Key Highlights
1350 aluminum is a high-purity (99.5% min) electrical-conductivity grade in the 1xxx series. This guide covers its physical and chemical properties, main applications, pros and cons, common tempers, and how it compares with 6061 and 8000 series alloys.
Introduction
1350 aluminum alloy is a pure (1xxx-series) alloy known for excellent electrical conductivity. It contains at least 99.5% aluminum, which gives it higher conductivity than most other aluminum alloys. That purity makes it a staple in electrical applications where conductivity matters more than strength.
What Is 1350 Aluminum Alloy?
1350 aluminum is a pure aluminum alloy with excellent electrical conductivity. It is soft and formable, which suits jobs where shaping matters. Because of its high thermal and electrical conductivity, it is widely used in electrical conductors and cable wraps.
Physical Properties of 1350 Aluminum
1350 aluminum conducts electricity very well, which is why it is chosen for electrical work. It is made of at least 99.5% pure aluminum, supporting broad use in the electrical industry. Its high purity keeps conductivity high, so electrical performance is the main design focus.
Chemical Composition of 1350 Aluminum
1350 is mainly pure aluminum with a 99.5% minimum. Iron and silicon are the main controlled impurities, kept low to protect conductivity. This makeup makes it excellent for electrical conductors, transformer windings, and switchgear parts.
| Element | Percentage Range |
|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | 99.50% minimum |
| Silicon (Si) | 0% to 0.10% |
| Iron (Fe) | 0% to 0.40% |
| Copper (Cu) | 0% to 0.05% |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0% to 0.01% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | — |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0% to 0.01% |
| Zinc (Zn) | 0% to 0.05% |
| Boron (B) | 0% to 0.050% |
| Gallium (Ga) | 0% to 0.030% |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0% to 0.020% |
| Vanadium (V) | 0% to 0.020% |
| Others | Each 0% to 0.03%, total 0% to 0.10% |
Main Applications of 1350 Aluminum
1350 aluminum is popular because it conducts electricity well, resists corrosion, and costs less than copper. It is used across complex electrical systems and everyday components alike. Its light weight and formability suit both busbars and fine electronic parts.
Electrical Conductors and Cable Wraps
1350 is widely used for electrical conductors and cable wraps. Its conductivity makes it a practical copper alternative where weight matters. You will commonly find it in power cables, busbars, and transformer windings.
- Power cables
- Busbars
- Transformer windings
Its low weight simplifies handling and cuts transport cost. Corrosion resistance also extends service life in tough conditions. For EC-grade wire, see our 1350-O/H19 Aluminum Wire.
Heat Exchangers and Radiator Tubes
Beyond electrical use, 1350 has good thermal conductivity for heat exchangers and radiator tubes. These parts move heat between fluids efficiently. In car radiators it helps control engine temperature, and the same applies to air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
1350 is also light, which helps in transport and compact assemblies. Its formability supports the thin-wall tubes these systems need.
Pros and Cons of 1350 Aluminum
1350 is valued for high conductivity and purity, plus corrosion resistance and formability. Its main drawback is low strength, which limits use in high-stress parts. The table below sums up the trade-offs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High Electrical Conductivity: Excellent for power cables and busbars. | Low Mechanical Strength: Not suited to high-load parts. |
| Good Corrosion Resistance: Holds up in moist or corrosive settings. | Limited Heat Resistance: Not ideal for high-temperature service; follow SDS guidance for handling. |
| Lightweight: Major weight savings versus copper and steel. | Limited Wear Resistance: Softer and less durable than many alloys. |
| Good Formability: Easy to shape and fabricate. | Limited Hardness: Not for applications needing high hardness. |
Common Tempers of 1350 Aluminum
1350 is supplied in several tempers that trade softness for strength:
- O Temper: Fully annealed, soft, and ductile — best for bending and forming.
- H12 Temper: Strain hardened and partially annealed, with slightly higher strength.
- H14 Temper: Strain hardened more than H12, while keeping good formability.
- H16 Temper: Further strain hardened for more strength and stability.
- H18 Temper: The highest-strength 1350 temper, used where maximum strength is needed.
Comparing 1350 Aluminum to Other Alloys
1350 leads on conductivity, but other alloys fit different needs. Knowing the differences helps you pick the right material. The tables below compare it with 6061 and 8000 series.
1350 vs. 6061 Aluminum
1350 and 6061 aluminum serve different roles. 1350 is a pure alloy built for conductivity, while 6061 is a stronger, more corrosion-resistant structural alloy. Use 1350 for conductors and 6061 for machined or structural parts.
Here is the physical properties comparison:
| Property | 1350 Aluminum | 6061-T6 Aluminum |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ | 2.70 g/cm³ |
| Ultimate Tensile Strength | 68-190 MPa | 310 MPa |
| Tensile Yield Strength | 25-170 MPa | 270 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 1.4-30% | 10% |
| Fatigue Strength | 24-50 MPa | 96.5 MPa |
| Shear Strength | 44-110 MPa | 207 MPa |
| Electrical Conductivity | 61% IACS | 40% IACS |
| Weldability | Excellent, easy to weld | Good, but needs precise technique |
| Machinability | Fair, needs sharp tools | Excellent, good for precision machining |
| Corrosion Resistance | High, due to purity | High, but less than 1350 |
| Applications | Electrical conductors, high-purity uses | Aerospace, automotive, construction, machinery |
1350 vs. 8000 Aluminum
1350 is very pure and highly conductive, while 8000 series adds more silicon and other elements. 8000 can offer better corrosion resistance in some builds, but 1350 remains the EC-grade choice for conductors. Pick based on purity, conductivity, and any added alloying needs.
Here is the physical properties comparison:
| Property | 1350 Aluminum | 8000 Series Aluminum |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ | 2.63-2.80 g/cm³ |
| Hardness (Brinell) | Approximately 23 HB | Generally harder due to alloying |
| Ultimate Tensile Strength | 95-115 MPa | 99-104 MPa |
| Electrical Conductivity | Approximately 61% IACS | Approximately 60.5% IACS or higher |
| Corrosion Resistance | High, due to purity | Higher due to added elements |
| Applications | Electrical conductors, high-purity uses | Secondary distribution wires, terminations |
Conclusion
1350 aluminum delivers excellent electrical conductivity and good corrosion resistance, but its trade-off is low mechanical strength and limited hardness. That makes it ideal for conductors and busbars, yet unsuitable for structural or high-load parts.
For EC-grade 1350 in specific forms, Linsy Aluminum is a Shenzhen-based factory with 20+ years of experience. We supply 1350 plate, sheet, wire, busbar, and profile through factory-direct supply plus low-MOQ custom production, with lead times of 10-60 days. Every order ships with an MTC, and our management systems are certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001, with SGS test reports available on request.
Contact Linsy Aluminum today to discuss your 1350 aluminum requirements and request a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between aluminum 1050 and 1350?
Both are 99.5%-minimum pure alloys, but 1050 is used for general-purpose work while 1350 is tuned for electrical use. 1350 keeps iron and silicon low to protect conductivity. Choose 1350 when electrical performance is the priority.
What is the difference between 1350 and 8000 aluminum?
1350 is the EC-grade conductor choice, built for maximum conductivity. 8000 series adds silicon and other elements that can improve properties like corrosion resistance in some designs. The right pick depends on whether conductivity or added alloying benefits matter more.
What is the difference between aluminum 1350 O and 1350 H19?
1350-O is fully annealed, soft, and easy to bend or form. 1350-H19 is strain hardened to the highest strength and hardness in the range. Use O for forming and H19 where strength matters most.
What is the difference between 1350 and 1370 aluminum?
1370 is also an EC-grade alloy but with a higher minimum purity of 99.70% aluminum, giving slightly better conductivity than 1350’s 99.50% minimum. Both are used for electrical conductors; 1370 is chosen when the application calls for the higher-purity grade.
Is 1350 aluminum suitable for structural applications?
No. 1350 has low tensile strength and hardness, so it is not meant for load-bearing or structural parts. It is best reserved for electrical conductors, busbars, and similar non-structural conductive uses.
