Aluminium is typically alloyed with copper, magnesium, zinc and silicon, among others. There are three main things that influence the material properties, alloy composition, manufacturing process and heat treatment.

Differing proportions of alloying elements result in different material properties, for example alloying with zinc allows the alloy to be hardened to the highest strengths of any aluminium alloy. The properties of aluminium alloys can be further influenced with various heat treatments. This enables the desired mechanical properties to be obtained, for example, the hardnessof the alloy. Aluminium alloys have a lower maximum service temperature than most steel alloys.

Aluminium is used as the base material for Needle Holders, Needle Holder Adaptors where the need to have a high temperature resistant alloy is not required. Aluminium is also widely used for Pepper Pots and Pepper Pot Adaptors.

Aluminium alloys are designated a 4-digit code, of which the first digit indicates the principal alloying element. The 6000 series has a higher amount of silicon, and the 7000 series has a higher amount of zinc. Both 6061 and 7075 have significant amounts of magnesium, although 7075 has slightly more. 7075 also has more copper. 6061 is more formable, however 7075 is stronger and harder. The higher hardness of 7075 indicates less susceptibility to wear and therefore a longer tool life. Being metals, both are conductive.

Copper is often alloyed with zinc (bronze) and tin (brass). Other alloying elements aluminium, silicon and nickel. Pure copper has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal. The conductivity of other metals is often measured relative to the copper standard. This high conductivity accounts for the low melting points, and therefore low service temperatures, of its alloys. They are also highly corrosion resistant.  Copper is highly ductile, which results in the low hardness of its alloys, when compared to alloys of steel, aluminium and other metals. As with other alloys, the properties of copper alloys are influenced by alloy composition and heat treatments/annealing.

Electrolytic Tough Pitch copper is the material of choice for Wire Bond Preheat Inserts and components in the Heating assemblies.

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc and is harder than pure copper. The proportions of copper and zinc can be varied to achieve different mechanical and electrical properties.

The Hovadur® K350 alloy is a beryllium-copper alloy, with additional alloying elements of cobalt and nickel and traces of iron and silicon. When fully heat treated and cold worked, beryllium-copper is the hardest of all copper alloys. It has similar mechanical properties to many high strength steels but higher corrosion resistance and higher conductivity. Hovadur® K350 is a high performance material suitable for Pick and Place applications that requires high bond force and excellent thermal conductivity.