Aluminium's range of properties can be found in an impressive array of commercially available alloys. The composition and logic of those alloys are regulated by an internationally agreed classifications system or nomenclature for wrought alloys and by various domestic nomenclature schemes for the casting alloys.

The wrought scheme is as follows. Each registered alloy is described by a four digit number, with a further letter and number indicating the temper, or condition of the alloy, For example, 6082-T6 is a medium strength grade based on the aluminium-magnesium-silicon family, in the fully heat-treated condition.

The classification provides for:-

1XXX	Aluminium of 99% minimum purity
2XXX	Aluminium-copper alloys
3XXX	Aluminium-manganese alloys
4XXX	Aluminium-silicon alloys
5XXX	Aluminium-magnesium alloys
6XXX	Aluminium-magnesium-silicon alloys
7XXX	Aluminium-zinc-magnesium alloys
8XXX	Miscellaneous alloys, e.g. aluminium-lithium alloys

Alloys fall into two main groups. The work-hardening alloys, where strength is achieved by the amount of "cold work" applied to the alloy, e.g. by rolling, and heat-treatable or precipitation hardening alloys, where the strength and properties are achieved by heat treatments of varying complexity.