Two Different Alloy Families
1100 belongs to the 1000 series as commercially pure aluminum with a minimum of 99.0 percent aluminum, characterized by high ductility, low strength, and exceptional natural corrosion resistance. 6061 belongs to the 6000 series with magnesium and silicon as primary alloying elements, and through heat treatment achieves medium to high structural strength, making it one of the most versatile structural aluminum alloys in the world.
Chemical Composition
1100 contains no intentional magnesium or silicon, with copper 0.05 to 0.20 percent and silicon plus iron 1.0 percent maximum. 6061 contains magnesium 0.8 to 1.2 percent and silicon 0.4 to 0.8 percent, which combine during T6 heat treatment to form magnesium silicide precipitates that act as a powerful strengthening agent.
Mechanical Properties
6061-T6 has a tensile strength of 260 to 310 MPa and yield of 240 MPa minimum, roughly three times stronger than 1100-H112 at 90 to 110 MPa tensile and 35 MPa yield. 1100 provides higher elongation, 15 to 25 percent versus 8 to 15 percent, so it stretches much further before breaking, while hardness is about 23 HB for 1100 versus 95 HB for 6061.
Physical Properties
1100 has thermal conductivity of about 220 W per meter per Kelvin and electrical conductivity of about 59 percent IACS, while 6061 has about 167 W per meter per Kelvin and 40 percent IACS. The alloying elements in 6061 act as impurities that resist electrical and thermal flow, so pure 1100 is vastly superior for heat and electricity transfer.
Corrosion and Fabrication
1100 is preferred in chemical and food-processing environments because its high purity prevents fluid contamination, while 6061 performs better in general outdoor structural applications. 1100 bends to tight radii and forms and welds easily, while 6061 machines excellently with clean broken chips and requires 4043 or 5356 filler for welding.
Applications
1100 pipe serves chemical low-pressure transport, HVAC condenser coils and heat exchangers, high-voltage tubular busbars and conductive shielding, and sanitary food equipment lines. 6061 pipe serves building frameworks, scaffolding, high-pressure hydraulic cylinders, automotive frames, aerospace components, and heavy-duty handrails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which pipe is stronger?
A: 6061, at roughly three times the strength of 1100.
Q: Which conducts electricity better?
A: 1100, at about 59 percent IACS versus 40 percent.
Q: Can 1100 be used structurally?
A: No, it buckles under heavy loads.
Q: Which is better for bending?
A: 1100, which bends to tight radii without cracking.
Q: Which is better for CNC machining?
A: 6061, with clean chips and smooth finishes.
Q: What is 6061 pipe used for?
A: Structural, hydraulic, aerospace, and transportation systems.
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