1. Aluminum Alloy 6061 –
Composition, Properties, Temper and Applications of 6061 Aluminum

2. Aluminium Alloy 6061 - Composition, Properties, Temper and Applications of 6061 Aluminium
Topics Covered
Background
Composition Key Properties
Physical Properties Mechanical Properties Thermal Properties Electrical Properties
Typical Heat Treatment/Temper States Typically Available Forms
Applications P /5

3. Aluminium Alloy 6061 - Composition, Properties, Temper and Applications of 6061 Aluminium
Background
Aluminium alloy 6061 is one of the most extensively used of the 6000 series aluminium alloys. It is a versatile heat treatable extruded alloy with medium to high strength capabilities. P /5

4. Country Standard
Aluminum alloy 6061 is one of the most extensively used of the 6000 series aluminum alloys. It is a versatile heat treatable extruded alloy with medium to high strength capabilities

5. Aluminium Alloy 6061 - Composition, Properties, Temper and Applications of 6061 Aluminium
Table 1. Typical composition of aluminium alloy 6061
Component Amount (wt.%)
Aluminium
Balance
Magnesium
Silicon
0.4 – 0.8
Iron
Max. 0.7
Copper
Zinc
Max. 0.25
Titanium
Max. 0.15
Manganese
Chromium
Others
0.05

6. P Key Properties Typical properties of aluminium alloy 6061 include:
Medium to high strength
Good toughness
Good surface finish
Excellent corrosion resistance to atmospheric conditions
Good corrosion resistance to sea water
Can be anodized
Good weldability and brazability
Good workability
Widely available
Poissons Ratio: 0.33 P /5

7. P Key Properties Typical properties of aluminium alloy 6061 include:
Aluminium Alloy Composition, Properties, Temper and Applications of 6061 Aluminium
Key Properties
Typical properties of aluminium alloy 6061 include:
Note: Property data is provided below, but should be used a guide only. As data may vary between manufacturers, you should consult your supplier for more exact figures.
Physical Properties
Density: 2.7 g/cm3
Melting Point: Approx 580°C Modulus of Elasticity: GPa Poissons Ratio: 0.33 P /5

8. Mechanical Properties
Temper
Ultimate Tensile Strength (MPa)
0.2% Proof Stress (MPa)
Brinell Hardness (500kg load, 10mm ball)
Elongation 50mm dia (%)
65-110
30-33
14-16 T1
180
95-96 16 T4
179 min
110 min T6
95-97
9-13
Thermal Properties
Co-Efficient of Thermal Expansion (20-100°C): 23.5x10-6 m/m.°C
Thermal Conductivity: 173 W/m.K
Electrical Properties
Electrical Resistivity: 3.7 – 4.0 x10-6 Ω.cm

9. Typical Heat Treatment/Temper StatesF
As fabricated
Annealed to obtain lower strength temper T1
Cooled from an elevated shaping process and naturally aged1
T4, T4511
Solution heat treated and naturally aged2,3
T51
Cooled from an elevated shaping process and artificially aged
T6, T6511
Solution heat treated and artificially aged2,3
Note:
This designation applies to products which are not cold worked after cooling from an elevated temperature shaping process, or in which the effect of cold work in flattening or straightening has no effect on mechanical properties
This designation applies to products which are not cold worked after solution heat-treated, or in which the effect of cold work in flattening or straightening has no effect on mechanical properties
This designation applies to products which are not cold worked after solution heat-treatment, or in which the effect of cold work in flattening or straightening does not effect mechanical properties.

10. Typically Available Forms
Being and extruded grade of aluminum, alloy 6061 is typically available as:
Tube
Bar
Pipe
Rod
Although many manufacturers offer a range of other standard extruded profiles.

11. Applications
Typical applications for aluminium alloy 6061 include:
Aircraft and aerospace components
Marine fittings
Transport
Bicycle frames
Camera lenses
Driveshafts
Electrical fittings and connectors
Brake components