Costs Sheet of non-heat-treatable alloys (the 1xxx, 3xxx, and 5xxx series)

bought directly from a mill costs as little as about $1.30/ lb [$3.00/kg] in

2001, which is similar to the costs for common extrusions summarized in
Section 3.1.1. On the other hand, heat-treated rolled products (2xxx, 6xxx,
and 7xxx) can cost more than $2.00/ lb [$4.40/kg] due to the cost of the heat
treatment. Costs vary widely by alloy, size, and quantity, so these figures are
only a general guide. In 6xxx series alloys, extrusions are usually more economical
than plate when widths are small enough to be extruded, which can
be as large as 18 in. [457 mm] and even more in certain thicknesses and
alloys.
Water Stains The final note in this section is a warning that applies to all
aluminum products, but most especially to sheet and plate. Water stains occur
when moisture is trapped between aluminum surfaces in contact, causing
stains varying in color from white to dark gray depending on the alloy and
the conditions (Figure 3.19). (High-magnesium-content alloys, common in the
5xxx series, seem most susceptible.) The phenomenon is not unlike white
rust, (which is also called wet storage stain), that occurs on galvanized parts
in similar situations. When it occurs, the surface discoloration is often so
pronounced that laypersons will question the structural integrity of the material.
Actually, water staining only looks bad; it does not weaken the product
or spread once the water has evaporated. However, restoring the original appearance
is almost impossible, and for these reasons you�ll want to avoid
water staining. Furthermore, it must be removed from surfaces to be welded.
The good news is that at least it isn�t rust.
The Aluminum Association offers advice in its publication AA TR3, Guidelines
for Minimizing Water Staining of Aluminum (17). Good practice is to
keep aluminum that is closely packed together under roof, dry, and out of
contact with the ground. Avoid bringing cold aluminum into heated areas to
prevent condensation from forming on the material. If aluminum is received
wet, dry it.
Water vapor present in the air will condense on any surface that is colder
than the dew point. You�ve probably observed this phenomenon on a glass
with a cold beverage in the summer. The dew point is a temperature that is
a function of the relative humidity and the actual temperature. For example,
suppose the air temperature in a fabrication shop is 70#F [21#C] and the