What Temperature Does Aluminum Melt?
Apr 18, 2025
What Temperature Does Aluminum Melt?
Aluminum is one of the most widely used metals across industries, prized for its lightweight properties, corrosion resistance, and versatility. If you're working with aluminum—whether in welding, casting, or manufacturing—it's crucial to know its melting point and how temperature affects its behavior.
Melting Point of Pure Aluminum
The melting temperature of pure aluminum is:
1,221°F (660.3°C)
This means aluminum turns from solid to liquid at 660.3 degrees Celsius under standard atmospheric conditions. This relatively low melting point makes aluminum ideal for processes like extrusion, die casting, and forging.
Factors That Affect Aluminum’s Melting Point
While pure aluminum has a consistent melting point, several factors can alter this temperature:
1. Alloy Composition
Most commercial aluminum isn’t 100% pure—it’s combined with other elements like copper, magnesium, silicon, or zinc to improve strength or workability. These alloys have different melting ranges:
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6061 Aluminum Alloy: Melting range of 1,080–1,205°F (582–652°C)
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7075 Aluminum Alloy: Melting range of 900–1,170°F (482–632°C)
2. Impurities
The presence of even small amounts of impurities can slightly shift the melting point, usually lowering it.
3. Atmospheric Pressure
At extremely high or low pressures (such as in aerospace applications), the melting temperature can be slightly affected.
Why Aluminum's Melting Point Matters
Understanding the melting point of aluminum is critical in several industries:
Welding
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MIG and TIG welding of aluminum require precise control of heat. Overheating can lead to burn-through, especially on thin sheets.
Casting
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Aluminum is widely used in die casting because of its low melting point and excellent fluidity when molten.
Manufacturing
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Forming and extrusion processes often operate just below the melting point for ease of shaping.
Comparison: Aluminum vs. Other Metals
| Metal | Melting Point (°F) | Melting Point (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | 1,221°F | 660.3°C |
| Copper | 1,984°F | 1,085°C |
| Steel (mild) | 2,500°F | 1,370°C |
| Zinc | 787°F | 419.5°C |
| Lead | 621°F | 327°C |
As you can see, aluminum melts at a lower temperature compared to many structural metals, which makes it ideal for applications requiring lightweight and thermal efficiency.
Conclusion
So, what temperature does aluminum melt? The answer is 1,221°F (660.3°C)—but if you're working with aluminum alloys, the melting range may vary. Whether you're welding, casting, or designing components, understanding this fundamental property ensures you can work with aluminum safely and effectively.
