Aluminum A7 ingots are high-purity aluminum alloy products known for their exceptional quality and versatility. With an aluminum content of at least 99.7%, these ingots are prized for their outstanding metallic properties, including excellent corrosion resistance, superior electrical conductivity, and reliable performance in high-precision applications. Read our aluminium A7 ingots guide, we’ll go deep into the A7 composition, properties, grades, price and how it compares to A8.
What’s Aluminum A7
What’s Aluminium Ingots A7?
Aluminum Ingots A7 is a high-purity aluminum alloy product typically containing over 99.7% aluminum. This type of aluminum ingot is widely used in multiple industrial fields due to its high purity and excellent metallic properties. The aluminum content of A7 aluminum ingots is usually around 99.7%, which makes it perform well in manufacturing high-precision aluminum products. A7 aluminum ingot has high strength and good processing performance, suitable for manufacturing various aluminum alloy materials A7 aluminum ingots are widely used in fields such as automotive parts, electronic devices, building decoration, packaging materials, etc. For example, in automobile manufacturing, A7 aluminum ingots can be used to produce lightweight components to improve fuel efficiency.
The Manufacturing Process of A7 Aluminum
The manufacturing process of aluminum a7 ingots primarily involves the extraction, refining, and casting of high-purity aluminum. Here’s a concise breakdown:
- Bauxite Mining: The process starts with mining bauxite ore, the primary source of aluminum.
- Alumina Production (Bayer Process): Bauxite is crushed, washed, and refined into alumina (aluminum oxide) through a chemical process involving caustic soda and high-pressure digestion.
- Electrolytic Reduction (Hall-Héroult Process): Alumina is dissolved in molten cryolite and subjected to electrolysis in a reduction cell, where aluminum is deposited at the cathode, forming molten aluminum.
- Purification: The molten aluminum is further refined to achieve a minimum purity of 99.7%, often using fluxes or gas purging to remove impurities.
- Casting: The purified aluminum is cast into ingots using molds or continuous casting methods. These ingots are then cooled, solidified, and removed from the molds.
- Quality Inspection: The final ingots are inspected for chemical composition, weight, and surface quality to ensure they meet A7 specifications.
A7 Aluminium Ingot Specification
Aluminium A7 Chemical Composition:
Aluminum (Al): ≥ 99.7%
Silicon (Si): ≤ 0.10%
Iron (Fe): ≤ 0.20%
Copper (Cu): ≤ 0.01%
Zinc (Zn): ≤ 0.01%
Titanium (Ti): ≤ 0.03%
Others (each): ≤ 0.03%
Others (total): ≤ 0.10%
Physical Properties:
Shape: Ingot (typically trapezoidal or rectangular)
Weight: Usually 10-25 kg per ingot
Color: Silvery white with a metallic luster
Density: Approx. 2.7 g/cm³
Melting Point: 660.3°C (1220.5°F)
Mechanical Properties:
Tensile Strength: Approx. 70-100 MPa
Yield Strength: Approx. 20-40 MPa
Elongation: Varies based on processing
Hardness: Low (as pure aluminum is relatively soft)
What is A7 Aluminium Grade?
A7 grade aluminium is a high-purity aluminum alloy containing at least 99.7% pure aluminum. It is classified as a primary aluminum grade, known for its exceptional corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, and good processing performance. The remaining 0.3% typically consists of minor impurities such as silicon (Si), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and titanium (Ti).
Due to its high purity, A7 aluminum is widely used in industries requiring reliable and high-quality aluminum materials, including aerospace, electronics, automotive manufacturing, and chemical processing. Its relatively low melting point of 660.3°C (1220.5°F) makes it suitable for casting and alloying applications.
Aluminium A7 Price Per Ton
The price of aluminum on the London Metal Exchange (LME) is approximately $2,697.50 per metric ton, equivalent to $2.70 per kilogram. In the Indian market, the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) lists aluminum at around ₹267.3 per kilogram. It’s important to note that A7 aluminum, characterized by its 99.7% purity, typically commands a premium over standard aluminum prices due to its higher purity level. However, specific pricing for A7 aluminum ingots can vary based on factors such as regional market conditions, supplier pricing strategies, and order quantities. For precise and current pricing, it’s advisable to consult local suppliers or industry-specific sources.
What’s the Melting Point of A7 Aluminum Ingots?
The melting point of A7 aluminum ingots, which consist of at least 99.7% pure aluminum, is approximately 660.3°C (1220.5°F). Due to its high purity, aluminum a7 ingots has a relatively low melting point compared to aluminum alloys, making it suitable for applications that require easy melting and casting. The high purity also contributes to excellent electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance, making A7 aluminum ideal for electrical, aerospace, and industrial applications.
Aluminum A7 vs A8, What’s the Difference?
The primary difference between Aluminum A7 and Aluminum A8 lies in their purity levels and, consequently, their properties and applications. Here’s a quick comparison:
Purity:
A7 Aluminum: 99.7% pure aluminum
A8 Aluminum: 99.8% pure aluminum
Chemical Composition:
A7 typically contains slightly higher levels of impurities like iron (Fe) and silicon (Si) compared to A8.
A8 has tighter control over impurities, resulting in a higher level of purity.
Properties:
Electrical Conductivity: A8 has slightly better conductivity due to higher purity.
Corrosion Resistance: A8 shows marginally better resistance to oxidation and corrosion.
Mechanical Strength: Both have low mechanical strength as pure aluminum is relatively soft.
Applications:
A7 Aluminum: Used in electrical applications, chemical processing, and as a raw material for alloying.
A8 Aluminum: Preferred in high-end applications requiring ultra-high purity, like advanced electronics and aerospace components.
Cost:
A8 aluminum ingots are usually more expensive than A7 due to the increased cost of achieving higher purity.
| Property | A7 Aluminum | A8 Aluminum |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | 99.7% pure | 99.8% pure |
| Iron (Fe) Content | ≤ 0.20% | ≤ 0.15% |
| Silicon (Si) Content | ≤ 0.10% | ≤ 0.08% |
| Electrical Conductivity | High | Very High |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Very Good |
| Mechanical Strength | Low | Low |
| Applications | Electrical, chemical processing, alloying | Advanced electronics, aerospace components |
| Cost | Moderate | High |