6061 aluminium alloy

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A6061

Physical properties

Density () 2.70 g/cm3[1]

Mechanical properties

Young's modulus (E) 68.9 GPa (9,990 ksi)

Tensile strength (t) 124290 MPa (18.042.1 ksi)

Elongation () at break 1225%

Poisson's ratio () 0.33

Thermal properties

Melting temperature (Tm) 585 C (1,085 F)

Thermal conductivity (k) 151202 W/(mK)

2.32105 K1
Linear thermal expansion coefficient ()

Specific heat capacity (c) 897 J/(kgK)

Electrical properties

Volume resistivity () 32.539.2 nOhmm

6061 is a precipitation-hardened aluminium alloy, containing magnesium and silicon as its

major alloying elements. Originally called "Alloy 61S", it was developed in 1935.[2] It has good
mechanical properties, exhibits good weldability, and is very commonly extruded (second in
popularity only to 6063).[3] It is one of the most common alloys of aluminium for general-purpose
use.
It is commonly available in pre-tempered grades such as 6061-O (annealed), tempered grades
such as 6061-T6 (solutionized and artificially aged) and 6061-T651 (solutionized, stress-relieved
stretched and artificially aged).
Chemical composition[edit]
The alloy composition of 6061 is:

Silicon minimum 0.4%, maximum 0.8% by weight

Iron no minimum, maximum 0.7%
Copper minimum 0.15%, maximum 0.4%
Manganese no minimum, maximum 0.15%
Magnesium minimum 0.8%, maximum 1.2%
Chromium minimum 0.04%, maximum 0.35%
Zinc no minimum, maximum 0.25%
Titanium no minimum, maximum 0.15%
Other elements no more than 0.05% each, 0.15% total
Remainder aluminium (95.8598.56%)

Mechanical properties[edit]
The mechanical properties of 6061 depend greatly on the temper, or heat treatment, of the
material.[4] Young's Modulus is 69 GPa (10,000 ksi) regardless of temper.[5]

6061[edit]
Annealed 6061 (6061-O temper) has maximum tensile strength no more than 310 MPa
(45,000 psi), and maximum yield strength no more than 55 MPa (8,000 psi). The material has
elongation (stretch before ultimate failure) of 2530%.

6061-T4[edit]
T4 temper 6061 has an ultimate tensile strength of at least 210 MPa (30,000 psi) and yield
strength of at least 110 MPa (16,000 psi). It has elongation of 16%.

6061-T6[edit]
T6 temper 6061 has an ultimate tensile strength of at least 290 MPa (42,000 psi) and yield
strength of at least 240 MPa (35,000 psi). More typical values are 310 MPa (45 ksi) and 270 MPa
(39 ksi), respectively.[6] In thicknesses of 6.35 mm (0.250 in) or less, it has elongation of 8% or
more; in thicker sections, it has elongation of 10%. T651 temper has similar mechanical
properties. The typical value for thermal conductivity for 6061-T6 at 25 C (77 F) is around 152
W/m K. A material data sheet [7] defines the fatigue limit under cyclic load as 97 MPa (14,000 psi)
for 500,000,000 completely reversed cycles using a standard RR Moore test machine and
specimen. Note that aluminium does not exhibit a well defined "knee" on its S-n graph, so there
is some debate as to how many cycles equates to "infinite life". Also note the actual value of
fatigue limit for an application can be dramatically affected by the conventional de-rating factors
of loading, gradient, and surface finish.

Uses[edit]
6061 is commonly used for the following:

construction of aircraft structures, such as wings and fuselages, more commonly

in homebuilt aircraft than commercial or military aircraft.[8] 2024 alloy is somewhat stronger,
but 6061 is more easily worked and remains resistant to corrosion even when the surface is
abraded, which is not the case for 2024, which is usually used with a thin Alclad coating for
corrosion resistance.[9]
yacht construction, including small utility boats.[10]
automotive parts, such as the chassis of the Audi A8.
some tactical flashlights
 aluminium cans for the packaging of food and beverages.
SCUBA tanks (post 1995)
6061-T6 is used for:

bicycle frames and components.

many fly fishing reels.
the Pioneer plaque was made of this alloy.
the secondary chambers and baffle systems in firearm sound suppressors (primarily pistol
suppressors for reduced weight and improved mechanical functionality), while the primary
expansion chambers usually require 17-4PH or 303 stainless steel or titanium.[11][12]
The upper and lower receivers of many non mil-spec AR-15 rifle variants.
Many aluminium docks and gangways are constructed with 6061-T6 extrusions, and welded
into place.
Material used in some ultra-high vacuum (UHV) chambers
Many parts for remote controlled model aircraft, notably helicopter rotor components.
Welding[edit]
6061 is highly weldable, for example using tungsten inert gas welding (TIG) or metal inert gas
welding (MIG). Typically, after welding, the properties near the weld are those of 6061-O, a loss
of strength of around 80%. The material can be re-heat-treated to restore -T4 or -T6 temper for
the whole piece. After welding, the material can naturally age and restore some of its strength as
well. Nevertheless, the Alcoa Structural Handbook recommends the design strength of the
material adjacent to the weld to be taken as 76 MPa (11,000 psi) without proper heat treatment
after the weld.[citation needed] Typical filler material is 4043 or 5356(used only for non heat treatable
aluminium such as 5052).

Extrusions[edit]
6061 is an alloy used in the production of extrusionslong constantcross-section structural
shapes produced by pushing metal through a shaped die.

Forgings[edit]
6061 is an alloy that is suitable for hot forging. The billet is heated through an induction
furnace and forged using a closed die process. This particular alloy is suitable for open die
forgings. Automotive parts, ATV parts, and industrial parts are just some of the uses as a forging.
Aluminium 6061 can be forged into flat or round bars, rings, blocks, discs and blanks, hollows,
and spindles. 6061 can be forged into special and custom shapes.[13]