1100 H18 aluminum is a commercially pure aluminum alloy supplied in a full-hard temper. It combines very high aluminum content with excellent corrosion resistance, thermal and electrical conductivity, and good forming performance. Compared with softer tempers such as 1100-O and 1100-H14, H18 provides higher strength and hardness for applications where rigidity and dimensional stability are important.
1100 H18 aluminum sheet is widely used for heat exchangers, reflectors, roofing components, insulation systems, chemical equipment, electrical applications, and general fabrication. Because 1100 aluminum is non-heat-treatable, its strength is increased mainly through cold working rather than precipitation hardening.
This guide explains the chemical composition, mechanical properties, available sizes, applications, and temper differences of 1100 H18 aluminum, while also answering common questions such as what 1100 aluminum is used for and how 1100-H14 compares with H18.
What Material Is 1100-H18?
1100-H18 is a commercially pure aluminum alloy in the 1100 series. The 1100 alloy contains a minimum of approximately 99.0% aluminum, while the H18 temper indicates that the material has been strain hardened to a full-hard condition.
Unlike heat-treatable alloys such as 6061, 1100 aluminum does not obtain its strength through solution heat treatment and aging. Instead, manufacturers increase its strength by controlled cold working. This makes the H18 temper substantially stronger and harder than annealed 1100-O material.
Item | 1100-H18 | Description |
| Alloy | AA 1100 | Commercially pure aluminum |
| Temper | H18 | Full hard, strain hardened |
| Heat Treatment | Non-heat-treatable | Strength obtained by cold working |
| Main Characteristics | High conductivity, corrosion resistance | Suitable for industrial fabrication |
Therefore, when buyers search for 1100 H18, they are generally looking for a high-strength temper of commercially pure aluminum rather than a separate aluminum alloy.
What Is 1100 Grade Aluminium?
1100 grade aluminium belongs to the 1xxx series of commercially pure aluminum alloys. Its high aluminum content gives it excellent corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and workability.
The alloy is available in several tempers, including O, H12, H14, H16, H18, and H19. As the amount of cold working increases, strength and hardness increase while elongation and formability generally decrease.
Temper | Condition | Typical Characteristics |
| 1100-O | Annealed | Maximum ductility and formability |
| 1100-H14 | Half hard | Balanced strength and formability |
| 1100-H16 | Three-quarter hard | Higher strength |
| 1100-H18 | Full hard | High strength and hardness |
| 1100-H19 | Extra hard | Very high strength for specific applications |
1100 Aluminum Chemical Composition
The main feature of 1100 aluminum chemical composition is its very high aluminum content. Small quantities of copper, iron, silicon, manganese, zinc, and other elements are controlled to maintain the alloy's excellent conductivity, corrosion resistance, and workability.
Element | Typical / Maximum Content | Role |
| Aluminum | 99.0% minimum | Base metal |
| Copper | 0.05–0.20% | Minor alloying element |
| Iron + Silicon | Controlled limits | Impurity elements |
| Manganese | Small controlled amount | Composition control |
| Zinc | Small controlled amount | Composition control |
Exact chemical limits can vary slightly according to the applicable product standard. For production orders, the mill certificate should be used as the final reference for chemical composition.
What Is the Difference Between 1100 H14 and H18 Aluminum?
The main difference between 1100 H14 and H18 aluminum is the degree of strain hardening. H14 is a half-hard temper, while H18 is a full-hard temper. H18 therefore provides higher strength and hardness, while H14 offers better formability.
Property | 1100-H14 | 1100-H18 |
| Work Hardening | Half hard | Full hard |
| Strength | Moderate | Higher |
| Hardness | Moderate | Higher |
| Formability | Very good | Lower than H14 |
| Typical Applications | General fabrication, roofing, panels | Rigid panels, reflectors, industrial components |
For applications requiring substantial bending or forming, 1100-H14 is often easier to process. When higher strength and rigidity are more important, 1100 H18 aluminum sheet is generally the better choice.
1100 H18 Aluminum Properties
The performance of 1100 H18 aluminum comes from the combination of high-purity aluminum and full-hard cold working. It provides excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance while offering higher mechanical strength than softer 1100 tempers.
Property | Typical Characteristics | Benefit |
| Density | About 2.71 g/cm³ | Lightweight |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Suitable for many environments |
| Electrical Conductivity | High | Suitable for electrical applications |
| Thermal Conductivity | High | Good heat transfer |
| Machinability | Good for a commercially pure alloy | Easy fabrication |
| Weldability | Excellent | Suitable for common welding processes |
Mechanical values for H18 should always be checked against the applicable standard, thickness range, and mill certificate because tensile strength and yield strength can vary with product dimensions and production conditions.
What Is 1100 Aluminum Used For?
1100 aluminum is used in applications where corrosion resistance, conductivity, light weight, and workability are more important than very high structural strength. The H18 temper expands its use into applications requiring greater rigidity and hardness.
Industry | Applications | Main Advantage |
| Electrical | Conductive components, electrical panels | High conductivity |
| Heat Transfer | Heat exchangers, reflectors | High thermal conductivity |
| Construction | Roofing, flashing, panels | Corrosion resistance |
| Packaging | Containers and packaging components | Formability |
| Industrial | Reflectors, insulation components, general fabrication | Light weight and durability |
1100 H18 Aluminum Sheet Specifications
Item | Typical Supply Range | Options |
| Alloy | 1100 | Custom according to requirement |
| Temper | H18 | O / H14 / H16 / H19 |
| Thickness | 0.2–6.0 mm | Custom thickness available |
| Width | 100–2200 mm | Custom width |
| Surface | Mill finish | Protective film if required |
| Standard | ASTM / EN / GB | Specified by customer |
What Is the Difference Between 1100 and 3003 Aluminum?
Both 1100 and 3003 are widely used non-heat-treatable aluminum alloys, but their compositions and mechanical properties are different. 1100 aluminum has much higher aluminum purity, while 3003 contains manganese to increase strength.
Property | 1100 Aluminum | 3003 Aluminum |
| Main Alloying Element | Commercially pure aluminum | Manganese |
| Strength | Lower | Higher |
| Formability | Excellent | Excellent |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Excellent |
| Typical Use | Conductive, reflective and general applications | Heat exchangers, cookware, roofing and general fabrication |
If conductivity and very high aluminum purity are the priority, 1100 is often preferred. If somewhat higher strength is required while retaining good formability and corrosion resistance, 3003 may be the better option.
What Is 1100-H19 Aluminum?
1100-H19 aluminum is an extra-hard temper of the 1100 alloy. It has undergone a greater degree of strain hardening than H18 and is selected when higher strength is required within the 1100 alloy family.
Because additional cold working increases hardness and strength while reducing ductility, H19 should be selected only when its mechanical characteristics are suitable for the intended application.
What Is 1060 H18 Material?
1060-H18 is another commercially pure aluminum product, but it belongs to the 1060 alloy designation rather than the 1100 series. Like 1100-H18, it is non-heat-treatable and obtains higher strength through cold working.
Comparison | 1100-H18 | 1060-H18 |
| Aluminum Purity | 99.0% minimum | 99.6% minimum |
| Temper | H18 | H18 |
| Conductivity | High | Very high |
| Typical Applications | General industrial fabrication | Electrical, thermal and general applications |
The appropriate alloy should therefore be selected according to the required strength, conductivity, forming performance, and applicable product standard rather than choosing based only on the alloy number.
Why Choose 1100 H18 Aluminum Sheet?
- High aluminum purity
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- High electrical and thermal conductivity
- Higher strength than softer 1100 tempers
- Excellent weldability
- Good machinability and fabrication performance
- Lightweight compared with many engineering metals
- Available in a wide range of thicknesses and widths
- Suitable for industrial, electrical, thermal and construction applications
Frequently Asked Questions About 1100 H18 Aluminum
What is 1100 aluminum?
1100 aluminum is a commercially pure aluminum alloy containing at least approximately 99.0% aluminum. It is known for excellent corrosion resistance, electrical and thermal conductivity, and formability.
What is 1100-H18 aluminum?
1100-H18 is the full-hard temper of 1100 aluminum. Its strength and hardness are increased through cold working, making it stronger and more rigid than softer tempers such as 1100-O and H14.
What is the difference between 1100 H14 and H18 aluminum?
1100-H14 is a half-hard temper, while H18 is a full-hard temper. H18 provides higher strength and hardness, while H14 generally offers better formability.
What is 1100 aluminum used for?
1100 aluminum is used for electrical components, heat-transfer equipment, reflectors, roofing and flashing, insulation components, packaging, and general industrial fabrication.
What is the difference between 1100 and 3003 aluminum?
1100 is commercially pure aluminum with very high aluminum content, while 3003 contains manganese and generally offers higher strength. Both alloys provide good corrosion resistance and formability.
What is 1060 H18 material?
1060-H18 is a full-hard commercially pure aluminum product with a minimum aluminum content of approximately 99.6%. It is commonly selected for applications requiring high aluminum purity and good conductivity.
What is 1100-H19 aluminum?
1100-H19 is an extra-hard temper of 1100 aluminum. It provides greater cold-worked strength than H18 but has lower ductility.
