1060 aluminum is one of the most widely used grades in the aluminum family. It belongs to the 1000 series, which means it is nearly pure aluminum — containing at least 99.6% aluminum by composition. Because of this high purity, 1060 aluminum alloy offers excellent electrical conductivity, outstanding corrosion resistance, and very good formability. It is the go-to choice for applications where strength is less critical but conductivity, workability, or cost matters most.
This guide covers everything buyers and engineers need to know about 1060 aluminum sheet and plate: its key properties, available tempers, how it stacks up against other common alloys, and how to choose the right supplier.
1060 grade aluminum is a commercially pure wrought aluminum alloy. The "1060" designation follows the ASTM and AA (Aluminum Association) naming system. The first digit "1" indicates the 1000 series (pure aluminum). The last two digits "60" specify the minimum aluminum purity — 99.60%.
Under ASTM standards (astm 1060 aluminum), this alloy is well-defined in terms of chemical composition limits, mechanical properties, and temper conditions. It is widely available in sheet, plate, strip, foil, and coil forms from aluminum suppliers around the world.
Understanding the properties of 1060 aluminum helps engineers and buyers determine whether it is the right material for a project.
Chemical Composition
| Element | Content |
|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | ≥ 99.60% |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.05% |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.35% |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.25% |
| Other elements | trace |
Mechanical Properties (annealed / O temper)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 60–95 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 15–35 MPa |
| Elongation | 15–25% |
| Hardness (Brinell) | ~19 HB |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| 1060 aluminum density | 2.705 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 646–657°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~234 W/(m·K) |
| Electrical Conductivity | ~61% IACS |
The 1060 aluminum density of 2.705 g/cm³ is consistent with other pure aluminum grades, making it lightweight for structural and electrical applications alike.
1060 aluminum yield strength in the annealed (O) condition is relatively low — around 15–35 MPa. For cold-worked tempers like H14 or H18, yield strength increases significantly. This means the alloy can be strengthened through cold working without alloying, which keeps its corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity largely intact.
1060 aluminum is available in several temper conditions. Each temper offers a different balance of strength and formability.
The O temper is the fully annealed condition. 1060 O aluminum has the lowest strength but the highest ductility and formability. It is ideal for deep drawing, spinning, and other forming operations where the material must stretch without cracking.
1060 H12 aluminum is strain-hardened to quarter-hard condition. It offers a moderate increase in tensile strength over the O temper while retaining good formability. Typical tensile strength is around 75–95 MPa.
1060 H14 aluminum is half-hard. This is one of the most common tempers for sheet and strip applications. It provides a useful balance of strength and bendability. Tensile strength is typically 90–110 MPa.
1060 H24 aluminum is strain-hardened and partially annealed to a half-hard state. It has properties similar to H14 but with slightly better ductility due to the partial anneal. H24 is popular for roofing sheets, signage, and decorative panels.
This is one of the most common comparisons buyers make. 1060 aluminum vs 6061 comes down to a fundamental trade-off: purity and conductivity versus strength and machinability.
1060 aluminum is nearly pure aluminum. It is soft, easy to form, and has excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. However, it cannot be heat-treated to gain strength.
6061 aluminum is a heat-treatable alloy with magnesium and silicon as the primary alloying elements. It is significantly stronger — tensile strength up to 310 MPa in the T6 condition — and machines and welds much better for structural use.
| Property | 1060 Aluminum | 6061 Aluminum |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 60–130 MPa | 260–310 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 15–105 MPa | 240–275 MPa |
| Electrical Conductivity | ~61% IACS | ~40% IACS |
| Formability | Excellent | Good |
| Machinability | Fair | Excellent |
| Heat Treatable | No | Yes |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Very Good |
| Typical Use | Electrical, roofing, cookware | Structural, aerospace, automotive |
Choose 1060 when you need high conductivity, easy forming, or a lower-cost material for non-structural applications.
Choose 6061 when strength, machinability, or load-bearing capacity is the priority.
The comparison of 1060 alloy vs 6061 aluminum is not a matter of one being "better" — it depends entirely on the application.
1060 aluminum vs 5052 is another useful comparison. 5052 is an Al-Mg alloy with much better strength than 1060. It also has excellent corrosion resistance, especially in marine environments. 5052 is weldable and is a preferred choice for fuel tanks, boat hulls, and pressure vessels.
1060 wins on electrical conductivity and cost. 5052 wins on strength and weldability. For sheet metal fabrication that needs to be bent, formed, and welded — 5052 is often preferred over 1060.
1050 vs 1060 aluminum is a minor distinction. Both are pure aluminum alloys in the 1000 series. The key difference is minimum aluminum purity: 1050 requires at least 99.50% aluminum, while 1060 requires at least 99.60%. In practice, the two alloys have nearly identical properties. Some markets and standards use 1050 more commonly (such as in Europe under EN 573), while 1060 is more common in North American and Asian markets.
3003 aluminum adds manganese (around 1.2%) to give it about 20% more strength than pure aluminum grades like 1060. 1060 vs 3003 aluminum comparison shows:
1100 aluminum is another commercially pure alloy, with 99.00% minimum aluminum. 1060 vs 1100 aluminum: 1060 has slightly higher purity and marginally better conductivity. Both alloys are used in similar applications — electrical busbars, chemical containers, heat sinks, and reflective sheet. The choice often comes down to what specifications a customer's end-use standard requires.
Because of its high purity, 1060 aluminum sheet and plate are used across a wide range of industries:
1060 aluminum sheet and plate are available in a wide range of standard and custom dimensions.
Thickness range: 0.1 mm – 200 mm (foil to thick plate)
Width range: 100 mm – 2,600 mm
Length: Standard 1,000 mm × 2,000 mm, 1,220 mm × 2,440 mm, or coil/custom cut lengths
Common standards: ASTM B209, EN 485, GB/T 3880
Surface finishes: Mill finish, bright finish, anodized, painted
For 1060 aluminum plate (thicker than 6 mm), flatness and thickness tolerance are typically held to ASTM B209 or equivalent international standards.
Buying 1060 aluminum sheet and plate directly from a manufacturer — rather than through a trading company — offers several advantages:
When evaluating 1060 aluminum suppliers, look for suppliers with ISO 9001 certification, in-house testing laboratories, and a track record of exporting to your region.
1060 aluminum sheet and plate is exported globally. Major export destinations include Southeast Asia, the Middle East, South America, Africa, and Europe. Standard shipping formats include wooden pallets, steel-strapped bundles, and waterproof packaging for ocean freight. Documentation such as mill test certificates, packing lists, and certificates of origin are provided as standard.
What is the density of 1060 aluminum?The density of 1060 aluminum is 2.705 g/cm³, which is standard for commercially pure aluminum alloys.
What does the "1060" in 1060 aluminum mean?It means the alloy belongs to the 1000 series (pure aluminum) and has a minimum aluminum content of 99.60%.
Is 1060 aluminum weldable?Yes. 1060 aluminum is weldable using TIG and MIG processes. It is often welded to itself or to other 1000-series alloys. Filler wire ER1100 or ER4043 is commonly used.
Can 1060 aluminum be anodized?Yes. 1060 aluminum anodizes well, producing a clear, bright anodic oxide layer. This is widely used for decorative and protective coatings in architectural and consumer product applications.
What is the difference between 1060 H14 and 1060 H24?Both are half-hard tempers with similar tensile strength. H14 is purely strain-hardened, while H24 is strain-hardened and then partially annealed. H24 generally has slightly better ductility and surface quality.
