When it comes to working with aluminium sheet grades, choosing the right alloy can make all the difference. Whether you’re fabricating a sign, cladding a wall, or designing a product, the grade of aluminium you select affects strength, corrosion resistance, workability, and cost. In this guide, we break down the most common aluminium sheet grades, their properties, and what they’re best suited for.
What Are Aluminium Grades?
Aluminium grades refer to the alloy composition of the metal, grouped by series (1000 to 8000) based on their primary alloying element. For example, the 1000 series is essentially pure aluminium, while the 5000 series contains magnesium, making it stronger and more corrosion-resistant. You can read more about aluminium grades and their uses on The Aluminium Association website for a deeper technical overview.
Common Aluminium Sheet Grades & Their Properties
| Grade | Series | Key Features | Best For | Available on Metal Offcuts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1050A | 1000 | High purity, excellent ductility, easy to cut and bend | Decorative panels, signage, architectural pressings | ✅ Yes |
| 5251 | 5000 | Medium strength, corrosion-resistant, weldable | Outdoor projects, fabrication, signs | ☑️ Available via enquiry |
| 5754 | 5000 | Strong, corrosion-resistant, durable | Checker plate, marine, transport panels | ✅ Yes (Checker Plate) |
| 5083 | 5000 | High strength, excellent for welding | Marine structures, heavy-duty fabrication | ☑️ Available via enquiry |
| 6082 | 6000 | Good strength, machinability, heat-treatable | Structural use, industrial components | ☑️ Available via enquiry |
Choosing the Right Aluminium Sheet Grades
The best aluminium sheet grade depends on your project’s requirements:
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For laser cut signage: 1050A and 5251 cut cleanly and are easy to work with. We offer laser cutting services for decorative signs, enclosures, and detailed shapes.
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For structural and marine applications: 5754 and 5083 offer superior durability and corrosion resistance.
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For decorative or lightweight work: 1050A is ideal for craft, jewellery, and surface finishing.
If you’re unsure which grade to choose, contact us and we’ll be happy to advise based on your project.
Aluminium Grade Comparison Chart
| Grade | Strength | Corrosion Resistance | Weldability | Formability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1050A | Low | Medium | Good | Excellent |
| 5251 | Medium | High | Excellent | Very Good |
| 5754 | Medium-High | High | Excellent | Good |
| 5083 | High | Excellent | Excellent | Medium |
| 6082 | High | Medium-High | Good | Medium |
Ordering Aluminium Sheet Online
At Metal Offcuts, we supply aluminium sheet in a range of grades, thicknesses, and finishes. Our cutting service allows you to order cut-to-size aluminium sheet or laser-cut signs and panels in your chosen alloy.
Popular options include:
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1050A aluminium sheet – widely used for signage and laser cutting
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5251 aluminium sheet – versatile for internal and external fabrication
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5754 checker plate – tough, durable, and ideal for flooring or high-traffic surfaces
FAQs
What is the most commonly used aluminium sheet grade?
1050A is widely used for general applications due to its purity, softness, and ease of fabrication.
Which aluminium grade is best for outdoor use?
Grades from the 5000 series, like 5251 and 5754, offer excellent corrosion resistance for outdoor environments.
Can aluminium sheet be laser cut?
Yes. We offer laser cutting on grades like 1050A and 5251, which are ideal for signs, panels, and decorative projects.
What grade is aluminium checker plate?
Our checker plate is made from Grade 5754 – known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and slip resistance.
Do you supply aluminium sheet in custom sizes?
Yes – we offer free trimming and cut-to-size services. Send us your requirements and we’ll cut it to order.
Need help choosing the right grade? Contact us and we’ll guide you through the options.
