All About 6060 Aluminum Alloy
Learn more about this aluminum alloy and how it's used in manufacturing.
What is an Aluminum Alloy?
An aluminum alloy is a mixture that consists mostly of aluminum, with other elements added. Elements like copper, magnesium, zinc, or silicon are added to pure aluminum to create different aluminum alloys. Together, these elements can account for 15% (of wrought alloys) and more (for casting alloys). To make aluminum alloys, pure aluminum is melted. While the aluminum is still in its molten state, the alloying elements are added in the desired amounts. The mixture is then cooled in a controlled way to develop the desired microstructure for that alloy. When compared to pure aluminum, alloys of aluminum are stronger. Alloys made of aluminum are lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
The Composition of 6060 Aluminum
The alloy composition of 6060 aluminum is (97.9-99.3%) aluminum, (0.35-0.5%) magnesium, (0.3 to 0.6%) silicon, (0.1-0.3%) iron, (0.10%) manganese, (0.05% max) chromium, (0.1% max) copper, (0.1% max) titanium, (0.15% max) zinc, and (0.15% max) residuals). The composition of 6060 aluminum can generally vary depending on the combination and amount of alloy metals added. The number of alloy metals added will depend on the desired properties of the aluminum.
Characteristics of 6060 Aluminum
The most important characteristics of aluminum alloy 6060 are its moderate strength, excellent cold formability, corrosion resistance, and weldability, especially in temper T4. Aluminum 6060 is a heat-treatable alloy frequently used for complex cross sections. 6060 aluminum also responds quite well to anodizing.
| Properties | 6060-O | 6060-T1 | 6060-T4 | 6060-T5 | 6060-T6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Properties Density, g/cm3 | 6060-O 2.7 | 6060-T1 2.7 | 6060-T4 2.7 | 6060-T5 2.7 | 6060-T6 2.7 |
Properties Electric conductivity, % IACS | 6060-O N/A | 6060-T1 49.5 | 6060-T4 48 | 6060-T5 54 | 6060-T6 54 |
Properties Thermal conductivity, W/m·K | 6060-O N/A | 6060-T1 195 | 6060-T4 187 | 6060-T5 209 | 6060-T6 209 |
Properties Specific heat capacity, kJ/kg·K | 6060-O 898 | 6060-T1 898 | 6060-T4 898 | 6060-T5 898 | 6060-T6 898 |
Properties Liquidus temperature, °C | 6060-O 655 | 6060-T1 655 | 6060-T4 655 | 6060-T5 655 | 6060-T6 655 |
Properties Solidus temperature, °C | 6060-O 610 | 6060-T1 610 | 6060-T4 610 | 6060-T5 610 | 6060-T6 610 |
Properties Linear thermal expansion coefficient, 10-6/K | 6060-O 23,4 | 6060-T1 23,4 | 6060-T4 23,4 | 6060-T5 23,4 | 6060-T6 23,4 |
Properties Corrosion resistance | 6060-O Excellent | 6060-T1 Excellent | 6060-T4 Excellent | 6060-T5 Excellent | 6060-T6 Excellent |
Properties Formability | 6060-O Good | 6060-T1 Good | 6060-T4 Good | 6060-T5 Good | 6060-T6 Good |
Properties Workability | 6060-O Good | 6060-T1 Good | 6060-T4 Good | 6060-T5 Good | 6060-T6 Good |
Properties Machining | 6060-O Good | 6060-T1 Good | 6060-T4 Good | 6060-T5 Good | 6060-T6 Good |
Properties Heat treatable | 6060-O True | 6060-T1 True | 6060-T4 True | 6060-T5 True | 6060-T6 True |
Common Trade Names of 6060 Aluminum
The common trade names of 6060 aluminum are UNS A96060, AA6060, and Al6060. The primary elements added to this 6000-series aluminum alloy are silicon and magnesium. It is designed for use in wrought products. The Aluminum Association (AA) gives this substance the reference designation 6060. It will appear as EN AW-6060 (European standards), AlMgSi (EN chemical name), A96060 (UNS number), and A-GS (AFNOR (French) classification),
Things to Consider When Choosing an Aluminum Grade
The following factors should be considered when selecting an aluminum grade:
- Weldability: Weldability is the ability of metals (or alloys) to weld with similar metals.
- Formability or Workability: Are you able to shape or bend the metal without causing damage?
- Corrosion Resistance: If the material is corrosion resistant it means that the material is able to withstand corrosion.
- Machining: How well can the material be shaped using machinery?
- Strength: Is the object strong and able to withstand the pressure?
- Heat Treating: Heat treatability is the ability of a material to withstand high-temperature treatment and chilling to achieve hardness. Do you require a material that is very hard? If so, choose an aluminum grade that has been heat-treated.
- End-Use Applications: Consider the end-use application. What properties should the material have?
Consider the requirements of your application, then consider which aluminum grade can best meet all of your specifications.
Summary
This article presented 6060 aluminum alloys, explained what it is, and discussed its different properties. To learn more about 6060 aluminum alloy and other alloys, contact a Xometry representative.
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