What Is 6060 Aluminum Sheet and Plate
6060 is a wrought alloy similar to 6063 but primarily strengthened with magnesium rather than silicon. It contains approximately 0.8 to 1.3 percent magnesium and about 0.3 percent chromium, providing enhanced corrosion resistance while maintaining good formability and weldability. Typical properties include a density of 2.7 g per cubic cm, tensile strength of about 170 to 180 MPa, yield strength of 150 to 180 MPa, elongation of 8 to 12 percent and Brinell hardness of 60 to 75 HB. These characteristics make 6060 ideal for architectural facades, window and door frames, marine structures, transportation and industrial equipment where strength, appearance and durability matter.
What Is 6061 Aluminum Sheet and Plate
6061 is a heat-treatable aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy widely used in structural and fabrication applications. Its primary alloying elements are magnesium at 0.8 to 1.2 percent and silicon at 0.4 to 0.8 percent, which provide higher strength than non-heat-treated 6000 series alloys. When heat treated to the T6 temper, 6061 reaches a tensile strength of about 270 to 310 MPa and yield strength of 240 to 280 MPa, with hardness of 95 to 105 HB. It is suitable for aerospace, automotive, marine and structural applications where high strength and corrosion resistance are critical, although it is less formable than 6060 and requires more careful machining and welding procedures.
Key Differences Between 6060 and 6061
6060 contains 0.8 to 1.3 percent magnesium and 0.3 to 0.6 percent silicon, while 6061 contains 0.8 to 1.2 percent magnesium and 0.4 to 0.8 percent silicon. In typical tempers, 6060 shows a tensile strength of about 215 to 245 MPa versus 270 to 310 MPa for 6061, and a yield strength of 150 to 180 MPa versus 240 to 280 MPa. Brinell hardness is 60 to 75 HB for 6060 and 95 to 105 HB for 6061. Formability is excellent for 6060 and good for 6061; machinability is easier for 6060. 6060 does not require heat treatment for most uses, while 6061 is heat treatable to T6 and T651. In general, 6060 is lower in price and easier to machine, making it ideal for architectural and decorative applications.
Which Aluminum Is Stronger
6061 is significantly stronger than 6060, particularly in the T6 temper. 6061-T6 tensile strength is about 270 to 310 MPa, while 6060-T5 tensile strength is about 180 to 210 MPa. This makes 6061 the preferred choice for structural, aerospace and high-load applications, while 6060 is ideal for architectural, marine and complex forming tasks where surface quality and formability come first.
Typical Applications
6060 plates are used for window frames, doors, signage, facades, truck and trailer components, marine structures such as boats and coastal installations, agricultural implements, furniture and appliances. 6061 plates are used for aerospace fuselage panels and bulkheads, automotive drive shafts and suspension parts, boat hulls and masts, bridges and railings, machinery frames, bicycles and general structural fabrication. Choosing the correct alloy depends on whether the part is primarily load-bearing or primarily visible and formed.
FAQ
Q: What is the main difference between 6060 and 6061?
A: 6061 is significantly stronger and heat treatable to high-strength tempers, while 6060 offers better formability, surface quality and corrosion resistance at a lower price.
Q: Which alloy is better for window frames?
A: 6060 is usually preferred for window and door frames because of its excellent formability, anodizing quality and corrosion resistance.
Q: Can 6060 be used for structural parts?
A: Yes, for light to medium structural duty; for high loads and demanding structural codes, 6061-T6 is the safer choice.
Q: Is 6060 heat treatable?
A: 6060 is supplied in tempers such as T5 and T6, but it gains less strength from heat treatment than 6061 and is often used without it.
Q: Which alloy welds better?
A: Both weld well; 6060 is somewhat easier to weld and machine, while 6061 requires careful procedures to retain strength in welded joints.
