Aluminium Aeroplane 5xxx and 6xxx

Aluminum alloys, with their advantages of high strength, low density, and corrosion resistance, have become a core material in aircraft manufacturing, with 5-series and 6-series aluminum alloys holding a particularly significant position.

5-series aluminum alloys

5xxx aluminum alloys, with magnesium as the primary alloying element, are heat-treatable and hardenable aluminum alloys. Their outstanding features include excellent corrosion resistance and weldability, along with moderate strength, making them ideal for aircraft components subject to frequent environmental stresses.

In aircraft, typical 5-series aluminum alloys include 5052, 5083, and 5454. 5052 aluminum alloy offers moderate strength and excellent seawater corrosion resistance. It is often used in fuel tanks, fuel lines, and other fuel-contact components, effectively resisting the attack of fuel chemicals.

5083 aluminum alloy, due to its higher strength and fatigue resistance, is an ideal choice for load-bearing areas such as wing lower panels and fuselage bottom skins. It is particularly widely used in aircraft, such as carrier-based aircraft, that must withstand complex marine environments.

5454 aluminum alloy, with its superior corrosion resistance, is often used in aircraft door frames and landing gear compartment components, ensuring long-term stable operation in humid and dusty environments.

6-series aluminum alloys

6xxx aluminum alloys, with magnesium and silicon as their primary alloying elements, achieve high strength through heat treatment. They also possess excellent processability and corrosion resistance, making them a common material for aircraft structural components.

Among the 6-series aluminum alloys, grades 6061, 6063, and 6082 are frequently used in aircraft manufacturing. 6061 aluminum alloy significantly increases its strength after heat treatment and is easy to forge and machine. It is widely used in load-bearing structures such as aircraft wing spars, bulkheads, and seat supports, meeting strength requirements while reducing machining complexity.

6063 aluminum alloy, with its excellent plasticity and weldability, is often used in the manufacture of non-load-bearing components such as aircraft window frames and decorative strips, balancing aesthetics and practicality. 6082 aluminum alloy, known for its higher strength and creep resistance, is suitable for structures subject to long-term high loads, such as aircraft landing gear components and engine mounts.