Aluminum 1050 (commercially pure)
Frequently asked questions
Can Aluminum 1050 (commercially pure) be laser cut?
With some limitations: Aluminum 1050 (commercially pure) can be laser cut.
Can Aluminum 1050 (commercially pure) be CNC machined?
Yes: Aluminum 1050 (commercially pure) can be CNC machined.
Is Aluminum 1050 (commercially pure) food safe?
Aluminum 1050 (commercially pure) is food safe only after a suitable finishing treatment.
Physical properties
| Density | 2700.0–2700.0 kg/m³ |
|---|---|
| Brinell hardness | 25.0 HB |
| Tensile strength | 85.0 MPa |
| Melting point | 645.0–658.0 °C |
| Thermal expansion | 23.6 µm/m·K |
| Moisture absorption | Negligible |
Laser processing
Laser marking does not generate hazardous fumes in the absence of surface oils or lubricants.
CO₂: Not cuttable with CO2 laser due to the very high reflectance of pure aluminum (over 90%). Concrete risk of damaging the machine optics by direct reflection. Surface engraving requires marking sprays (Cermark) with modest results.
Diode: Impossible to cut or mark directly with diode lasers.
Fiber: Fiber laser marking possible but with lower contrast results compared to harder alloys like 6061, due to the softness of the material. Cutting is possible on very thin sheets (≤0.5mm) at high powers.
CNC / milling processing
Ambivalent machinability: on one hand tool wear is minimal, on the other extreme softness promotes built-up edge where metal friction-welds to the cutter flutes. Requires 1–2 flute aluminum-specific cutters with sharp cutting geometry, avoid low feed rates, and prefer air blast over mist cooling for chip evacuation.
Post-processing
Sanding: Very easy to sand thanks to its softness. Use wet silicon carbide paper to avoid dust. Be careful not to create deep grooves with coarse grits: the metal is so soft that abrasives tend to gouge too deeply.
Primer: Spontaneously forms a protective oxide layer. For painting on exterior surfaces, prefer an etch primer for non-ferrous metals.
Gluing: Bondable with two-component epoxies after degreasing. The soft surface allows excellent mechanical adhesion if previously sanded.
Over time: Excellent atmospheric corrosion resistance thanks to the pure aluminum content (≥99.5%). Spontaneously forms a protective oxide layer. Not suitable for strong acid or alkaline environments.
Common defects
- Built-up edge (aluminium welded to the cutter) when machining without aluminium-specific cutters or adequate chip evacuation
- Workpiece distortion from excessive vice clamping due to the very low mechanical strength
Safety
Recommended PPE: eye_protection, mask_p1
Fine aluminum dust is flammable in concentration (rare risk in maker contexts). Extract chips. Cut edges are sharp.
Availability and formats
Commercial formats: sheets 0.5–3mm, deep-drawing blanks, strips
Related materials
Sources
- EN 573-3 — Aluminium and aluminium alloys (EN AW-1050A)
- MatWeb — Aluminum 1050 Alloy Datasheet
Information on compatibility, processing parameters and safety is purely indicative. MakerSpecs accepts no liability for damage to persons or property arising from the use of this data. Always check the safety rules and the manufacturer's official manuals before carrying out any processing.