thicknesses for exterior wall aluminum sheets include 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, and 5mm. Aluminum sheets of 2mm thickness are suitable for indoor decoration and light-load exterior curtain walls; 3mm thick aluminum sheets can meet the needs of most buildings and are suitable for most exterior curtain walls, doors, windows, and ceilings; 4mm and 5mm thick aluminum sheets have better resistance to bending, impact, and tensile strength, suitable for areas with high wind pressure and harsh climate conditions, as well as buildings with higher fire protection requirements.
Other thickness specifications for construction aluminum sheets are (unit: mm): Thin sheets 0.15 to 2.0; Regular sheets 2.0 to 6.0; Medium plates 6.0 to 25.0; Thick plates 25 to 200; Extra-thick plates over 200.