6082-T6 aluminum plate is a heat-treatable 6xxx-series (Al-Mg-Si) structural grade specified to the European standard EN AW-6082 (chemical symbol AlSi1MgMn). It is the default structural aluminum alloy across the EU and UK - the European counterpart to AA 6061, but with higher manganese (0.40–1.00%) and no copper or chromium. Flat products are governed by EN 573-3 (chemistry) and EN 485-2 (mechanical properties and tolerances). In T6 it is solution heat-treated and artificially aged; T651 adds a 1–3% stretch for stress relief. Minimum tensile strength is 310 MPa for plate up to 6 mm, stepping down with thickness. Density 2.70 g/cm³. Welding with 4043/5356 filler is good, but the heat-affected zone loses roughly half its T6 strength.
What is 6082-T6 aluminum plate
6082 is a 6000-series wrought aluminum alloy with silicon and magnesium as the main alloying elements, plus an unusually high manganese content (0.40–1.00%). It is the most common structural aluminum grade in Europe, often chosen over 6061 where machinability, weldability and a strong strength-to-weight ratio must all be met. Under the European system it is designated EN AW-6082.
In the T6 temper the plate is solution heat-treated (~530 °C), rapidly quenched, and artificially aged (~170–180 °C) to develop fine Mg₂Si precipitates that block dislocation movement and raise strength. T651 is the same heat-treatment route followed by a 1–3% stretch to remove residual stress - the default choice for tight-tolerance CNC parts because machined sections stay flat and dimensionally stable.
Because 6082 is specified to European standards, it is the grade called out on Eurocode 9 structural drawings for bridges, cranes, rail and transport frames. GNEE supplies 6082-T6 plate in both EN and dual EN/ASTM documentation to match your project's governing specification.
European standards & designations for 6082 aluminum
| Document | Scope | What it defines for 6082 |
|---|---|---|
| EN 573-3 | Chemical composition of wrought aluminum alloys | Element limits for EN AW-6082 (see composition table) |
| EN 485-2 | Plate, sheet and strip - mechanical properties & tolerances | T6/T651 strength minima by thickness; dimensional tolerances |
| EN 755-2 | Extruded rod, bar, tube, profiles - mechanical properties | Strength minima for extruded 6082 (Ø-dependent) |
| EN 754-2 | Cold-drawn rod, bar and tube - mechanical properties | Drawn 6082 minima (t-dependent) |
| EN 10204 3.1 | Inspection documents | Mill Test Certificate with heat no. & test results |
| ASTM B209 / B221 | US equivalents (plate / extrusion) | Used when dual EN/ASTM supply is requested |
Chemical composition of 6082 aluminum plate (EN 573-3)
The limits below follow EN 573-3 for EN AW-6082 and are identical to the values commonly cited under ASTM B209. The high manganese (0.40–1.00%) is the single line that distinguishes 6082 from 6061 (Mn ≤ 0.15%) and drives its slightly higher strength and coarser extrusion behaviour.
| Element | % by weight (EN 573-3) | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Silicon (Si) | 0.70 – 1.30 | Forms Mg₂Si precipitate (age hardening) |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.50 | Impurity limit |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.10 | Impurity limit (vs 6061, which uses Cu) |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.40 – 1.00 | Grain control & strength |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.60 – 1.20 | Strength via Mg₂Si aging |
| Chromium (Cr) | ≤ 0.25 | Grain refinement (no intentional Cr, vs 6061) |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤ 0.20 | Impurity limit |
| Titanium (Ti) | ≤ 0.10 | Grain refiner |
| Other elements (each / total) | ≤ 0.05 / ≤ 0.15 | Trace limits |
| Aluminum (Al) | Remainder | Base metal |
Mechanical properties of 6082-T6 aluminum plate (EN 485-2)
For flat products, guaranteed minima follow EN 485-2 and step down as thickness increases - small/thin sections reach the top of the range, thick plate sits near the minimum. The table below is the EN 485-2 thickness ladder for T6/T651 plate.
| Thickness (mm) | Rm min (MPa) | Rp0.2 min (MPa) | A50 min (%) | Brinell HB (typ.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.4 – 1.5 | 310 | 260 | 6 | 94 |
| 1.5 – 3.0 | 310 | 260 | 7 | 94 |
| 3.0 – 6.0 | 310 | 260 | 10 | 94 |
| 6.0 – 12.5 | 300 | 255 | 9 | 91 |
| 12.5 – 60.0 | 295 | 240 | 8 | 89 |
| 60.0 – 100.0 | 295 | 240 | 7 | 89 |
| 100.0 – 150.0 | 275 | 240 | 6 | 84 |
| 150.0 – 175.0 | 275 | 230 | 4 | 83 |
Physical and thermal properties of 6082 aluminum
| Property | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ | Used for all weight calculations |
| Elastic modulus | ~70 GPa (≈ 68,600 MPa) | Identical to 6061 - deflection-governed designs gain nothing from 6082's extra strength |
| Melting range | 555 – 650 °C | Solidus/liquidus |
| Thermal conductivity | ~170 – 185 W/(m·K) | Good heat dissipation |
| Electrical conductivity | ~37 – 42 % IACS | Lower than 1xxx/3xxx (structural grade) |
| Coefficient of thermal expansion | 23.0 – 23.4 × 10⁻⁶ /°C | 20–100 °C |
| Brinell hardness (T6) | ~90 – 95 HB | Typical |
Heat treatment and T6 vs T651 for 6082 aluminum
The "T6" label is a fixed heat-treatment route, not the as-supplied condition. A 6082 plate leaves the press soft; only the T6 cycle brings it to full strength:
Solution heat treatment - heat to ~530 °C so Mg, Si and Mn dissolve into a single-phase solid solution.
Rapid quench - water quench locks those elements in place before they can precipitate.
Artificial aging - hold at ~170–180 °C for several hours; fine Mg₂Si particles precipitate and raise strength.
T651 is the stress-relieved version of T6: after quenching, the plate is stretched 1–3% to remove residual stress, then aged. Mechanical strength is the same, but machined parts hold their dimensions far better - which is why T651 is the default for CNC-machined 6082 components with tight tolerances. For welded or lightly machined structural plate, T6 is usually sufficient.
Weight and volume of 6082-T6 aluminum plate
Buyers routinely need per-piece weight for freight, crane capacity and costing. Use the formulas below with density 2.70 g/cm³ (6xxx series).
weight (kg) = thickness (mm) × width (m) × length (m) × 2.70
kg per m² = thickness (mm) × 2.70
volume (m³) = thickness (mm) × width (m) × length (m) ÷ 1,000,000
Example: a 10 mm × 1500 mm × 3000 mm plate = 10 × 1.5 × 3.0 × 2.70 = 121.5 kg. At ~121.5 kg/pc, about 8.2 plates make a metric tonne.
| Thickness (mm) | kg/m² | kg per pc (1500×3000 mm) | Plates per tonne |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 16.2 | 72.9 | 13.7 |
| 8 | 21.6 | 97.2 | 10.3 |
| 10 | 27.0 | 121.5 | 8.2 |
| 12 | 32.4 | 145.8 | 6.9 |
| 15 | 40.5 | 182.3 | 5.5 |
| 20 | 54.0 | 243.0 | 4.1 |
| 25 | 67.5 | 303.8 | 3.3 |
| 30 | 81.0 | 364.5 | 2.7 |
| 40 | 108.0 | 486.0 | 2.1 |
| 50 | 135.0 | 607.5 | 1.6 |
Theoretical weights using density 2.70 g/cm³. Actual weight varies with measured thickness and should be confirmed against the MTC.
For very thick plates (e.g. 50 mm × 2000 × 6000 mm ≈ 1,620 kg), plan crane and container loading early - a 20'GP holds roughly 20–24 t depending on destination limits.
Equivalent grades of 6082 aluminum plate
| System | Designation |
|---|---|
| Aluminum Association (AA) / UNS | 6082 / A96082 |
| European (EN 573-3) | EN AW-6082 (AlSi1MgMn) |
| Legacy Germany (DIN) | AlMgSi1, Werkstoff 3.2315 |
| Legacy UK (BS) | HE30 (extruded) / H30 |
| China (GB/T 3190 / GB/T 3880) | 6082 |
| Japan (JIS) | 6N01 (similar, not exact) |
| ISO 209 | Al Si1MgMn |
| Closest North-American grade | AA 6061 (metallurgically similar, not contractually equal) |
Source: EN 573-3, AA registry, GB/T 3190, JIS H4000, ISO 209.
Corrosion resistance of 6082 aluminum
6082 is a 6xxx alloy with very good general corrosion resistance in most atmospheres, including industrial and mild marine air. Key points buyers should know:
Atmospheric & industrial - forms a dense Al₂O₃ film; performs well uncoated in normal air.
Marine atmosphere - good for superstructures, wheelhouses and deck supports above the waterline, with suitable coating and electrical isolation from dissimilar metals.
Continuous seawater immersion - 5xxx alloys (5083/5086) remain the better long-term choice; 6082 is acceptable for splash/occasional-wet zones but benefits from coating in fully immersed service.
Galvanic - isolate from steel/copper to avoid accelerated attack; it is the anodic (sacrificial) member in those couples.
Stress-corrosion cracking - low risk in T6 for normal service; avoid prolonged use above ~150 °C where strength and SCC resistance decline.
Welding and machining of 6082 aluminum plate
Welding. 6082 welds well with MIG and TIG using 4043 (AlSi5) or 5356 (AlMg5Cr) filler. 5356 gives the lowest solidification-cracking risk; 4043 flows more easily and is acceptable for most joints. Two non-negotiable rules:
Never weld autogenously (no filler) - 6082 is sensitive to solidification hot-cracking.
The heat-affected zone loses most of its T6 strength. Per Eurocode 9, designers typically retain only about 48–52% of yield and ~60% of tensile in the HAZ. Design welded joints to post-weld properties, not to base-metal T6 values.
Machining. 6082 machines cleanly with standard carbide tooling; chips break well and surface finish is good, which is why it is a favourite for CNC parts, jigs and fixture plates. T651 is preferred for tight-tolerance machining because residual stress is already removed.
Surface treatment for 6082 aluminum
Mill finish - as-rolled; the standard supply for machining and welding.
Anodizing - good response; gives a stable, wear-resistant oxide layer. Slightly greyer than 6061 due to higher Si, but uniform.
Painting / powder coating - common for architectural and marine-exposed parts.
Brushed / polished - for visible decorative components.
Protective PE film - available for transit and fabrication protection.
Applications of 6082-T6 aluminum plate
6082-T6 earns its place wherever structural load, weldability and weight sit on the same critical path. Typical uses:
Bridges & structural frames - truss members, gusset plates and crane booms designed to Eurocode 9.
Transport - truck, rail and trailer bodies, chassis and load floors where weight reduction matters.
Shipbuilding & marine - superstructure panels, gangways, deck beams, wheelhouse structures and engine-room platforms (above waterline).
Machinery & equipment - frames, equipment bases and precision-machined components.
Mould & jig plates - T651 for dimensional stability during heavy CNC work.
General fabrication - brackets, supports and welded assemblies requiring a certified structural grade.
6082-T6 vs 6061-T6 aluminum plate
Both are Al-Mg-Si structural grades and are often compared. The table uses standard minimum values for thin plate; both EN 485-2 and ASTM B209 step guaranteed values down as sections thicken, so always design to the table for your size.
| Property | 6082-T6 (EN 485-2) | 6061-T6 (ASTM B209) | 6063-T6 | 6082-T651 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength, min | 310 MPa | 290 MPa | 215 MPa | 310 MPa |
| Yield 0.2%, min | 260 MPa | 240 MPa | 170 MPa | 260 MPa |
| Elongation, min | 10 % | 12 % | 12 % | 10 % |
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ | 2.70 g/cm³ | 2.70 g/cm³ | 2.70 g/cm³ |
| Elastic modulus | ~70 GPa | ~70 GPa | ~70 GPa | ~70 GPa |
| Weld HAZ strength retained | ~50–60% (Rm) | ~50–60% (Rm) | ~60–70% (Rm) | ~50–60% (Rm) |
| Electrical conductivity | 37–42 % IACS | ~40 % IACS | ~53 % IACS | 37–42 % IACS |
| Mn content | 0.40–1.00% | ≤0.15% | ≤0.10% | 0.40–1.00% |
| Cu / Cr | Cu≤0.10, Cr≤0.25 | Cu≤0.40, Cr 0.04–0.35 | Cu≤0.10, Cr≤0.10 | Cu≤0.10, Cr≤0.25 |
| Primary specification system | EN AW-6082 | AA 6061 | AA 6063 | EN AW-6082 |
| Indicative relative cost (6082=1.0) | 1.0 | 0.9–1.0 | 0.85 | 1.0 |
Source: EN 485-2 (6082-T6/T651), ASTM B209 (6061-T6, 6063-T6) minimum mechanical properties; composition from EN 573-3 / AA registry. Cost index indicative, market-dependent.
6082's standard minimum strength is slightly higher than 6061's in thin plate, but 6061 has wider North-American stock availability and marginally better anodizing uniformity. Choose 6082 where European specifications, machining chips or section corrosion are the driver; choose 6061 where ASTM supply and stock breadth lead.
Available sizes from GNEE (6082 aluminum plate)
| Parameter | Common supply range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 1.5 – 150 mm (plate) | Thin sheet and thick plate on request |
| Width | 1,000 – 2,500 mm | Wider sizes may be available by inquiry |
| Length | 2,000 – 12,000 mm | Cut-to-length service reduces fabrication waste |
| Temper | T6, T651 (O, T4 on request) | T651 for machined parts |
| Surface | Mill finish, brushed, anodized, coated | PE protective film available |
| Standard | EN 485-2 (EN 10204 3.1) or dual EN/ASTM | Confirm in inquiry |
Quality control and mill certificate for 6082 aluminum
Every 6082-T6 plate GNEE ships is checked against the confirmed version of your drawing or order before packing:
Dimensions - thickness, width and flatness measured at multiple points against EN 485-2 / ASTM B209 tolerance.
Alloy & heat traceability - alloy mark and heat number on the plate matched to the Mill Test Certificate (MTC, EN 10204 3.1).
Surface - checked for scratches, oxide and edge condition.
Confirmation nodes - pre-production (alloy/temper/dimensions/standard), in-process (tolerance during cutting), pre-shipment (final dimensions, surface, MTC).
Exception path - any plate failing a check is isolated, re-measured by a second person, then reworked or scrapped; it does not mix with good material, and you are told before shipment.
Third-party inspection (e.g. SGS) can be arranged on request.
Export packaging of 6082 aluminum plate
Plates are packed for long-distance sea freight: edge-protected bundles or wooden crate/pallet, interleaved with moisture-barrier paper and desiccant, eye-to-sky or eye-to-wall per customer preference, with steel strapping and clear markings (alloy, temper, heat no., dimensions, gross/net weight). Mill certificate, packing list and commercial invoice are prepared alongside the shipment. Container loading is planned against piece weight and destination weight limits.
About GNEE
GNEE Aluminum has supplied wrought aluminum products to international buyers since 2008, with shipments to more than 100 countries and regions. For 6082-T6 plate we keep common thicknesses in stock and cut to your drawing, and we support both European (EN 485-2, EN 10204 3.1) and dual EN/ASTM documentation so the certificate matches your project's governing standard. Order quantities are flexible - from a single trial plate to full container loads - and standard stock or cut-to-size plate is typically ready to ship within 15–30 days from order confirmation, with the exact date quoted against your specification. Every lot ships with a traceable Mill Test Certificate, and third-party inspection can be arranged on request. Our technical team helps you select the right temper and tolerance for welded, machined or structural service rather than simply quoting a grade.
FAQ
Is 6082 a European standard aluminum alloy?
Yes. 6082 is a European-grade wrought alloy designated EN AW-6082 (chemical symbol AlSi1MgMn) under EN 573-3. Flat products are supplied to EN 485-2; extrusions to EN 755-2. The closest North-American grade is AA 6061, but they are not contractually interchangeable without the specifier's sign-off.
What is the chemical composition of 6082 aluminum per EN 573-3?
Per EN 573-3, 6082 contains Si 0.70–1.30%, Fe max 0.50%, Cu max 0.10%, Mn 0.40–1.00%, Mg 0.60–1.20%, Cr max 0.25%, Zn max 0.20%, Ti max 0.10%, other elements each max 0.05% (total max 0.15%), balance Al. Its high manganese content distinguishes it from 6061.
What are the mechanical properties of 6082-T6 aluminum plate?
Per EN 485-2, 6082-T6 plate up to 6 mm thick has minimum tensile strength 310 MPa and 0.2% proof stress 260 MPa; elongation min 10%. Strength steps down with thickness - 12.5–100 mm plate has min Rm 295 MPa / Rp0.2 240 MPa. Always confirm against the Mill Test Certificate for the specific thickness.
How much does 6082-T6 aluminum plate weigh?
Weight = thickness (mm) × width (m) × length (m) × 2.70 (density). Per square metre: kg/m² = thickness (mm) × 2.70. A 10 mm × 1500 mm × 3000 mm plate weighs about 121.5 kg; roughly 8.2 such plates make a metric tonne.
Can 6082-T6 aluminum plate be welded?
Yes. Use 4043 or 5356 filler wire (5356 gives the lowest solidification-cracking risk). Never weld autogenously. Note the heat-affected zone loses roughly 50% of T6 strength (Rm retained ~60%, Rp0.2 ~48–52% per Eurocode 9), so design welded joints to post-weld properties.
