1100
Maximum thermal and electrical conductivity with excellent corrosion resistance and formability.
1100 is the strongest alloy in the 1xxx series, with a minimum of 99.0% aluminum. It is the preferred choice when conductivity and corrosion resistance matter more than mechanical strength.
International Nomenclature
| Standard | Designation |
|---|---|
| AA (USA) | 1100 |
| EN (Europa) | EN AW-1100 · Al99.0Cu |
| JIS (Japón) | A1100 |
Chemical Composition
| Element | Symbol | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Al | ≥99.0% |
| Silicon + Iron | Si+Fe | ≤0.95% |
| Copper | Cu | 0.05–0.20% |
| Manganese | Mn | ≤0.05% |
| Zinc | Zn | ≤0.10% |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.71 g/cm³ |
| Melting Range | 643–657 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 222 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | 59% IACS |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (UTS) | 90–124 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 34–117 MPa |
| Elongation | 9–45% |
| Hardness | ~32 HB |
Key Characteristics
- Highest thermal and electrical conductivity among commonly extruded alloys
- Excellent corrosion resistance in atmospheric environments
- Outstanding formability: bending, deep drawing, spinning, roll forming
- Non-heat-treatable; strengthened by cold working only
Industries & Applications
Electrical
Heat sinks, bus bars, electrical conductors
HVAC
Heat exchanger fins, fin stock
Food & Chemical
Cooking utensils, chemical processing equipment, containers
Special Notes
1100 is the mechanically strongest alloy in the 1000 series. It cannot be heat-treated, but it excels in applications where thermal/electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance matter more than structural strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 1100 aluminum and what is it used for?
1100 is a commercially pure aluminum (minimum 99.0% Al) in the 1xxx series. It offers maximum thermal (222 W/m·K) and electrical (59% IACS) conductivity with excellent corrosion resistance. It is used in heat sinks, bus bars and electrical conductors, HVAC heat-exchanger fins, and cooking utensils and chemical processing equipment.
What is the chemical composition of 1100 and what does each element contribute?
1100 contains a minimum of 99.0% aluminum. The remaining elements are controlled impurities: silicon plus iron ≤0.95%, copper 0.05–0.20%, manganese ≤0.05%, and zinc ≤0.10%. The small copper content adds some mechanical strength, making 1100 the strongest alloy in the 1000 series; the low total alloying level is what preserves its high conductivity and corrosion resistance.
Is 1100 heat-treatable? How is its strength increased?
No. 1100 is non-heat-treatable, so it does not respond to aging tempers such as T5 or T6. Its only strengthening route is cold working (strain hardening). That is why its strength varies widely with the degree of deformation: tensile strength ranges from 90 to 124 MPa, yield strength from 34 to 117 MPa, and elongation from 9 to 45%.
How well does 1100 form and weld?
1100 stands out for its outstanding formability: it bends, deep-draws, spins, and roll-forms easily thanks to its high ductility (up to 45% elongation in the annealed condition). As a pure 1xxx-series aluminum, it also exhibits good weldability. Its limitation is low mechanical strength, so it is not recommended for load-bearing structural applications.
How does 1100 differ from 1350 (electrical conductor grade)?
Both are 1xxx-series aluminums, but 1350 has higher purity (minimum 99.50% Al) and stricter impurity limits, giving it superior electrical conductivity (61–62% IACS versus 59% IACS for 1100). 1100, with its small copper content, is mechanically stronger. Choose 1350 when pure electrical conductivity is the priority, and 1100 when you want the best balance of conductivity, formability, and corrosion resistance.
Why is 1100 used in heat exchangers and heat sinks?
Because it combines the highest thermal conductivity among commonly extruded alloys (222 W/m·K) with excellent atmospheric corrosion resistance and outstanding formability. This allows thin fins and complex geometries that dissipate heat efficiently and resist humid environments, making it ideal for HVAC heat-exchanger fins, heat sinks, and bus bars.
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We manufacture this alloy in ingots, donuts, and bars to your exact specifications.