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Aluminum Sign Blanks - Alloy Matters
Aluminum quality varies in traffic signs since certain manufacturers use inferior alloys to save on cost, but STOP Signs and More includes only high-strength aluminum alloy in its signs. Along with this, other companies may boast of the thickness of their aluminum, as a selling point of their products, but when they use a lower-grade alloy that also is inadequately tempered, the result is a less rigid product. For this reasons and others, STOP Signs and More uses 5052-H38 aluminum and for signs under 29 inches in horizontal measurement length a .063-inch thickness. In signs that are 30 inches and over in horizontal measurement length, we use a .080-inch thickness. While competitors can tout their signs are .080-inch thickness, if they manufacture these signs in the lower strength 3003-H14 aluminum, the signs will most likely be inferior to those of STOP Signs and More signs that are of 5052-H38 aluminum in a .063-inch thickness. The following brief explanation describes the differences between the two types of aluminum mentioned in the above information. The aluminum temper designation such as H32 or H38 is important, as it is the hardness of the aluminum. Some companies may use the 5052 but with the H32 temper designation, which is only a quarter harder than that of STOP Signs and More's H38 temper.
SKU:aluminum
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3003
The 3003 is the most commonly used form of the aluminum alloys. This form of the alloy is commercially pure aluminum and manganese to increase its strength by about 20 percent over that of the 1100 grade. Therefore, it provides all the characteristics of the 1100 but with higher strength. In addition, it offers effective corrosion resistance. This aluminum also has quality workability to the extent that it may be spun or deep drawn, brazed or welded and is non-heat treatable. The applications for this aluminum include decorative trim, cooking utensils, awnings, chemical equipment, siding and storage tanks.
5052
The 5052 contains the highest strength of all of the non-heat treatable grades of aluminum alloys. Even the fatigue strength surpasses the majority of other aluminum alloys. On top of this, 5052 is effectively resistant to corrosion from salt water and marine environments. Similar to the 3003, the 5052 offers good workability. As a result, it may be formed or drawn into intricate shapes, and since it contains greater strength in an annealed condition, it minimizes tearing unlike the 1100 and 3003. Applications for this alloy include aircraft components, home appliances, marine and transportation parts, heavy-duty cooking utensils, equipment for bulk processing food and numerous other items.
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