6061 metal aluminium coil
When it comes to versatile, high-performance aluminum coils, 6061 aluminum coil stands out as a metallurgical marvel favored across various industries.
6061 Aluminum Alloy: From Composition to Capability
6061 aluminum belongs to the 6xxx series of aluminum alloys, primarily alloyed with magnesium (Mg) and silicon (Si). This unique alloy combination imbues 6061 with an exceptional balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability, making it ideal for use in aluminum coil form.
| Element | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | Balance |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.8 – 1.2 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.4 – 0.8 |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.7 (max) |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.15 – 0.4 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.15 |
| Zinc (Zn) | 0.25 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.04 – 0.35 |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0.15 (max) |
This composition delivers a structure where Mg2Si precipitates form during heat treatments—these fine precipitates block dislocation movement, strengthening the material without sacrificing corrosion resistance.
Technical Parameters and Implementation Standards Industrial appli√mance
When sourced or specified, a high-quality 6061 aluminum coil meets international and regional implementation standards designed to guarantee chemical purity, mechanical strength, dimensional accuracy, and surface finish. industry standards include:
- ASTM B209: Specification for aluminum and aluminum-alloy sheet and plate, encompassing 6061 full temper specifications.
- ASTM B210: Deals explicitly with aluminum and aluminum-alloy drawn seamless tubes, mostly relevant in processed coil to tube transformations.
- EN AW 6061 (EN standards): The European standard defines parameters matching or exceeding ASTM norms.
Typical mechanical parameters feature:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 290 – 310 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 240 – 270 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | ≥ 10 % |
| Density | 2.7 g/cm³ |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~151 W/(m·K) |
The Role of Tempering: From T4 to T6 for Performance Tailoring
- 6061-T4: Solution heat-treated stage — the material is naturally aged, achieving an intermediate combination of strength and ductility suitable for soft forming processes.
- 6061-T6: This popular horseshoe of full solution heat treatment and artificial aging drives peak strength while maintaining excellent corrosion resistance and weldability.
- 6061-T651: Same as T6 but stress-relieved by stretching post heat-treatment, preferred when tight dimensional tolerances are critical.
Tempering essentially governs dislocation coherency and the rowspan of Mg2Si precipitates, modifying both yield points and creep resistance. This critical step transforms the coil metal from an as-rolled summery feedstock into a reliable backbone for aerospace, automotive, marine, and structural applications.
Industrial Applications: Beyond Conventional Views
6061 aluminum coil’s light weight yet superior strength properties redefine structural design freedoms. This alloy is reliable not only for forming lightweight framing and paneling but also for components demanding a mix of rigidity and shock resistance, such as heat exchangers, truck trailer skins, and residential window frames.
Another often underemphasized benefit lies in its welding friendliness. Thanks to its chemical stability and temper treatments, 6061 clamps consistently to both TIG and MIG welding, a crucial consideration for fabricated aluminum coil parts undergoing complex assembly.