What-is-6061-aluminum-plate.pdf
What is 6061 aluminum?
6061 aluminum is a representative product of the 6000 series aluminum alloy, which is predominantly made of aluminum with magnesium and silicon as major alloying constituents.
6061 aluminum is a popular alloy due to its high strength, lightweight nature, and great corrosion resistance.
6061 is a heat-treatable alloy, with common tempers including O, T4, T6, and T651.
Alternative Names for 6061 Aluminum
| AA6061 | EN AW-6061 | UNS A96061 | AlMg1SiCu |
| ISO AlMg1SiCu | G-AlMg1SiCu | AD-33 (Russia) | 3.3211 (European standard designation) |
| SAE AMS 4027 (AMS 4027 aluminum) | ASTM B209 Alloy 6061 | JIS H4000 Grade 6061 |
Form of 6061 aluminum
6061 aluminum plate/6061 aluminum sheet
6061 aluminum coil
6061 aluminum strip
6061 aluminum profiles
6061 Aluminum Composition
| Constituent element |
Minimum (% by weight) |
Maximum (% by weight) |
| Al | 95.85% | 98.56% |
| Mg | 0.80% | 1.20% |
| Si | 0.40% | 0.80% |
| Fe | 0 | 0.70% |
| Cu | 0.15% | 0.40% |
| Cr | 0.04% | 0.35% |
| Zn | 0 | 0.25% |
| Ti | 0 | 0.15% |
| Mn | 0 | 0.15% |
| (others) | 0 | 0.15% total (0.05% each) |
6061 Aluminium Typical Features
Strength and Durability
6061 aluminum has an outstanding strength-to-weight ratio, making it perfect for applications that require high strength while being lightweight, such as architectural structures, mechanical structures, aerospace structure fabrication, and so on.
It has a tensile strength of up to 45,000 psi (310 MPa) and a yield strength of 40,000 psi (275 MPa). This alloy also has exceptional stress and crack resistance, ensuring long-term durability in harsh situations.
Machinability & Formability
6061 aluminum has great machinability, enabling simple fabrication and machining techniques like milling, drilling, and turning. It may be molded into a variety of forms and sizes, making it suitable for a wide range of manufacturing applications. Furthermore, the alloy has exceptional weldability, allowing components to be joined seamlessly.
Heat treatability
Heat treating 6061 aluminum increases its strength and hardness. The precipitation hardening method allows the alloy to acquire higher levels of mechanical strength while retaining outstanding formability. Heat treatments can be tailored to suit application requirements, making 6061 aluminum an adaptable material for a wide range of applications.
Corrosion Resistance
One of the most notable advantages of 6061 aluminum is its superior corrosion resistance, which is the highest of any heat-treated aluminum in its class. When exposed to atmospheric conditions, it creates a protective oxide layer that provides excellent corrosion protection while reducing the need for additional coatings or treatments. This makes 6061 aluminum appropriate for use in marine situations with high humidity or exposure to corrosive substances.
6061 Aluminium Properties
6061 has superior physical properties, especially ultra-high strength, excellent corrosion resistance, weldability and excellent formability.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 45,000 psi (310 MPa) |
| Yield Strength | 40,000 psi (275 MPa) |
| Density | 2.7 g/cm³ (0.0975 lbs/in³) |
| Melting Point | 582°C (1080°F) |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 68.9 GPa (10,000 ksi) |
| Thermal Conductivity | 167 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | 43.8% IACS |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 0.897 J/g·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 23.5 µm/m·°C (at 20-100°C) |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 95 HB |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent |
| Machinability | Good |
| Formability | Good |
| Weldability | Good |
| Heat Treatability | Yes |
6061 aluminum density
The density of 6061 aluminum is approximately 2.7 g/cm³ (or 0.0975 lbs/in³), the same as density of pure aluminum.
6061 aluminum strength is much higher than pure aluminum.
How Strong is 6061 Aluminum?
The strength of 6061 aluminum varies according on the tempered grade, which includes 6061-O, 6061-T4, and 6061-T6. The parameters for assessing the strength of 6061-T6, for example, are determined by its yield and tensile strengths.
A material's yield strength determines its allowed stress limit when subjected to force. When the force applied exceeds this value, the material deforms permanently and cannot be returned to its former shape. In contrast, a material's tensile stress is the greatest stress at which it will fail and break.
However, the yield stress of 6061-T6 aluminum is at least 35,000 psi (241 Mpa). While its tensile stress can go up to 42000 psi (290 Mpa).
What is 6061 aluminum used for?
6061 aluminum is widely used in several industries, including
It is used in aircraft structures, wings, and fuselage components because of its lightweight and high-strength properties.
Automotive: 6061 aluminum is utilized in the production of car frames, engine components, and suspension systems, which helps to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce vehicle weight.
Construction: The alloy is used in architectural constructions, window frames, and roofing systems to provide durability and resistance to corrosion in external conditions.
6061 aluminum is widely used in boat hulls, decks, and marine equipment due to its corrosion resistance and ability to survive extreme saltwater conditions.
It is used in the manufacture of bicycles, skis, and other sporting equipment to provide a lightweight yet strong material for improved performance.
How to choose a correct aluminum alloy
The factors to consider when selecting an aluminum grade are mentioned below.
Corrosion Resistance
Weldability
Workability
Strength
Heat Treatment
Machinability
End-user application.
Aluminum alloys come in a variety of shapes and grades, and their selection is largely influenced by the intended purpose. By carefully describing the end-use, it is possible to evaluate each grade's qualities and properties methodically. The task at hand becomes easier as the appropriate alloy is selected, coinciding with the necessary properties. Consider a project that values great weldability over sheer strength. In such a case, the best option would be 1100 aluminum alloy. This grade provides remarkable weldability while not being designed for high-strength applications.
6061 Aluminum Packaged In Stock
As one of the top ten suppliers of aluminum products in China, GNEE Aluminum has produced and sold 6061 aluminum for a long time and has a large inventory. Our products are sold to 72 countries in the world.
