Aluminum is one of the most common materials we cut. Due to its corrosion resistance and high strength-to-weight ratio, aluminum has many applications. Approximately 50 million tons of aluminum are processed worldwide each year.
At Minnesota Waterjet, we process aluminum products for a wide variety of industries and applications. Aluminum waterjet cutting is a highly effective method of processing aluminum, and we are equipped to handle just about any shape or size of alloy.
Contact us today to learn more about aluminum waterjet cutting.
Aluminum Alloys we cut
Below are some of the most common aluminum alloys we process. Even if you don’t see your alloy on this list, there’s a good chance we can cut it.
2024 – A high-strength aluminum alloy with low corrosion resistance used primarily in components for transportation and aircraft structures, like fuselages and stringers etc. Because of its low corrosion resistance, anodizing or cladding is highly recommended. Conforms to AMS-QQ-A-250/4 (5) and ASTM B209 specifications and is heat-treatable.
Grades used (bare and Alcad)
- 2024-O (annealed)
- 2024-T4
- 2024-T351
Sheet and Plate sizes range from .016’’ to 6” thick and 24” to 48” wide.
3003 – A commercially pure aluminum, like 1100, but has manganese added for strength and has excellent corrosion resistance. Mostly used in food industry or decorative applications. Diamond tread plate is also available in this grade. Conforms to AMS-QQ-A-250/2 and ASTM B209 specifications and is not heat-treatable.
Grades used (bare and Alcad)
- 3003-O (annealed)
- 3003-H14
Sheet and plate sizes range from .016’’ to .750” thick and 36” to 72” wide.
5052– The highest strength of the non-heat-treatable aluminum alloys with good resistance to corrosion from saltwater and also, good workability making it a widely used aluminum. Conforms to AMS-QQ-A-250/8 and ASTM B209 specifications.
Grades used
- 5052-O (annealed)
- 5052-H32 (1/4 hard)
- 5052-H34 (1/2 hard)
Sheet and plate sizes range from .020’’ to .500” thick and 36” to 96” wide.
6061- the most commonly used heat-treatable aluminum alloy with a wide range of uses including automotive and military, structural and heavy-duty weldments and recreational vehicle components. It offers good corrosion resistance and good workability. Diamond tread plate is also available in this grade. Conforms to AMS-QQ-A-250/11 and ASTM B209 specifications.
Grades used (bare and Alcad)
- 6061-O (annealed)
- 6061-T4 (heat-treated & naturally aged)
- 6061-T6 (heat-treated & artificially aged)
- 6061-T651 (heat-treated, artificially aged, and stretch stress relieved)
Sheet and plate sizes range from .020’’ to 12” thick and 24” to 72” wide.
7075 – One of the highest strength aluminum alloys and is also heat treatable. The alloy is typically used for structural parts that require a higher strength-to-weight ratio to withstand a high degree of stress and fatigue. Its formability is limited unless annealed. Conforms to AMS-QQ-A-250/9 and ASTM B209 specifications.
Grades used (bare and Alcad)
- 7075-O (annealed)
- 7075-T6 (heat-treated & artificially aged)
- 7075-T651 (heat-treated, artificially aged & stretch stress relieved)
Sheet and plate sizes range from .010’’ to 8” thick and 24” to 60” wide.
Some of the other aluminums we have processed are 5083 and 5086, 7075, Mic-6 cast tooling plate, and all thickness of aluminum tread plate in both 3003 and 6061. If there’s an aluminum we haven’t cut before, we can find the right solution for your project.
Contact us today for your next waterjet cutting aluminum project.
