Author: Scott Bredemann
Updated: 03/19/2025 | Read Time: 5mins
Aluminum is one of the most widely used metals in manufacturing, found in everything from aerospace components to automotive parts and consumer electronics. One key reason for its popularity is its relatively low melting point of 660.3°C (1220.5°F)—much lower than steel or titanium—making it easier to cast, weld, and shape. Not all aluminum melts at the same temperature though. Pure aluminum follows that standard melting point, but when mixed with other elements like magnesium, silicon, or copper to form alloys, the melting range shifts. For example, aluminum-silicon alloys can start melting as low as 577°C (1070°F), while high-strength aluminum-copper alloys may require temperatures above 650°C (1200°F). In this article, we’ll break down what affects aluminum’s melting point, how it compares to other metals, and why it matters.
The Melting Point of Aluminum Compared to Other Metals
Compared to high-melting-point metals like iron, steel, and titanium, aluminum requires significantly less heat to transition from solid to liquid. This makes it an energy-efficient option for manufacturing processes like die casting, where molten aluminum is injected into molds at high speed, allowing for quick production with minimal energy consumption.
On the other end of the spectrum, aluminum melts at a much higher temperature than metals like zinc (419.5°C / 787°F) or lead (327.5°C / 621.5°F), which are often used in lower-temperature applications like soldering or protective coatings.
| Metal | Melting Point (°C) | Melting Point (°F) |
| Aluminum | 660.3 | 1220.5 |
| Copper | 1084 | 1983 |
| Iron | 1538 | 2800 |
| Steel (varies by grade) | 1370–1510 | 2500–2750 |
| Titanium | 1668 | 3034 |
| Zinc | 419.5 | 787 |
| Lead | 327.5 | 621.5 |
The Melting Point of Aluminum Alloys
Aluminum alloys are divided into cast alloys (used in die casting, sand casting, and investment casting) and wrought alloys (used in sheet metal, extrusions, and structural components). The melting range of each alloy is crucial in manufacturing, influencing welding, casting, heat treatment, and final application.
Melting Points of Popular Cast Aluminum Alloys
| Alloy | Primary Elements | Melting Range (°C) | Melting Range (°F) | Common Applications |
| A356 | Aluminum-Silicon-Magnesium | 557–613 | 1035–1135 | Automotive wheels, aerospace components, structural parts |
| 319 | Aluminum-Silicon-Copper | 482–638 | 900–1180 | Engine blocks, cylinder heads, transmission cases |
| 356 | Aluminum-Silicon-Magnesium | 550–620 | 1020–1145 | Aerospace parts, marine components, industrial machinery |
| 383 | Aluminum-Silicon-Copper-Iron | 538–593 | 1000–1100 | Die-cast housings, power tools, electronic enclosures |
| 443 | Aluminum-Silicon | 549–607 | 1020–1125 | Corrosion-resistant castings, piping systems, heat exchangers |
| 535 | Aluminum-Magnesium | 566–632 | 1050–1170 | Marine hardware, corrosion-resistant parts |
| 713 | Aluminum-Zinc | 470–630 | 880–1165 | Aerospace castings, structural parts, gear housings |
Melting Points of Popular Wrought Aluminum Alloys
| Alloy | Primary Elements | Melting Range (°C) | Melting Range (°F) | Common Applications |
| 1100 | Nearly pure aluminum | 643–657 | 1190–1215 | Chemical storage tanks, electrical conductors, food processing equipment |
| 2024 | Aluminum-Copper | 502–638 | 936–1180 | Aerospace structures, high-strength applications, military equipment |
| 5052 | Aluminum-Magnesium | 607–650 | 1125–1200 | Marine applications, fuel tanks, pressure vessels |
| 6061 | Aluminum-Magnesium-Silicon | 582–652 | 1080–1205 | Bicycle frames, automotive parts, structural components, aerospace |
| 7075 | Aluminum-Zinc | 477–635 | 890–1175 | Aircraft frames, high-performance sporting equipment, aerospace components |
Conclusion
We really hope you enjoyed learning all about the different aspects of the melting point of aluminum on the MechLab Blog, and found the answers to any questions you may have had (or not had) about this interesting aspect of this metal. To learn more, or if you have any further questions, please visit/contact us at our website.
And, be sure to check out a small portion of MISUMI products that are created with aluminum:
Aluminum Extrusions & Accessories
https://us.misumi-ec.com/vona2/mech/M1500000000/M1501000000/
Aluminum Extrusion Brackets & Joints
https://us.misumi-ec.com/vona2/mech_screw/M3303000000/M3303010000/
Block & Plate Aluminum Extrusion Brackets
https://us.misumi-ec.com/vona2/mech/M1500000000/M1501000000/M1501030000/M1501030700/
Special Aluminum Extrusions
https://us.misumi-ec.com/vona2/mech/M1500000000/M1501000000/M1501040000/