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1050 and 1070 sit at the pure end of the aluminium spectrum. Both are alloys with minimal alloying elements, where 1050 is at least 99.5% aluminium, and 1070 is at least 99.7%. That small difference in purity is what separates them, and it mostly matters in applications where electrical or thermal conductivity is the deciding factor.
Choosing 1050 or 1070, and when to choose something else
The reason to pick either alloy is almost always purity. Both offer among the highest electrical and thermal conductivity you will find in an extruded aluminium alloy, which makes them the natural choice for conductor profiles, transformer components and heat transfer applications. The purity also delivers excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in environments where alloyed alternatives react unpredictably, chemical processing being the most obvious example. And for reflective applications, the surface finish quality that comes with high aluminium content is difficult to match with a more heavily alloyed material.
As for choosing between 1050 and 1070 specifically, 1070 offers marginally better electrical conductivity due to its higher purity. If you are designing for an application where every fraction of a percent of conductivity matters, 1070 is worth considering. For most applications, including the majority of heat transfer and general electrical work, 1050 is the more commonly specified option and performs well.
Where other alloys are recommended is for structural applications. Strength is very low and there is no heat treatment route to improve it (both are non-heat treatable), with strength determined entirely by temper and cold working.
Typical applicatons
Electrical conductors and transformer components
The high electrical conductivity of 1050 and 1070 makes them some of the few aluminium alloys genuinely suited for conductor profiles and transformer applications. 1070 has a slight edge where conductivity is the primary specification.
High aluminium purity means excellent resistance to corrosive substances, which is often the deciding factor in chemical and process industry environments.
Examples: Storage tanks, pipework, handling equipment for acids and solvents
Reflective surfaces
The combination of surface finish quality and purity gives both alloys good reflective properties that alloyed alternatives typically can not match.
Examples: Lighting reflectors, solar reflectors
Frequently asked questions about 1050 and 1070 alloys
The main difference is purity. 1050 contains at least 99.5% aluminium, while 1070 contains at least 99.7%. The higher purity of 1070 gives it marginally better electrical and thermal conductivity.
No. Both are non-heat treatable, and strength is determined by temper and cold working rather than ageing or heat treatment.
Most commonly used in extruded profiles for electrical applications, such as busbars, conductor profiles and switchgear components, as well as heat transfer, chemical processing and reflective applications where high purity is the primary requirement.
Yes, but the result looks different to what you would get from a 6xxx alloy. The high aluminium purity produces a cleaner, more transparent anodized layer, which suits certain applications but may not be appropriate where a consistent opaque finish is required.
