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

Topics CoveredBackground

CompositionKey Properties

Physical PropertiesMechanical PropertiesThermal PropertiesElectrical Properties

Typical Heat Treatment/Temper StatesTypically Available FormsApplications

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

CompositionTable 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 PropertiesTypical properties of aluminium alloy 6061 include:

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

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• 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 shouldconsult your supplier for more exact figures.

Physical PropertiesDensity: 2.7 g/cm3

Melting Point: Approx 580°C

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(%)

0 110-152 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 PropertiesCo-Efficient of Thermal Expansion (20-100°C): 23.5x10-6 m/m.°C

Thermal Conductivity: 173 W/m.K

Electrical PropertiesElectrical Resistivity: 3.7 – 4.0 x10-6 Ω.cm

Typical Heat Treatment/Temper States

Treatment Definition

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

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F As fabricated

0 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 FormsBeing 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.

ApplicationsTypical 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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• Valves

• Couplings

Source: AZoM.com

Date Added: Mar 24, 2006 | Updated: Jun 11, 2013

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Metalweb - Aluminium Plate, Bar, Sheet andExtrusions

Unit 1, Stargate Business Park, Cuckoo RoadNechells, BirminghamWest Midlands, B7 5SEUnited KingdomPH: 44 (0) 121 328 7700Fax: 44 (0) 121 328 8381Visit Metalweb - Aluminium Plate, Bar, Sheet and Extrusions Website

Primary ActivitySupplier of aluminium plate, bar, sheet and extruded products

Company BackgroundMetalweb is a leading UK aluminium stockholder and aims to provide a 100% on-time delivery and quality product both for day-to-dayrequirements and long term contracts. They carry out four key roles in the supply chain that help their customers to perform morecost-effectively:

They hold stockThey carry out first stage processingThey have no minimum quantityThey 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 materialwhen required.

Other metals can also be provided for those customers looking to single source their requirements and so reduce the total acquisitioncost. The group is ISO 9001-2000 accredited and holds a large number of customer specific approvals.

Metalweb can supply aluminium alloys such as:

Plate Bar Sheet & Strip Extruded Alloys

1050/1080/1200

3003/3103

5052/5251/5754

5083

5754

5086

5154

5454

2014/2024

6082/6061

7020

7075

1050

2011

2014

3003/3103

5056A/5083/5251

6061

6082

7075

1050/1080/1200

1350

3003/3103

5005

5052/5251/5754

5083

5754

5086

5154

5454

2014/2024

6082/6061

7020

7075

1050/1200

2014

3003/3103

5056A/5083/5251

6061

6063

6082

7075

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