6061-T6 Aluminum Diamond Plate: UNS A96061 Guide

Introduction to 6061-T6 Diamond Plate

6061-T6 aluminum diamond plate, designated UNS A96061, is a 6000-series aluminum alloy plate with an integral raised diamond or tread pattern on one surface. The T6 temper indicates solution heat treatment followed by artificial aging, which produces maximum precipitation hardening and a high yield strength. The combination of the alloy's corrosion resistance, light weight, and the slip-resistant raised pattern makes diamond plate a practical choice for flooring, ramps, steps, and industrial platforms, while the material remains non-reactive and suitable for many food-contact and general fabrication uses.

Mechanical and Physical Properties

In the T6 condition, typical mechanical values for 6061 plate are a yield strength of about 240 MPa, which may reach about 270 MPa in some product forms, a tensile strength of about 45,000 psi, a yield strength of about 40,000 psi, shear strength of about 31,000 psi, elongation in 2 inches of about 12 percent, and a Brinell hardness of about 95. The density is about 0.0975 lb/in3, thermal conductivity about 1160 Btu-in/hr-ft2-degrees F, and electrical resistivity about 3.99 x 10-6 ohm-cm. These properties give 6061-T6 a strength-to-weight advantage that can exceed that of several traditional stainless steels at a lower density, which is why the alloy is also used in aviation and structural applications.

Chemical Composition

Typical composition limits for 6061 are magnesium 0.8 to 1.2 percent, silicon 0.4 to 0.8 percent, copper 0.15 to 0.4 percent, chromium 0.15 to 0.35 percent, iron 0.7 percent max, zinc 0.25 percent max, manganese 0.15 percent max, and titanium 0.15 percent max, with the balance aluminum and small limits on other elements. The magnesium and silicon form the Mg2Si strengthening phase during artificial aging, while copper adds strength and chromium contributes to corrosion behavior.

Equivalent Grades

6061-T6 is designated across national systems as follows: Werkstoff number 3.3211, UNS A96061, DIN AlMgSiCu, EN AW-6061 with the chemical designation AlMg1SiCu, and the corresponding ISO designation. These designations refer to the same registered alloy, so buyers should confirm that the specified grade and temper match the governing standard for the destination market.

Dimensions, Forms, and Supply

6061-T6 plate and sheet are commonly supplied to ASTM B209 and ASME SB209, with thicknesses from 0.2 mm to 300 mm, widths from 500 mm to 2500 mm, and lengths from 500 mm to 10,000 mm, subject to rolling capability. A wide range of tempers is available, including O, H14, H24, H32, H112, T4, T5, T6, T651, T851, T451, and others. Product forms include sheets, coils, rolls, strips, checkered plates, flats, circles, blanks, and rings, with surface finishes such as polished, bright, hairline, sandblasted, brush, checkered, etching, and embossed, and coatings such as color coating, PVC coating, polyester, polyurethane, and fluorocarbon. For diamond plate specifically, confirm the pattern height, sheet thickness, and flatness tolerance with the supplier.

Applications and Selection

6061-T6 diamond plate is widely used for truck beds, trailer flooring, ramps, stair treads, walkways, machine platforms, and industrial step covers where slip resistance and durability are required. The alloy is also suitable for aviation and structural components where its strength-to-weight ratio matters, and its non-reactive surface is compatible with culinary ingredients and food-processing environments. When selecting, confirm the alloy, temper, pattern, thickness, applicable standard, and documentation with the supplier, and request a mill test certificate for structural or export orders.

FAQ

Q: What is UNS A96061?

A: UNS A96061 is the Unified Numbering System designation for 6061 aluminum, and A96061 with the T6 temper identifies 6061-T6 plate, also known as EN AW-6061 or AlMg1SiCu.

Q: How strong is 6061-T6 diamond plate?

A: Typical values are a yield strength of about 240 MPa, tensile strength of about 45,000 psi, and Brinell hardness of about 95, giving a high strength-to-weight ratio.

Q: What is diamond plate used for?

A: It is used for truck beds, trailer flooring, ramps, stair treads, walkways, and industrial platforms where the raised pattern provides slip resistance and the aluminum provides corrosion resistance and light weight.