6061 Aluminum Alloy Product Introduction
Chemical Composition
| Element | Composition (%) | 
|---|
| Silicon (Si) | 0.40 – 0.8 | 
| Iron (Fe) | 0.70 max | 
| Copper (Cu) | 0.15 – 0.40 | 
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.15 max | 
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.80 – 1.20 | 
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.04 – 0.35 | 
| Zinc (Zn) | 0.25 max | 
| Titanium (Ti) | 0.15 max | 
| Others | 0.05 max each, 0.15 max total | 
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value | 
|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 310 | 
| Yield Strength (MPa) | 276 | 
| Elongation at Break (%) | 12 | 
| Hardness (Brinell) | 95 HB | 
Performance at Different Temperatures
- Good performance at room temperature with stable mechanical properties.
- Maintains strength and toughness at low temperatures.
- Slightly decreases in strength at higher temperatures above 100°C.
Industrial Applications
| Industry Sector | Applications | 
|---|
| Aerospace | Aircraft structures, fuselage panels | 
| Automotive | Vehicle frames, wheels, automotive parts | 
| Marine | Boat hulls, components exposed to saltwater | 
| Construction | Structural components, bridges, scaffolding | 
| Consumer Goods | Bicycle frames, sporting equipment | 
Shapes and Sizes
- Forms: Sheets, plates, bars, tubes, extrusions.
- Sizes: Thickness ranging from 0.2 mm to 200 mm, various shapes and dimensions available.
Production Standards
- ASTM B209: Standard specification for aluminum and aluminum-alloy sheet and plate.
- Various international standards based on application and manufacturing requirements.
Standards and Corresponding Grades
| Country/Region | Standards | Corresponding Grades | 
|---|
| USA | ASTM B209 | 6061 | 
| Europe | EN 573, EN 485 | EN AW-6061 | 
| Japan | JIS H4000, JIS H4040 | JIS A6061 | 
| China | GB/T 3190, GB/T 3880 | 6061A | 
Welding and Processing
| Welding Methods | Processing Methods | 
|---|
| TIG, MIG, Resistance | Cutting, drilling, machining | 
Heat Treatment and Cold Processing
- Responds well to heat treatment for improving strength and hardness.
- Cold working can enhance mechanical properties but may reduce formability.
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages | 
|---|
| High strength-to-weight ratio | Lower corrosion resistance than some alloys | 
| Good machinability | More expensive than some aluminum alloys | 
| Versatile applications across industries | Limited to moderate formability in certain processes | 
Similar Products and Comparison
| Alloy Type/Property | 6061 Alloy | 6063 Alloy | 7075 Alloy | 
|---|
| Composition (%) | Si: 0.40-0.8 | Si: 0.20-0.6 | Si: 0.40 | 
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 310 | 185 | 570 | 
| Yield Strength (MPa) | 276 | 145 | 505 | 
| Applications | General purpose structural applications | Architectural applications | Aerospace, high-strength applications | 
Conclusion
6061 aluminum alloy stands out for its combination of strength, lightweight properties, and corrosion resistance, making it a popular choice across various industries. Its versatility in processing and applications ensures it remains a cornerstone material in modern manufacturing and construction.
This outline provides a structured approach to crafting a comprehensive introduction to 6061 Aluminum Alloy, covering its chemical composition, mechanical properties, applications, production standards, processing methods, advantages, disadvantages, and comparison with similar alloys.