There is no distinction between "6061" and "6061-T6" in terms of alloy type, since the "T6" simply indicates the temper-or heat-treatment condition-applied to the base 6061 aluminum alloy. In other words, "6061-T6" refers to 6061 aluminum that has undergone a specific thermal processing sequence, giving it substantially higher strength and hardness through solution heat treatment followed by artificial aging.
Main Differences
Temper:
The "T6" designation identifies the alloy's heat-treated temper. It specifies that the material has been thermally processed to reach a stable, high-strength condition.
Strength:
The T6 temper dramatically boosts the strength and hardness of 6061 aluminum, making it the highest-strength condition commonly available for this alloy.
Properties:
When labeled simply as "6061," only the alloy composition is identified. Its mechanical properties in this untreated state are much lower than those of the T6 condition.
Processing:
Achieving the T6 temper involves solution heat treatment followed by artificial aging, producing a fine precipitation structure that enhances the alloy's mechanical performance.
GNEE supplies 6061 alloys in various tempers, including T6, to meet different application and performance requirements.
| Feature | 6061 | 6061-T6 |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The base aluminum alloy with a composition primarily of magnesium and silicon. | The 6061 alloy that has undergone a specific heat treatment process called "T6". |
| Strength | Lower strength, as it has not been heat-treated for maximum hardness. | Much higher strength due to the T6 temper, which involves precipitation hardening. |
| Properties | Properties are based on its as-cast or extruded state before heat treatment. | Properties are defined by the heat treatment, such as a tensile strength of 45 ksi and yield strength of 40 ksi. |
| Processing | The raw material before heat treatment. | The final, heat-treated product. |
What are the 6061 T6 Aluminum properties / Data Sheet?
First, take a look at the elemental composition of the 6061 T6 aluminum.
| Si | Cu | Mg | Zn | Mn | Ti | Fe | Cr |
| 0.4-0.8 | 0.15-0.4 | 0.8-1.2 | 0.25-0.5 | 0.15-0.5 | 0.15-0.63 | 0.7-0.13 | 0.04-0.35 |
The proportion of Mg and Si in the composition is relatively large. It can be seen that the corrosion resistance and hardness of 6061-T6 aluminum are very good. The hardness of 6061-T6 aluminum can reach HV95 degrees or more.
6061-T6 physical properties
| Melting Onset | 1080 °F (580 °C) |
| Thermal Conductivity | 170 W/m-K |
| Thermal Expansion | 24 μm/m-K |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 900 J/kg-K |
| Electrical Conductivity | 43% IACS (equal volume), 140% (equal weight) |
| Calomel Potential | -740 mV |
| Density | 2.7 g/cm3 |
| Embodied Energy | 150 MJ/kg |
| Ultimate Resilience | 30 MJ/m3 |
| Modulus of Resilience | 520 kJ/m3 |
| Stiffness to Weight | 14 (axial), 50 (bending) |
| Strength to Weight | 31 (axial), 37 (bending) |
| Thermal Diffusivity | 68 m2/s |
| Thermal Shock Resistance | 14 |
