What are the different grades of aluminum sheets, and what are their differences?

Aluminum sheets are categorized into different grades based on their alloy composition, which affects their properties such as strength, formability, and corrosion resistance. Common grades include 1000 series (99.00% aluminum, soft and malleable), 2000 series (aluminum-copper alloys, strong and heat treatable), 3000 series (aluminum-manganese alloys, good formability), 5000 series (aluminum-magnesium alloys, good strength and corrosion resistance), and 6000 series (aluminum-silicone-magnesium alloys, good strength and extrudability). Each grade has specific applications based on its characteristics, with 1000 series used for general purposes, 2000 series for aircraft structures, 3000 series for decorative applications, 5000 series for marine environments, and 6000 series for structural components.