What Is the Melting Point of Aluminum?
The melting point of aluminum is the temperature at which solid aluminum turns into liquid.
For pure aluminum, this happens at 660°C (1220°F) under normal atmospheric pressure.
This value is widely accepted in engineering, metallurgy, and manufacturing standards. When people ask “what is the melting point of aluminum?” or “what temperature does aluminum melt?”, this is the reference number they are usually looking for.
However, in real manufacturing, aluminum is rarely used in its pure form. Most aluminum parts are made from aluminum alloys, and alloys do not melt at one single temperature.
Table of Contents
Aluminum Melting Point at a Glance
| Material | Melting Point / Range |
| Pure aluminum | 660°C / 1220°F |
| Aluminum foil | ~660°C (melts quickly due to thinness) |
| Cast aluminum (typical) | ~550–620°C |
| 6061 aluminum | ~582–652°C |
| 7075 aluminum | ~477–635°C |
| Aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) | >2000°C |
Key point: Aluminum alloys melt over a temperature range, not a single point.
Why Aluminum Alloys Do Not Have One Melting Point
Pure aluminum melts sharply at one temperature.
Aluminum alloys, on the other hand, contain elements such as silicon, magnesium, copper, or zinc. These elements change how atoms are arranged, causing different phases to melt at different temperatures.
This creates two important temperatures:
•Solidus – the temperature where melting begins
•Liquidus – the temperature where the metal becomes fully liquid
Between these two values, the alloy exists in a partially melted (mushy) state.
This is why datasheets often list a melting range instead of a single aluminum melting point.
Melting Point of Common Aluminum Alloys
6061 Aluminum Melting Point
•Solidus: ~582°C
•Liquidus: ~652°C
6061 aluminum is one of the most widely used alloys for machining, welding, and structural parts. Its moderate melting range makes it easier to process than high-strength aerospace alloys.
Cast Aluminum Melting Point
•Typical range: ~550–620°C
Cast aluminum alloys often contain silicon, which lowers the melting temperature and improves fluidity. This is why cast aluminum melts at a lower temperature than pure aluminum.
High-Strength Alloys (e.g. 7075)
•Can begin melting below 500°C
These alloys offer excellent strength but require strict temperature control during heat treatment and welding.
Aluminum Foil Melting Point: Why It Seems Lower
The melting point of aluminum foil is technically the same as pure aluminum: 660°C.
However, aluminum foil appears to melt faster because:
•It is extremely thin
•It heats up very quickly
•The oxide layer breaks easily
This often leads people to think aluminum foil has a lower melting point, even though the chemistry is the same.
Why Aluminum Oxide Matters When Melting Aluminum
Aluminum instantly forms a thin surface layer of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) when exposed to air.
This oxide layer has a much higher melting point than aluminum metal—over 2000°C.
As a result:
•Aluminum may be molten underneath
•The surface can still look solid
•Welding and casting require fluxes or shielding to break the oxide layer
This is a key reason aluminum behaves differently from steel when heated.
Aluminum vs Other Metals: Melting Point Comparison
| Metal | Melting Point (°C) |
| Aluminum | 660 |
| Magnesium | 650 |
| Zinc | 420 |
| Copper | 1084 |
| Steel | 1370–1540 |
| Tungsten | 3422 |
Aluminum’s relatively low melting point makes it:
•Energy-efficient to cast and recycle
•Easy to form and process
•Less suitable for extreme high-temperature service
Why Aluminum’s Melting Point Matters in Manufacturing
Knowing the aluminum melting point temperature helps engineers and manufacturers:
•Choose the right alloy for casting or machining
•Avoid overheating during heat treatment
•Prevent partial melting and distortion
•Select proper welding parameters
•Estimate energy consumption and cost
For precision parts, many manufacturers prefer CNC machining from aluminum plate or sheet instead of melting, which avoids variability caused by melting ranges.
Key Takeaways
•Pure aluminum melts at 660°C (1220°F)
•Aluminum alloys melt over a range, not at one temperature
•6061 aluminum melts between ~582–652°C
•Cast aluminum melts at lower temperatures due to silicon
•Aluminum oxide does not melt with the metal and affects processing
•Melting behavior directly impacts casting, welding, and heat treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
•What is the melting point of pure aluminum?
Pure aluminum melts at 660°C (1220°F).
•Does aluminum have a lower melting point than steel?
Yes. Aluminum melts at about 660°C, while steel melts above 1370°C.
•Does anodized aluminum have a different melting point?
No. Anodizing only thickens the oxide layer. The aluminum underneath melts at the same temperature.
•Why do aluminum alloys melt over a range?
Because alloying elements melt at different temperatures, creating solidus and liquidus points.
•Is aluminum easy to melt?
Compared to steel and copper, yes—but oxide control and safety precautions are essential.
