Best aluminum to cut? 3000 vs 5000 vs 6000?

[gamble]

I decided this time to try out some .100 3003 instead of my usual 5052. Has anyone noticed any difference in cutting?

The first cut on 3003 was ok but the rest were crap. Wouldn't punch through the material unless I added more amperage. I also noticed that I think the 3000 series stuff tends to warp quicker. I never had as big of an issue with 5052.

Anyone else have any input?

[Gamelord]

3xxx series Aluminum uses a limited percentage of manganese in the alloy, this means you can't heat treat 3xxx aluminum giving a softer more plyable aluminum. It is about 20% stronger than 1xxx series but not nearly as strong as the higher numbered aly such as 6xxx or 7xxx which can be heat treated to a T4 to T6 strength. 5xxx uses magnesium as an alloy which is much stronger and gives a better corrosion resistance.

Both will cut pretty easily but the 5xxx may require more power where the 3xxx should cut faster. Quality of cut should be neglible.

6xxx contains silicon and magnesium which makes it very easy to work with and can be heat treated to T6 strength but it is not as strong as 7xxx or 2xxx without heat treatment. 6xxx series aluminum alloys have good formability, weldability, machinability, and relatively good corrosion resistance, with medium strength. If welding 6xxx, it will lose any temper but over time (about 3 weeks) it will build back to T5 or even T6 strength by precipitation heat treatment.

7xxx and 8xxx are the hardest alloys and usually incorporate zinc in the aly. These are usually used in aerospace or frame structural high stress applications. It can also include mixtures of coppper and/or chromium. 8xxx usually includes nickel and/or iron for max strength.

Hope that helps.

[Largemouthlou]

they all cut pretty close to the same for me 3003 and 5052

[gamble]

So i got some more 5052 and it cuts great again. So I looked into it.
The 5052 has magnesium which I knew, but the 3003 has a VERY low percentage of copper instead of magnesium. But from what I have learned in welding (tungsten for example) .5% makes a huge difference. So it makes sense to me why 2-3 more amps makes the 3003 cut better than the lower settings on 5052.
So after this, I'm sticking with 5052 and I cleaned my slats and water table. Cuts are BEAUTIFUL now. Still it's not 100% level across the board but it works much better than it did before.

[srp]

If you are going to be bending there are other considerations. The higher tensile aluminum may crack when bending.

[gamble]

They both bend great compared to 6061. I like the 5052. Bends good, price is cheaper, and welds good. I see no reason to go with 6000 for what I do