4xxx: Silicon is added to alloys of the 4xxx series to reduce the melting

point for welding and brazing applications. Silicon also provides good flow
characteristics, which in the case of forgings provide more complete filling
of complex die shapes. Alloy 4043 is commonly used for weld filler wire.
5xxx: The 5xxx series is produced by adding magnesium, resulting in
strong, corrosion resistant, high welded strength alloys. Alloys of this group
are used in ship hulls and other marine applications, weld wire, and welded
storage vessels. The strength of alloys in this series is directly proportional
to the magnesium content, which ranges up to about 6% (Figure 2.4).
6xxx: Alloys in this group contain magnesium and silicon in proportions
that form magnesium silicide (Mg2Si). These alloys have a good balance of
corrosion resistance and strength. 6061 is one of the most popular of all
aluminum alloys and has a yield strength comparable to mild carbon steel.
The 6xxx series alloys are also very readily extruded, so they constitute the
majority of extrusions produced and are used extensively in building, construction,
and other structural applications.
7xxx: The primary alloying element of this series is zinc. The 7xxx series
includes two types of alloys: the aluminum-zinc-magnesium alloys, such as
7005, and the aluminum-zinc-magnesium-copper alloys, such as 7075 and
7178. The alloys of this group include the strongest aluminum alloy, 7178,
which has a minimum tensile ultimate strength of 84 ksi [580 MPa] in the
T6 temper, and are used in aircraft frames and structural components. The
corrosion resistance of those 7xxx series alloys alloyed with copper is less,
however, than the 1xxx, 3xxx, 5xxx, and 6xxx series, while the corrosion
resistance of the 7xxx alloys alloyed without copper is fairly good. Some
7xxx alloys without copper, such as 7008 and 7072, are used as cladding to
cathodically protect less corrosion resistant alloys.