6061 T6 aluminum is a highly versatile aluminum alloy celebrated for its exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability. With its heat-treated properties (T6 temper), it is an ideal choice for industries such as aerospace, automotive, construction, and marine. The combination of magnesium and silicon in its composition enhances its mechanical properties, making it one of the most widely used alloys in precision machining and fabrication projects.
6061 T6 aluminum stands out due to its balanced performance characteristics. Below is a detailed overview of its key properties:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength | Typical value is 310 MPa, at least 290 MPa(42 ksi) |
| Yield Strength | Typical values is 270 MPa, at least 240 MPa (35 ksi) |
| Elongation at Break | 12 % @Thickness 1.59 mm, 17 % @Diameter 12.7 mm, These two data come from matweb; But Wikipedia shows: In thicknesses of 6.35 mm (0.250 in) or less, it has elongation of 8% or more; in thicker sections, it has elongation of 10%. |
| Thermal Conductivity | 167 W/m·K |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 95 BHN |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent |
| Weldability | Good (requires post-weld heat treatment for optimal strength retention) |
These properties make 6061 T6 aluminum an outstanding material for projects requiring a balance of strength, weight, and durability.
6061 aluminum is classified as a wrought alloy, composed of the following elements:
| Element | Percentage Composition |
|---|---|
| Magnesium | 0.8–1.2% |
| Silicon | 0.4–0.8% |
| Iron | 0.7% (maximum) |
| Copper | 0.15–0.4% |
| Chromium | 0.04–0.35% |
| Zinc | 0.25% (maximum) |
| Titanium | 0.15% (maximum) |
| Aluminum | Balance |
The magnesium and silicon provide excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical strength, while other elements enhance weldability and machinability.
6061 T6 aluminum finds use in a variety of industries due to its adaptable properties:
| Industry | Applications |
|---|---|
| Aerospace | Aircraft fuselages, wings, and structural components |
| Automotive | Chassis, wheels, and suspension parts |
| Marine | Boat hulls, docks, and marine hardware |
| Construction | Structural beams, piping, and bridges |
| Electronics | Heat sinks, enclosures, and electrical components |
| Recreational | Bicycle frames, sports equipment, and camping gear |
6061 aluminum is available in various tempers, with T6 being the most popular. Here’s how it compares:
| Temper | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| 6061-O | Annealed state, softest, easy to form but less strong |
| 6061-T4 | Solution heat-treated, intermediate strength, improved ductility |
| 6061-T6 | Solution heat-treated and artificially aged, high strength, excellent corrosion resistance |
| 6061-T651 | Similar to T6 but stress-relieved by stretching to minimize residual stresses after heat treatment |
While T6 is preferred for its balance of strength and machinability, T651 is ideal for applications requiring reduced distortion.
Why Is 6061 T6 Aluminum So Popular?
Its unique blend of strength, corrosion resistance, and versatility makes it a go-to material for precision machining and demanding projects.
Can 6061 T6 Aluminum Be Welded?
Yes, it can be welded, but post-weld heat treatment is often necessary to restore strength in the welded area.
Is 6061 T6 Aluminum Suitable for Outdoor Use?
Absolutely. Its excellent corrosion resistance makes it suitable for outdoor applications, even in marine environments.
| Feature | 6061 T6 | 5052 | 7075 T6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | High | Moderate | Very High |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Superior | Moderate |
| Weldability | Good | Excellent | Poor |
| Cost | Moderate | Low | High |
6061 T6 strikes a balance between cost, performance, and versatility, making it ideal for general-purpose use.
At Huawei Aluminum, we pride ourselves on delivering premium-quality 6061 T6 aluminum products at competitive prices. Our offerings include:
Henan Huasheng Aluminum Co., Ltd (HHALU for short), established in 2001, is located in Huiguo Town, the famous Aluminum capital of Henan Province, It's a professional manufacturer and engages in the research, development, production, sales and service of aluminum sheet plate, aluminum coil, aluminum foil, aluminum strip and aluminum circle.
In addition, HHALU also sell aluminum plate for construction and ships, aluminum mirror plate, and automotive aluminum alloy plate.
No.53, Dongming Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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