Aluminum 1050 vs 5754: A Comprehensive Comparison

When it comes to choosing the right aluminum alloy for your project, understanding the differences between Aluminum 1050 and 5754 can make all the difference. These two alloys, while both popular in various industries, offer unique properties and benefits that cater to specific needs. For instance, have you ever wondered why one might be preferred over the other in marine environments? Or which one boasts superior corrosion resistance?

In this article, we’ll delve into the chemical compositions, mechanical properties, and applications of Aluminum 1050 and 5754. We’ll explore which alloy is more suitable for different environmental conditions and industrial uses. By the end of this comprehensive comparison, you’ll have a clear understanding of the strengths and limitations of each alloy, helping you make an informed decision for your next project. So, which alloy will come out on top for your needs? Let’s find out.

Introduction

Introduction to Aluminum Alloys 1050 and 5754

Aluminum alloys are essential in various industries due to their adaptability and diverse properties. Among these alloys, 1050 and 5754 stand out, each serving unique industrial needs. Understanding the differences between these two alloys is crucial for engineers and designers who aim to select the most suitable material for their specific applications.

Understanding Aluminum 1050

1050 aluminum is a commercially pure aluminum grade containing a minimum of 99.5% aluminum, known for its excellent malleability and ease of forming. These properties make 1050 aluminum particularly useful in the manufacturing of cookware, decorative elements, and other products where intricate shapes are necessary. However, its purity also means it has lower mechanical strength and moderate corrosion resistance compared to more alloyed aluminum grades.

Characteristics of Aluminum 5754

5754 aluminum is an alloy with magnesium that enhances its strength and resistance to fatigue and corrosion, especially in marine environments. The addition of magnesium not only increases its strength but also makes it more resistant to wear and tear, making 5754 aluminum suitable for structural applications in demanding conditions. Although it is slightly less malleable than 1050 aluminum, its robustness makes it a preferred choice for load-bearing components and other applications requiring high durability.

Comparative Analysis

Comparing the two alloys reveals that 1050 aluminum offers exceptional formability and cost-efficiency, while 5754 aluminum provides superior strength and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for more demanding environments, such as marine structures and heavy-duty fabrications.

Practical Considerations

Choosing between 1050 and 5754 aluminum depends on the specific needs of the application. For projects that prioritize formability and cost-efficiency, 1050 aluminum is an excellent choice. In contrast, for applications that demand higher strength and durability, especially in corrosive environments, 5754 aluminum is the better option. Understanding these differences allows for informed decision-making and optimal material performance in various industrial contexts.

Chemical Composition and Magnesium Content of 1050 and 5754 Aluminum

Aluminum alloys 1050 and 5754 are popular in various industries because of their unique properties and compositions. Despite their compositional similarities, the key difference lies in their magnesium content, which significantly affects their mechanical properties and applications.

Chemical Composition Comparison

1050 Aluminum Composition

1050 aluminum, classified as a commercially pure grade, contains approximately 99.5% aluminum, making it one of the purest forms available. Its high purity gives it excellent ductility and corrosion resistance but limits its strength. The minimal presence of alloying elements, including magnesium, chromium, and manganese, typically constitutes less than 0.05% of the composition.

5754 Aluminum Composition

5754 aluminum belongs to the 5xxx series of aluminum alloys, characterized by the presence of magnesium as the principal alloying element. The magnesium content in 5754 ranges from 2.6% to 3.6%, supplemented by small amounts of chromium (0.10-0.6%) and manganese (up to 0.20%). This composition enhances the alloy’s strength and resistance to corrosion, particularly in marine environments.

Focus on Magnesium Content in 5754 Aluminum

Magnesium Content

5754 aluminum’s magnesium content (2.6–3.6%) is a critical factor that differentiates it from 1050 aluminum, which contains negligible magnesium. The higher magnesium content in 5754 significantly improves its mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.

Effect of Magnesium

• Strength Enhancement: Magnesium is the primary strengthening element in the 5xxx series alloys. It substantially increases the tensile and yield strengths of 5754 aluminum compared to the nearly pure 1050 aluminum.
• Corrosion Resistance: Magnesium enhances resistance to both atmospheric and seawater corrosion. This makes 5754 aluminum ideal for marine and automotive applications.
• Work-Hardening Potential: Magnesium enhances the alloy’s work-hardening ability, allowing 5754 to be strengthened through cold working while retaining reasonable ductility.

Mechanical and Corrosion Properties Comparison

1050 Aluminum Properties

1050 aluminum has excellent ductility and corrosion resistance due to its high purity, but it has relatively low mechanical strength, with a yield strength around 85 MPa and tensile strength around 100 MPa. These properties make it suitable for applications requiring high formability and corrosion resistance but not high strength.

5754 Aluminum Properties

5754 aluminum exhibits significantly higher strength due to its magnesium content, with tensile strength ranging from 200 to 330 MPa. The yield strength varies between 80 to 280 MPa, depending on the temper. Although it has reduced ductility compared to 1050 aluminum, its superior corrosion resistance, especially in harsh environments, makes it ideal for marine and structural applications.

Applications Influenced by Composition

• 1050 Aluminum: Preferred for applications requiring high formability, excellent corrosion resistance, and high reflectivity, such as lamp reflectors, food containers, architectural flashing, and electrical components.
• 5754 Aluminum: Suited for engineering, automotive, and marine applications where higher strength and corrosion resistance in aggressive environments are necessary, such as vehicle panels, shipbuilding, and structural components exposed to seawater.

Mechanical Properties: 1050 vs 5754

Hardness

Hardness measures how resistant a material is to deformation, especially indentation. Aluminum 1050, with its high purity (~99.5% aluminum), has relatively low hardness compared to 5754. The hardness of 1050 aluminum is typically around 20-30 HB (Brinell hardness), making it quite soft and suitable for applications where malleability is essential.

In contrast, aluminum 5754, part of the 5xxx series, includes approximately 3% magnesium, significantly enhancing its hardness. The hardness of 5754 aluminum ranges from 60-80 HB, depending on the temper. This increased hardness makes 5754 more suitable for structural applications where higher resistance to wear and deformation is necessary.

Tensile Strength

Tensile strength indicates the maximum stress a material can withstand while being stretched or pulled before breaking. Aluminum 1050 has lower tensile strength due to its high purity and minimal alloying elements, with values typically between 60 and 100 MPa. This makes 1050 aluminum ideal for applications requiring excellent formability and ductility but not high strength.

Aluminum 5754, on the other hand, has a tensile strength ranging from 200 to 330 MPa, significantly higher than 1050. This strength is attributed to the presence of magnesium, which enhances the alloy’s load-bearing capacity. As a result, 5754 aluminum is preferred for applications demanding higher strength and durability, such as automotive body panels and marine structures.

Elongation

Elongation measures the extent to which a material can be stretched or elongated before breaking, indicating its ductility. Aluminum 1050 boasts high ductility, with elongation at break values ranging from 12% to 37%. This property allows 1050 aluminum to be extensively formed, bent, and shaped without cracking, making it ideal for applications requiring significant deformation.

In comparison, aluminum 5754 has lower elongation at break values, typically between 2% and 19%, depending on the temper. While this indicates reduced ductility compared to 1050, 5754 aluminum still maintains adequate formability, making it suitable for applications that require moderate forming but higher strength and resistance to deformation.

Additional Mechanical Properties

Fatigue Strength

Fatigue strength is the maximum stress a material can withstand for a specified number of cycles without failing. Aluminum 1050 has a fatigue strength of 31 to 57 MPa, which limits its use in applications with cyclic loading.

Aluminum 5754, with its enhanced alloying elements, exhibits superior fatigue strength, ranging from 66 to 140 MPa. This makes 5754 aluminum more reliable for components exposed to repetitive stress, such as automotive and marine structures.

Shear Strength

Shear strength measures a material’s ability to resist shear forces, which can cause one part of a material to slide over another. The shear strength of 1050 aluminum is approximately 60 MPa, reflecting its lower overall strength.

In contrast, the shear strength of 5754 aluminum ranges from 120 to 190 MPa, nearly doubling that of 1050. This higher shear strength makes 5754 suitable for applications where the material must withstand significant shear forces, such as in structural components and heavy-duty fabrications.

The mechanical properties of aluminum 1050 and 5754 highlight their respective strengths and suitable applications. While 1050 aluminum excels in ductility and formability, making it ideal for intricate shaping and bending, 5754 aluminum offers superior strength and fatigue resistance, better suited for structural and high-stress applications. The choice between these alloys depends on balancing the need for strength and resistance against the requirement for formability and ductility.

Formability and Workability of 1050 and 5754

Understanding the formability and workability of aluminum alloys 1050 and 5754 starts with knowing their composition.

Composition and Basic Characteristics

• 1050 Aluminum: This alloy is classified as commercially pure aluminum, containing approximately 99.5% aluminum. Its high purity makes it exceptionally ductile and malleable.
• 5754 Aluminum: Part of the 5000 series, 5754 aluminum contains around 3% magnesium, which enhances its strength and corrosion resistance but affects its formability.

Formability

1050 Aluminum

Due to its high aluminum content, 1050 aluminum is exceptionally ductile and can undergo extensive deformation processes like deep drawing, spinning, bending, and rolling without cracking. This exceptional formability makes 1050 aluminum ideal for products requiring intricate shapes, such as kitchenware, lamp reflectors, and architectural flashings. The elongation at break for 1050 aluminum can vary significantly, ranging from approximately 4.6% to 37%, depending on the temper and processing. This high elongation is indicative of its ability to be formed into complex shapes.

5754 Aluminum

While 5754 aluminum also exhibits good formability, it is less ductile than 1050 due to its magnesium content. This alloy is suitable for bending, stamping, and moderate deep drawing. The presence of magnesium in 5754 aluminum provides medium to high strength, which slightly reduces its ductility compared to 1050. It has an elongation at break ranging from 2% to 19%. 5754 aluminum is preferred for applications where a balance between formability and strength is needed, such as marine structures, automotive panels, and transportation equipment.

Workability and Mechanical Properties Impacting Formability

Comparison of Key Properties

1050 Aluminum: Its high elongation and low strength make it highly workable for forming, bending, and deep drawing operations.

5754 Aluminum: Although it has reduced formability compared to 1050, its higher tensile and yield strengths provide greater durability and toughness. This makes it ideal for applications needing structural integrity.

Application Suitability Based on Formability

Aluminum 1050

When maximum formability is required, 1050 aluminum is preferred. Its ability to be shaped into complex forms without cracking is ideal for deep-drawn components, heat exchangers, and decorative architectural elements.

Aluminum 5754

For applications needing a balance between formability and strength, 5754 aluminum is chosen. Its good formability combined with enhanced strength and corrosion resistance makes it suitable for harsh environments, such as marine structures, automotive panels, and transportation equipment.

Corrosion Resistance: 1050 vs 5754

Understanding Corrosion Resistance

Corrosion resistance is the ability of a material to withstand damage caused by oxidization or other chemical reactions. In aluminum alloys, this is often achieved through the formation of a protective oxide layer on the surface of the metal.

Corrosion Resistance of Aluminum 1050

Composition and Natural Oxide Layer

Aluminum 1050, which is approximately 99.5% pure, naturally forms an oxide layer that offers basic protection against atmospheric corrosion. This oxide layer is thin but sufficient to guard against general environmental exposure, such as indoors and mild outdoor conditions, though it is more susceptible to localized corrosion phenomena like pitting and crevice corrosion. These vulnerabilities are particularly pronounced in harsh environments like marine or industrial settings where aggressive agents, such as chlorides and other chemicals, are present.

Corrosion Resistance of Aluminum 5754

Enhanced Protection through Alloying

Aluminum 5754, part of the 5000 series, includes about 3% magnesium, which significantly improves its corrosion resistance compared to 1050. The magnesium content helps form a denser and more robust oxide layer on the surface, providing superior protection against corrosive elements.

Performance in Aggressive Environments

The enhanced oxide layer in 5754 aluminum makes it highly effective at resisting corrosion in marine and industrial environments. This alloy is highly resistant to saltwater and other aggressive atmospheric conditions, making it suitable for applications where high durability and longevity are required.

Comparative Analysis

Mechanisms of Corrosion Resistance

Aluminum 1050

The protective oxide layer on 1050 aluminum is effective in general atmospheric conditions but lacks the robustness needed to withstand aggressive environments. The high purity of this alloy means it resists oxidization but is less effective against localized forms of corrosion like pitting and crevice corrosion.

Aluminum 5754

The presence of magnesium in 5754 stabilizes the oxide film on the aluminum surface, making it denser and more adherent. This enhancement reduces the permeability of the oxide layer, providing greater resistance against aggressive agents like chlorides found in marine environments. This makes 5754 a more reliable choice for applications exposed to harsh conditions.

Practical Implications

For applications requiring exposure to saltwater, industrial chemicals, or humid atmospheres, 5754 aluminum is preferred due to its superior corrosion resistance and lower maintenance needs. It is well-suited for marine structures, automotive components, and industrial equipment that are regularly exposed to corrosive elements.

In contrast, 1050 aluminum’s corrosion resistance is adequate for indoor or mild atmospheric conditions where its high purity and ease of forming are beneficial. This alloy is typically used in applications where high formability and a smooth finish are more critical than extreme corrosion resistance.

Environmental Suitability

Corrosion Resistance and Durability

The environmental suitability of aluminum alloys 1050 and 5754 largely hinges on their corrosion resistance and durability, particularly in different environmental conditions.

Aluminum 1050

Aluminum 1050, known for its high purity, provides moderate corrosion resistance. While the natural oxide layer on its surface offers some protection, it is less robust in environments with saltwater or industrial pollutants. This makes it less ideal for marine or heavy industrial applications, where more durable materials are required.

Aluminum 5754

In contrast, aluminum 5754 is specifically designed to withstand more aggressive environments. Adding magnesium greatly improves its corrosion resistance, making it ideal for marine settings. This makes 5754 perfect for shipbuilding, offshore structures, and other demanding environments. Its superior resistance to corrosion extends the lifespan of components, reducing maintenance costs and environmental impact.

Environmental Impact

Both aluminum 1050 and 5754 contribute positively to environmental sustainability, primarily through their high recyclability.

Recyclability

Both alloys can be recycled efficiently, which minimizes waste and reduces the environmental footprint of their production. Recycling aluminum uses much less energy than producing new aluminum, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This makes both alloys sustainable choices for environmentally-conscious applications.

Energy Consumption

Aluminum 1050 benefits from lower energy consumption during processing due to its high purity and ease of manufacturing. This results in cost savings and a smaller environmental impact during the production phase. In contrast, aluminum 5754 requires more energy to process due to its alloying elements, particularly magnesium. Despite this, the enhanced performance and extended lifespan of 5754 in harsh environments can offset the initial energy costs over time.

Application Suitability

The choice between aluminum 1050 and 5754 depends on the specific environmental conditions and requirements of the application.

Aluminum 1050

This alloy is ideal for applications that demand high ductility and moderate corrosion resistance, such as chemical process plant equipment, food industry containers, and architectural components exposed to less severe environmental conditions. Its ease of formability and lower production costs make it a practical choice for many industrial applications where extreme durability is not a primary concern.

Aluminum 5754

For applications exposed to harsher environments, aluminum 5754 is the preferred choice. Its excellent corrosion resistance and durability make it suitable for marine structures, such as ship hulls and offshore platforms, as well as transportation components that must withstand road salts and other corrosive elements. Additionally, its formability and strength are beneficial in welded constructions and plant construction where long-term performance is critical.

Typical Applications and Industry Uses

Aluminum 1050: Applications and Industry Uses

Aluminum 1050, with its high purity and excellent formability, is widely used in applications where these properties are crucial. Its typical uses span various industries, highlighting its versatility despite its lower strength.

Chemical Process Equipment

Aluminum 1050’s high corrosion resistance and purity make it ideal for chemical processing environments. It is commonly used in chemical plants to manufacture tanks, piping, and other equipment that require minimal contamination and high resistance to corrosive substances.

Food Industry Containers

Aluminum 1050 is favored for food packaging and storage containers due to its non-toxic properties and excellent resistance to corrosion. Its ability to resist corrosion from food acids and its ease of cleaning contribute to its widespread use in the food industry.

Architectural Flashings

Architectural components like flashings and facades benefit from aluminum 1050’s excellent formability and resistance to atmospheric corrosion. This alloy can be easily shaped into thin sheets and strips, providing durable and aesthetically pleasing solutions for building exteriors.

Lamp Reflectors and Lighting Fixtures

Aluminum 1050’s high reflectivity and ease of shaping make it ideal for lamp reflectors and lighting fixtures. Its ability to be deep drawn and spun allows manufacturers to create intricate shapes that enhance light distribution.

Cable Sheathing

Aluminum 1050 is also used for cable sheathing due to its ductility and corrosion resistance. The alloy provides a protective layer for electrical cables, ensuring long-term performance even in challenging environments.

Heat Exchangers

The excellent thermal conductivity and formability of aluminum 1050 support its use in heat exchangers. This alloy allows for the efficient transfer of heat, making it ideal for applications in HVAC systems and other thermal management devices.

Aluminum 5754: Applications and Industry Uses

Aluminum 5754, with its enhanced strength and corrosion resistance due to magnesium content, is better suited for more demanding applications. Its uses are prominent in industries where durability and resistance to harsh environments are critical.

Marine Industry

Aluminum 5754’s high resistance to seawater corrosion makes it an excellent choice for the marine industry. It is used in shipbuilding for hulls, decks, and other structural components that require long-term durability in saltwater environments.

Automotive and Transportation

Aluminum 5754 is perfect for automotive and transportation due to its strength and corrosion resistance. It is used for vehicle panels, chassis components, and transport containers, providing both lightweight and robust solutions that enhance fuel efficiency and longevity.

Pressure Vessels and Tanks

Aluminum 5754’s higher strength and good weldability are advantageous in the fabrication of pressure vessels and storage tanks. These applications benefit from the alloy’s ability to withstand internal pressures and resist corrosion from stored substances.

Architectural and Structural Components

Aluminum 5754 is well-suited for architectural and structural applications requiring moderate to high strength. It is used in building envelopes, structural panels, and other components that need to endure significant loads and environmental exposure.

Heat Exchangers and Chemical Equipment

Similar to aluminum 1050 but with better strength, aluminum 5754 is used in heat exchangers and chemical equipment. Its enhanced durability and resistance to corrosion in harsh environments make it a reliable choice for industrial applications.

Comparative Analysis

The choice between aluminum 1050 and 5754 depends on the specific requirements of the application, whether it is for high formability and purity or for strength and corrosion resistance in harsh environments.

Cost and Availability Considerations

Material Cost

The price of aluminum alloys depends on their composition and market demand. Aluminum 1050, a commercially pure aluminum, is generally less expensive than aluminum 5754 due to its simpler production process and lower raw material costs. The high purity of 1050 aluminum keeps its price lower compared to more alloyed grades.

Aluminum 5754, on the other hand, contains a significant amount of magnesium, which increases its production cost. The addition of alloying elements and the more complex manufacturing process contribute to a higher price point for 5754. However, the cost difference between these two alloys can fluctuate depending on the supplier, order volume, and specific application requirements.

Production and Processing Costs

Aluminum 1050 offers cost advantages in production and processing due to its excellent formability. Its high ductility and malleability make it easier to process into complex shapes, which can reduce manufacturing costs in applications requiring extensive forming, bending, or deep drawing.

While aluminum 5754 also possesses good formability, it is less malleable than 1050. This can lead to higher processing costs, especially in applications requiring significant shaping or forming. However, its enhanced strength and durability may offset these costs in applications where mechanical performance is critical.

Availability

Both aluminum 1050 and 5754 are widely available in the market, supported by a robust supply chain. Availability can vary based on regional demand and the presence of local suppliers.

Market Supply

Aluminum 1050 is commonly used in various industries, resulting in a steady supply from multiple suppliers. Its widespread use in applications like food packaging, chemical processing, and decorative elements ensures that it is readily accessible in many regions.

Aluminum 5754, due to its specialized properties, is also widely available but may be sourced from suppliers focusing on marine, automotive, and structural applications. The demand for 5754 in these industries ensures a stable supply, although regional variations can affect availability.

Lead Time and Delivery

Lead times for both alloys are generally comparable, but they can be influenced by the supplier’s inventory levels and production schedules. It is crucial to communicate with suppliers to understand their lead times and ensure timely delivery for project requirements.

Application-Specific Cost and Availability

Corrosion-Resistant Applications

For applications requiring high corrosion resistance, such as marine and offshore structures, aluminum 5754 is often preferred despite its higher cost. Its superior performance in harsh environments justifies the investment, providing long-term durability and reduced maintenance costs.

Forming and Bending Applications

In applications where extensive forming and bending are necessary, aluminum 1050 is favored due to its lower cost and excellent formability. This makes it a cost-effective choice for products like cookware, decorative items, and architectural components.

Budgeting and Supplier Selection

Budget Constraints

Projects with tight budgets may prefer aluminum 1050 for its lower material cost. However, it is essential to consider the overall cost-effectiveness, including processing costs and potential long-term savings from reduced maintenance or increased durability.

Supplier Selection

Selecting the right supplier involves evaluating factors such as pricing, lead times, and reliability. Comparing quotes from multiple suppliers can help ensure the best value for the specific needs of a project. It is also important to consider the supplier’s ability to meet quality standards and delivery schedules.

When choosing between aluminum 1050 and 5754, consider the specific requirements of the project, including budget constraints, availability, and application-specific needs. This approach ensures the selection of the most suitable alloy for optimal performance and cost-efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions:

What is the main difference between aluminum 1050 and 5754?

The main difference between aluminum 1050 and 5754 lies in their chemical composition and resulting mechanical properties. Aluminum 1050 is a high-purity alloy, with over 99% aluminum content, making it highly malleable and suitable for applications requiring excellent formability. In contrast, aluminum 5754 contains magnesium, which significantly enhances its strength and corrosion resistance. This makes 5754 more robust and durable, suitable for applications exposed to harsh environments such as marine structures. Additionally, 5754 exhibits higher tensile strength, yield strength, and fatigue resistance compared to 1050, making it preferable for more demanding mechanical applications. Thus, while 1050 is ideal for highly formable uses, 5754 is chosen for its superior strength and corrosion resistance.

Which aluminum alloy has better corrosion resistance, 1050 or 5754?

Aluminum 5754 has better corrosion resistance compared to Aluminum 1050. While Aluminum 1050, with its high purity level of 99.5%, offers natural corrosion resistance due to the formation of a protective oxide layer, it is more prone to pitting and crevice corrosion in harsh environments. On the other hand, Aluminum 5754 is specifically known for its good corrosion resistance, making it more suitable for demanding applications, such as marine environments. This superior performance in harsh conditions, along with its balanced mechanical properties, makes Aluminum 5754 a more reliable choice for applications requiring robust corrosion resistance.

For what applications is 1050 aluminum best suited compared to 5754?

Aluminum 1050 is best suited for applications requiring high formability, excellent electrical conductivity, and good corrosion resistance. Due to its high purity (99.5% aluminum), it is particularly ideal for use in electrical and electronic components, such as conductors and heat exchangers. Additionally, its ease of forming makes it perfect for products that need to be shaped into complex forms, such as cookware, lighting reflectors, and decorative parts. While it provides good corrosion resistance, it is not as robust in harsh environments as 5754, making it less suitable for structural or marine applications where strength and higher corrosion resistance are critical.

How do the mechanical properties of 1050 and 5754 aluminum compare?

When comparing the mechanical properties of aluminum 1050 and 5754, several key differences emerge due to their distinct compositions. Aluminum 1050, a commercially pure alloy with 99.5% aluminum, offers excellent ductility and corrosion resistance but has relatively low strength. It typically has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of around 90 MPa and a yield strength of approximately 40 MPa. Its high elongation at break (35-45%) makes it highly formable and suitable for applications where ease of bending and shaping is crucial.

In contrast, aluminum 5754, an alloy containing 2.6-3.6% magnesium, exhibits significantly higher mechanical strength, with a UTS ranging from 220 to 330 MPa and a yield strength around 90 MPa, depending on the temper. While it has lower ductility than 1050 (elongation at break of 16-20%), it still maintains good formability, especially in the fully annealed (O) temper. Aluminum 5754 also benefits from excellent work-hardening capabilities, allowing for further strengthening through cold working processes.

Is there a significant cost difference between aluminum 1050 and 5754?

Yes, there is a significant cost difference between Aluminum 1050 and 5754. Aluminum 1050 is a commercially pure aluminum with excellent corrosion resistance and formability, typically priced lower due to its simpler composition and lower strength requirements. On the other hand, Aluminum 5754, an aluminum-magnesium alloy, is more expensive because of its enhanced mechanical properties, including higher tensile strength and better fatigue resistance. Market prices for 1050 aluminum generally range from $2,200 to $2,350 per ton, whereas 5754 aluminum ranges from $2,800 to $3,500 per ton. This cost difference reflects the higher production costs and specialized applications of 5754 aluminum.