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Aluminum

1100-H14

1100-H14 is commercially pure aluminum, soft, highly formable, and corrosion-resistant, with the highest thermal conductivity in this group at 220 W/mK. At 2.71 g/cm3 with just 110 MPa tensile and 100 MPa yield, it trades strength for outstanding formability, food and chemical compatibility, and conductivity, making it ideal for deep-drawn and chemical-grade fabrications rather than structural parts.

How 1100-H14 machines

Pure aluminum machines poorly at only 2.0/5 because it is extremely soft and gummy, smearing and building up on cutting edges rather than forming clean chips. Tight tolerances and good finishes are hard to achieve. Use very sharp, polished, high-rake tools and high speeds; better yet, form 1100 rather than machine it.

Manufacturing & processing

1100's strength lies in forming, not cutting: it deep-draws, spins, bends, and stamps readily into complex shapes thanks to its softness and ductility. It welds well and resists chemical and food-environment corrosion. Supplied as sheet and plate, it suits fabricated chemical and food-grade components built by forming and welding rather than machining.

Typical applications

1100 is used for chemical-process equipment, food-handling fabrications, heat exchangers, fin stock, tanks, and decorative formed parts where corrosion resistance, conductivity, and formability matter more than strength. Its purity suits food and chemical contact, and its conductivity fits heat-transfer and electrical-grade formed components.

When to choose it

Choose 1100 for formed, deep-drawn, or welded chemical and food-grade parts and heat-transfer components where formability, purity, and conductivity outweigh strength. For any structural or machined load-bearing part, choose 6061, 6082, or 5083 instead. Avoid 1100 where strength or good machinability is required. It wins on forming, purity, and conductivity.

Suitable surface finishes

Common finishes for 1100-H14: Type II anodizing, chromate/Alodine, powder coating, bead blasting. Use the finish selector →

FAQ

Why does 1100 machine so poorly?
Pure aluminum is very soft and ductile, so it smears and builds up on tool edges instead of forming clean chips, hurting finish and tolerance. It is intended to be formed, not machined. When machining is unavoidable, use very sharp polished high-rake tools and high speeds to minimize smearing.
Why use 1100 for chemical and food equipment?
1100 is commercially pure aluminum with no major alloying elements, giving excellent corrosion resistance and compatibility with food and many chemicals. Its softness lets it form into tanks and vessels easily, and its high conductivity aids heat transfer, making it a staple for formed process equipment.
Can 1100 be used structurally?
No. At only 110 MPa tensile and 100 MPa yield it is far too weak for load-bearing structures. It is chosen for formability, corrosion resistance, and conductivity, not strength. For structural duty, use heat-treatable grades like 6061 or 6082, or marine 5083 for welded structures.

Property values are typical/nominal for early guidance and vary by temper, grade, supplier and heat treatment. Confirm critical specs against a certified datasheet or with an mfgiq engineer.