1060 vs 1100 aluminum sheet

Jul. 10, 2026

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Share

When comparing 1060 vs 1100 aluminum sheet, the two grades look nearly identical and their prices are similar, leaving many unsure which one fits their project. This article clarifies the differences in composition, performance, and real‑world applications so you can make a confident choice.

Composition Difference – Where Does the 0.6% Purity Gap Come From?

Both 1060 and 1100 belong to the 1xxx series of commercially pure aluminium. The key difference lies in aluminium content:

- 1060 – minimum 99.60% aluminium. Impurities are tightly controlled: Si ≤0.25%, Cu ≤0.05%, Fe ≤0.35%.

- 1100 – minimum 99.00% aluminium. It contains a small amount of copper (0.05%–0.20%), which is the main reason its properties diverge from 1060.

Performance Comparison – At a Glance

Property	1060	1100
Aluminium content	≥99.60%	≥99.00%
Tensile strength	95–125 MPa	≥95 MPa
Yield strength	≥75 MPa	≥50 MPa
Electrical conductivity	~62% IACS	~59% IACS
Formability	Excellent	Good
Corrosion resistance	Outstanding	Good

The higher purity of 1060 gives it better formability and higher conductivity. The trace copper in 1100 provides solid‑solution strengthening, making it slightly stronger. However, neither alloy can be heat‑treated for hardening – if you need higher hardness, you must rely on work hardening (e.g., cold rolling).

Which Applications Suit Each Alloy?

Choose 1060 for:

- Deep drawing and stamping – lamp shades, battery casings, chemical tank liners

- Electrical conductors – busbars, conductive parts

- Highly corrosive environments – chemical equipment components

- Reflective lighting fixtures

Choose 1100 for:

- General sheet metal work – chassis covers, nameplates, enclosures

- Heat exchangers – fins, tubing

- Food processing equipment – storage tanks, containers

- Household hardware – cookware, kitchen utensils

In short: go with 1060 if you need superior formability and conductivity; choose 1100 if you need a bit more strength and general‑purpose performance.

Key Specifications to Check When Ordering

- Temper – Common tempers include O (soft), H12/H14 (half‑hard), and H18 (full‑hard). For deep drawing, O or H12 is preferred; for rigidity, H14; for higher hardness, H18.

- Thickness & width – Both alloys are available in thicknesses from 0.1 mm to 500 mm and widths from 100 mm to 2650 mm, in sheet or coil form.

- Price reference – Prices are very close. Recent market examples (in RMB/ton):

- Chongqing: 1060/H24 ~24,960; 1100/H14 ~25,010

- Jinan: 1060/H24 ~23,020; 1100/H14 ~23,440

Actual prices vary by region, thickness, and temper – always check current quotes.

> This article focuses solely on material selection and performance comparison; it does not cover surface treatments (e.g., anodising, painting) or secondary processing.

Common Misconceptions

- Myth 1: “1060 is higher grade, so it’s always better.” – Not necessarily. 1060 excels in deep‑drawing and high‑conductivity uses, while 1100 often gives better value for general fabrication.

- Myth 2: “They are fully interchangeable.” – No. If your design relies on conductivity or formability, swapping them can cause problems.

Final thought – the right choice depends on your real needs, not on which number is bigger. When you need purity, formability, and conductivity, pick 1060; when you need strength and versatility, pick 1100. Ultimately, the decision between 1060 vs 1100 aluminum sheet comes down to your specific forming requirements and service environment.

Henan Mingtai Al offers a full range of 1060 and 1100 aluminium sheets with consistent quality and reliable supply – feel free to reach out for more details.