# What are the commonly used aluminum base materials? What’s the difference?

_Published: 2020-11-11_

EBest Circuit (Best Technology) has more than 14 year experience for producing [Metal core PCB](https://www.bestpcbs.com/products/metal-core-pcb.htm), we have our own raw materials factory for MCPCB and we fabricate [MCPCB](https://www.bestpcbs.com/products/metal-core-pcb.htm) in Shenzhen, so that customer various special requirements can be meet here.

Compared to copper and stainless steel, aluminum is the most economic option considering thermal conductivity, rigidness, and cost. And many of these aluminum alloys base have been divided into classes, the commonly used on [MCPCB](https://www.bestpcbs.com/products/metal-core-pcb.htm) are AL1060, AL3003, AL5052 and AL6061.

Do you know the differences between these substrates? This blog will give a brief introduction for you.

1060 alloys
AL1060 are commercially pure, unalloyed aluminum, it’s soft, ductile, workability and exceptional corrosion resistance, making it suitable for hard-forming applications. It can be welded with any method, but it cannot be heat-treated. Its cost is the lowest of the four types.

![](https://www.bestpcbs.com/blogimages/2020/11/11/1060.jpg)
3003 alloys
AL3003 use silicon, copper, and magnesium as the main alloying elements, oftentimes with supplemental nickel and beryllium. They are heat treatable, have high strength, good resistance to cracking and wear, and have good machinability.

![](https://www.bestpcbs.com/blogimages/2020/11/11/3003.jpg)

Mechanical Properties
Metric
English

Ultimate Tensile Strength
200 MPa
29000 psi

Tensile Yield Strength
186MPa
c

Shear Strength
110 MPa
16000 psi

Modulus of Elasticity
68.9GPa
10000 ksi

Shear Modulus
25 GPa
3630 ksi

5052 alloys
AL5052 use magnesium as their primary alloying element and are not heat-treatable, but it’s the highest strength alloy of the more non-heat-treatable grades. Its resistance to fatigue is better than most grades of aluminum and have a great surface aesthetic when anodized.
In our company, if not special request or notes, the default material we use is AL5052 after considering all the performance and cost.

![](https://www.bestpcbs.com/blogimages/2020/11/11/5052.jpg)

Mechanical Properties
Metric
English

Ultimate Tensile Strength
228 MPa
33000 psipsi

Tensile Yield Strength
193 MPa
28000psi

Shear Strength
138 MPa
20000 psi

Modulus of Elasticity
70.3GPa
10200 ksi

GPaShear Modulus
 25.9 GPa
25.9 760 ksi

6061 alloys

Mechanical Properties
Metric
English

Ultimate Tensile Strength
310 MPa
45000 psi

Tensile Yield Strength
276 MPa
40000 psi

Fatigue Strength
207MPa
30000 psi

Shear Strength
96.5MPa
14000 ksi

Modulus of Elasticity
68.9 GPa
10000 ksi

Shear Modulus
26 GPa
770 ksi

![](https://www.bestpcbs.com/blogimages/2020/11/11/6061.jpg)
AL6061 implement magnesium with silicon as their principal alloying elements. Their strength is improved with heat treatment. AL6061 is one of the most widely used aluminum alloys, it has high strength and superior corrosion resistance. Its weld-ability and formability make it suitable for many general-purpose applications.

Cost Comparison: AL1060 < AL3003 < AL5052 < AL6061

If you have other questions about MCPCB, welcome to contact Tammy (Email:sales@bestpcbs.com), she will prove you professional suggestions and solutions.