The most widely used aluminum, 6061 is fabricated into everything from pipe fittings and containers to automotive and aerospace parts. It is strong and corrosion resistant, plus it's easy to machine and weld.

An anodized coating bonds to the aluminum surface to improve wear and corrosion resistance.

More corrosion resistant and easier to form than multipurpose 6061 aluminum, 6063 is primarily used for exterior railings, decorative trim, and door frames.

3000 series aluminum stands up to outdoor use, as well as exposure to chemicals. It offers a good combination of strength, formability, and weldability. It's often used for storage tanks, heat exchangers, garage doors, and general sheet metal work.

These sheets are tempered to a 1/2-hard or full-hard state to make them over twice as strong as standard 1100 aluminum.

Known for being one of the easiest types of aluminum to weld, 5052 is also recognized for its ability to resist salt water. It's widely used for the bodies of boats, buses, trucks, and trailers, as well as for chemical drums.

5086 aluminum is used on ships, oil rigs, tanks, and pressure vessels because of its excellent saltwater resistance and formability.