Aluminum Alloy 6061-T6
Aluminum alloy 6061-T6 is a widely used heat-treatable corrosion-resistant alloy.
The following is a detailed introduction:
Chemical Composition
Its main alloying elements are magnesium (Mg) and silicon (Si), with small amounts of copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), titanium (Ti), and other elements. The chemical composition ratios are as follows: Cu 0.15-0.4%, Si 0.4-0.8%, Fe ≤ 0.7%, Mn ≤ 0.15%, Mg 0.8-1.2%, Zn 0.25-0.50%, Cr 0.04-0.35%, Ti ≤ 0.15%, and the remainder is aluminum (Al).
Alloy Temper
The T6 temper refers to the state after solution heat treatment followed by artificial aging. It is applicable to products that undergo no cold working after solution heat treatment (straightening or flattening is allowed but does not affect the mechanical property limits).
Mechanical Properties
Tensile strength σb ≥ 260 MPa, yield strength σ0.2 ≥ 240 MPa, and elongation δ5 ≥ 9%.
Performance Advantages
High Strength and Lightweight: It has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Its tensile strength is more than twice that of ordinary aluminum, making it a viable alternative to some steels. With a density of only 2.7 g/cm³, it is over 60% lighter than steel, making it suitable for structural components requiring weight reduction.
Good Corrosion Resistance: The dense oxide film formed by natural oxidation on the surface endows it with excellent resistance to atmospheric corrosion, making it suitable for humid or salt spray environments. Its protective performance can be further enhanced through processes such as anodizing and spraying.
Excellent Machinability: It combines good machinability, weldability, and formability. It can be easily subjected to operations such as turning, milling, and drilling, and is compatible with conventional welding processes like TIG and MIG. Complex shapes can be processed in the annealed state, and dimensional stability is maintained after heat treatment.
Good Thermal and Electrical Conductivity: With a thermal conductivity of 167 W/(m·K) and an electrical conductivity of 43% IACS, it is suitable for radiators, electronic device enclosures, and power transmission accessories.
Main Applications
It is widely used in various industrial structural components requiring certain strength and high corrosion resistance, such as trucks, tower structures, ships, trams, railway vehicles, furniture, mechanical parts, precision machining, and molds. It plays an important role in industries including aerospace, automotive, rail transit, construction, consumer electronics, and industrial equipment.