1050 is a 1xxx-series wrought grade with a minimum of 99.50% aluminium. With almost no alloying elements it is soft, very ductile, highly reflective, thermally and electrically conductive, and resistant to corrosion. Strength comes only from cold work, so it is supplied in O and H tempers. 1100 is a similar grade with 99.0% minimum Al and a small copper content; 1070 is purer.
Why it matters when buying
- Choose 1050 when formability, conductivity or anodising brightness matter more than strength.
- Specify temper, thickness and tolerance, and surface quality (for reflectors and decorative use).
- Confirm the Al purity % on the mill test certificate; mixing up 1050 and 1100 is common in trade.
- Clean 1xxx offcuts are valuable as scrap because they can be remelted with little dilution.
Typical uses
Utensils and circles, reflectors and lighting, chemical and food industry equipment, cable sheathing, name plates, insulation cladding, and transformer windings in strip form. For electrical conductors, the dedicated grade is EC grade (1350). See sheets and coils.