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Aluminium Alloy 6061 - Composition, Properties, Temper and Applications of 6061 Aluminium

Aluminium Alloy 6061 - Composition, Properties, Temper and Applications of 6061 Aluminium
Topics Covered
Background Composition Key Properties Physical Properties Mechanical Properties Thermal Properties Electrical Properties Typical Heat Treatment/Temper States Typically Available Forms Applications

Background
Aluminium alloy 6061 is one of the most extensively used of the 6000 series aluminium alloys. It is a versatile heat treatable extruded alloy with medium to high strength capabilities.

Composition
Table 1. Typical composition of aluminium alloy 6061

Component

Amount (wt.%)

Aluminium

Balance

Magnesium

0.8-1.2

Silicon

0.4 0.8

Iron

Max. 0.7

Copper

0.15-0.40

Zinc

Max. 0.25

Titanium

Max. 0.15

Manganese

Max. 0.15

Chromium

0.04-0.35

Others

0.05

Key Properties
Typical properties of aluminium alloy 6061 include:
P

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Aluminium Alloy 6061 - Composition, Properties, Temper and Applications of 6061 Aluminium

Medium to high strength Good toughness Good surface finish Excellent corrosion resistance to atmospheric conditions Good corrosion resistance to sea water Can be anodized Good weldability and brazability Good workability Widely available Note: Property data is provided below, but should be used a guide only. As data may vary between manufacturers, you should consult your supplier for more exact figures.

Physical Properties
Density: 2.7 g/cm3 Melting Point: Approx 580C Modulus of Elasticity: 70-80 GPa Poissons Ratio: 0.33

Mechanical Properties
Temper Ultimate Tensile Strength (MPa) 0.2% Proof Stress (MPa) Brinell Hardness (500kg load, 10mm ball) Elongation 50mm dia (%)

110-152

65-110

30-33

14-16

T1

180

95-96

16

T4

179 min

110 min

T6

260-310

240-276

95-97

9-13

Thermal Properties
Co-Efficient of Thermal Expansion (20-100C): 23.5x10-6 m/m.C Thermal Conductivity: 173 W/m.K

Electrical Properties
Electrical Resistivity: 3.7 4.0 x10-6 .cm

Typical Heat Treatment/Temper States


Treatment Definition
P

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Aluminium Alloy 6061 - Composition, Properties, Temper and Applications of 6061 Aluminium

As fabricated

Annealed to obtain lower strength temper

T1

Cooled from an elevated shaping process and naturally aged1

T4, T4511

Solution heat treated and naturally aged2,3

T51

Cooled from an elevated shaping process and artificially aged

T6, T6511

Solution heat treated and artificially aged2,3

Note: 1. This designation applies to products which are not cold worked after cooling from an elevated temperature shaping process, or in which the effect of cold
work in flattening or straightening has no effect on mechanical properties

2. This designation applies to products which are not cold worked after solution heat-treated, or in which the effect of cold work in flattening or straightening
has no effect on mechanical properties

3. This designation applies to products which are not cold worked after solution heat-treatment, or in which the effect of cold work in flattening or straightening
does not effect mechanical properties.

Typically Available Forms


Being and extruded grade of aluminium, alloy 6061 is typically available as: Tube Bar Pipe Rod Although many manufacturers offer a range of other standard extruded profiles.

Applications
Typical applications for aluminium alloy 6061 include: Aircraft and aerospace components Marine fittings Transport Bicycle frames Camera lenses Driveshafts Electrical fittings and connectors Brake components

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Aluminium Alloy 6061 - Composition, Properties, Temper and Applications of 6061 Aluminium

Valves Couplings

Source: AZoM.com
Date Added: Mar 24, 2006 | Updated: Jun 11, 2013

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Aluminium Alloy 6061 - Composition, Properties, Temper and Applications of 6061 Aluminium

Metalweb - Aluminium Plate, Bar, Sheet and Extrusions

Unit 1, Stargate Business Park, Cuckoo Road Nechells, Birmingham West Midlands, B7 5SE United Kingdom PH: 44 (0) 121 328 7700 Fax: 44 (0) 121 328 8381 Visit Metalweb - Aluminium Plate, Bar, Sheet and Extrusions Website

Primary Activity
Supplier of aluminium plate, bar, sheet and extruded products

Company Background
Metalweb is a leading UK aluminium stockholder and aims to provide a 100% on-time delivery and quality product both for day-to-day requirements and long term contracts. They carry out four key roles in the supply chain that help their customers to perform more cost-effectively: They hold stock They carry out first stage processing They have no minimum quantity They maintain traceability To help achieve these roles Metalweb has one of the largest ranges of aluminium products in all alloys (including plate, sheet, bar, tube and other extruded products) carried in stock. This means we can often provide 24 hour delivery with fully certified material when required. Other metals can also be provided for those customers looking to single source their requirements and so reduce the total acquisition cost. The group is ISO 9001-2000 accredited and holds a large number of customer specific approvals. Metalweb can supply aluminium alloys such as:
Plate 1050/1080/1200 3003/3103 5052/5251/5754 5083 5754 5086 5154 5454 2014/2024 6082/6061 7020 7075 Bar 1050 2011 2014 3003/3103 6061 6082 7075 Sheet & Strip 1050/1080/1200 1350 3003/3103 5005 5083 5754 5086 5154 5454 2014/2024 6082/6061 7020 7075 Extruded Alloys 1050/1200 2014 3003/3103 5056A/5083/5251 6061 6063 6082 7075

5056A/5083/5251 5052/5251/5754

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