Technical Information

Aluminium Alloy // Commercial Alloy // 6061 - T6

Chemical Element % Present
Manganese (Mn) 0.0 - 0.15
Iron (Fe) 0.0 - 0.70
Magnesium (Mg) 0.80 - 1.20
Silicon (Si) 0.40 - 0.80
Copper (Cu) 0.15 - 0.40
Zinc (Zn) 0.0 - 0.25
Titanium (Ti) 0.0 - 0.15
Chromium (Cr) 0.04 - 0.35
Aluminium (Al) Balance
Physical PropertyValue
Density 2.70 Kg/m³
Melting Point 650 °C
Thermal Expansion 23.4 x10^-6 /K
Modulus of Elasticity 70 GPa
Thermal Conductivity 166 W/m.K
Electrical Resistivity 0.040 x10^-6 Ω .m
Mechanical PropertyValue
Proof Stress 270 MPa
Tensile Strength 310 MPa
Elongation 12 %
Shear Strength 190 MPa
Hardness Vickers 100 HV

Aluminium alloy 6061 is a medium to high strength heat-treatable alloy with a strength higher than 6005A. It has very good corrosion resistance and very good weldability although reduced strength in the weld zone. It has medium fatigue strength. It has good cold formability in the temper T4, but limited formability in T6 temper. Not suitable for very complex cross sections.

Applications
Alloy 6061 is typically used for heavy duty structures in:
~ Rail coaches
~ Truck frames
~ Ship building
~ Bridges and Military bridges
~ Aerospace applications including helicopter rotor skins
~ Tube
~ Pylons and Towers
~ Transport
~ Boilermaking
~ Motorboats
~ Rivets

Temper Types

The most common temper for 6061 aluminium is:

  • T6 - Solution heat treated and artificially aged

Supplied Forms

Alloy 6061 is typically supplied as

  • Extrusions

Weldability

Weldability – Gas: Good

Weldability – Arc: Very Good

Weldability – Resistance: Good

Brazability: Good

Solderability: Good

 

Fabrication

Workability – Cold: Good

Machinability: Acceptable

 

 

This Data is indicative only and must not be seen as a substitute for the full specification from which it is drawn. In particular, the mechanical property requirements vary widely with temper, product and product dimensions. The information is based on our present knowledge and is given in good faith. However, no liability will be accepted by the Company is respect of any action taken by any third party in reliance thereon.

As the products detailed may be used for a wide variety of purposes and as the Company has no control over their use; the Company specifically excludes all conditions or warranties expressed or implied by statute or otherwise as to dimensions, properties and/or fitness for any particular purpose.

Any advice given by the Company to any third party is given for that party’s assistance only and without liability on the part of the Company. Any contract between the Company and a customer will be subject to the Company’s Conditions of Sale. The extent of the Company’s liabilities to any customer is clearly set out in those Conditions; a copy of which is available on request.

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