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
Chemical Composition
Spec: BS EN 573-3:2009
Alloy 6061
| 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 |
| Other (Each) | 0.0 – 0.05 |
| Others (Total) | 0.0 – 0.15 |
| Aluminium (Al) | Balance |
Properties
| Physical Property | Value |
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ |
| 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 |
Spec: BS EN 755-2:2008
Extrusions – Up to 200mm Dia. & A/F, 5mm WT for Tube and Prof
| Mechanical Property | Value |
| Proof Stress | 240 Min MPa |
| Tensile Strength | 260 Min MPa |
| Hardness Brinell | 95 HB |
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