6061 Aluminum Sheet
Width Range: 500mm – 2650mm
Length Options: Customizable
Tempers Available: O, T4, T6, T651
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Product Details of6061 Aluminum Sheet
In the vast world of industrial materials, 6061 aluminum sheet stands out as a true workhorse. Renowned for its exceptional combination of strength, weldability, corrosion resistance, and machinability, this versatile alloy finds its way into an incredible array of applications. Huawei Aluminum, a leading supplier, provides high-quality 6061 aluminum sheet tailored to meet diverse industrial demands.
What Exactly is 6061 Aluminum Sheet?
6061 aluminum sheet is a precipitation-hardened aluminum alloy, with magnesium and silicon as its primary alloying elements. It belongs to the 6xxx series of aluminum alloys, which are known for their good formability, weldability, and moderate strength. The "sheet" designation typically refers to material with a thickness between 0.2mm and 6.35mm (0.008 to 0.250 inches). Material thicker than this is often referred to as 6061 aluminum plate.
The precise control of magnesium and silicon, along with other minor elements like copper and chromium, allows manufacturers to achieve a desirable balance of mechanical properties through heat treatment.
Available Specifications from Huawei Aluminum
| Thickness Range | Width Range | Length Options | Tempers Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.3mm – 150mm | 500mm – 2650mm | Customizable | O, T4, T6, T651 |
We support custom cuts, protective film application, and bulk order logistics with full traceability.
Key Characteristics of 6061 Aluminum Sheet
Understanding the core attributes of 6061 aluminum sheet helps explain its widespread adoption:
Excellent Strength-to-Weight Ratio: 6061 aluminum offers substantial strength while remaining lightweight, a critical factor in transportation and structural applications.
Good Corrosion Resistance: It forms a protective oxide layer, making it resistant to atmospheric and marine corrosion.
Superb Weldability: Engineers can readily weld 6061 aluminum using various techniques, including TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) and MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding.
Good Machinability: Especially in the T6 temper, 6061 aluminum machines well, allowing for complex shapes and fine finishes.
Good Formability: While not as formable as some other alloys (like 3003), 6061 can be formed into various shapes, particularly in annealed (O temper) or T4 temper conditions.
Heat Treatable: Its properties can be significantly enhanced through solution heat treatment and aging processes.
Unpacking the Properties of 6061 Aluminum Sheet
To truly appreciate 6061 aluminum sheet, we need to delve into its specific properties. These properties can vary depending on the temper of the material.
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties define how the material behaves under stress. The T6 temper is the most common for 6061 aluminum sheet due to its optimal strength.
| Property | 6061-O (Annealed) Typical | 6061-T6 / T651 Typical | Unit |
| Tensile Strength | 124 (18,000) | 310 (45,000) | MPa (psi) |
| Yield Strength | 55 (8,000) | 276 (40,000) | MPa (psi) |
| Elongation at Break | 25-30 | 12-17 | % |
| Shear Strength | 83 (12,000) | 207 (30,000) | MPa (psi) |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 30 | 95 | HB |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 68.9 (10,000) | 68.9 (10,000) | GPa (ksi) |
Note: Values are typical and can vary based on specific manufacturing processes and standards. Huawei Aluminum provides material certificates with precise specifications for each batch.
Physical Properties
Density: Approximately 2.70 g/cm³ (0.0975 lb/in³). This low density is a key advantage.
Thermal Conductivity: Around 167 W/m·K. This makes it suitable for heat exchangers and heat sinks.
Electrical Resistivity: Approximately 3.99 x 10^-8 Ω·m. It is a good electrical conductor.
Melting Point: Roughly 582 - 652 °C (1080 - 1205 °F).
Corrosion Resistance
6061 aluminum sheet exhibits good resistance to corrosion in most environments. The presence of magnesium and silicon contributes to the formation of a stable, passive aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) layer on its surface. This layer self-repairs if scratched, protecting the underlying aluminum. While excellent for atmospheric conditions, direct, prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals or specific saline environments might necessitate additional protective coatings or using more specialized marine-grade alloys (like the 5xxx series).
Weldability
One of the significant advantages of 6061 aluminum sheet is its good weldability. Common methods include MIG and TIG welding. When welding 6061-T6, users should be aware that the heat-affected zone (HAZ) will experience a reduction in strength as the temper is locally altered. Post-weld heat treatment can sometimes restore some of this lost strength. Filler wires like 4043 or 5356 are commonly used. Huawei Aluminum can advise on the best practices for welding your specific 6061 aluminum sheet application.
Machinability
In its T6 or T651 temper, 6061 aluminum sheet offers good machinability. It produces well-broken chips and allows for high cutting speeds, leading to good surface finishes. Using appropriate cutting tools, speeds, and lubricants will optimize the machining process. Annealed (O temper) 6061 is gummier and more challenging to machine.
Common Tempers of 6061 Aluminum Sheet
The "temper" designation indicates the hardness, strength, and ductility achieved through mechanical or thermal treatments. For 6061 aluminum sheet, the most prevalent tempers include:
6061-O: Annealed. This is the softest, most ductile state, offering maximum formability but lower strength.
6061-T4 / T451: Solution heat-treated and naturally aged. Offers a good balance of formability and strength, better than -O but not as strong as -T6.
6061-T6 / T651: Solution heat-treated and artificially aged. This is the most common temper, providing the highest strength for 6061 alloy. T651 indicates stress relief by stretching after solution heat treatment and before aging, which improves dimensional stability during machining.
Huawei Aluminum supplies 6061 aluminum sheet in various tempers to suit specific application requirements.
Comparison: 6061 vs Other Common Alloys
| Property | 6061-T6 | 5052-H32 | 7075-T6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | ≥ 290 | ~228 | ~572 |
| Weldability | Excellent | Excellent | Poor |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Very Good | Fair |
| Machinability | Good | Fair | Excellent |
| Cost | Moderate | Low | High |
6061 aluminum sheet balances strength, cost, and workability better than many alternatives.
Diverse Applications of 6061 Aluminum Sheet
The versatility of 6061 aluminum sheet translates into a vast range of applications across numerous industries:
Structural Components: Building facades, roofing, window and door frames, and structural framing due to its strength and corrosion resistance.
Transportation: Automotive parts (chassis components, body panels), aerospace fittings, bicycle frames, railway cars, and marine applications (boat hulls, superstructures).
Consumer Electronics: Casings for laptops, smartphones, and other devices, offering a sleek look and durability.
Machinery and Equipment: Base plates, machine frames, jigs, and fixtures.
Molds and Tooling: Due to good machinability and thermal conductivity.
Piping and Tanks: For handling various fluids where corrosion resistance is important.
Recreational Products: Scuba tanks, fishing reels, and camping equipment.
Why Choose 6061 Aluminum Sheet for Your Project?
The benefits of selecting 6061 aluminum sheet are compelling:
Versatility: Suitable for a wide spectrum of uses.
Reliable Performance: Consistent properties when sourced from reputable suppliers.
Cost-Effectiveness: Offers a good balance of performance and price compared to more exotic materials.
Sustainability: Aluminum is highly recyclable without loss of quality, making it an environmentally sound choice.
Ease of Fabrication: Can be easily cut, bent, welded, and machined.
Sourcing 6061 Aluminum Sheet: The Huawei Aluminum Advantage
When your project demands high-quality 6061 aluminum sheet, partnering with a reliable supplier is paramount. Huawei Aluminum stands as a trusted global provider, committed to delivering excellence.
Quality Assurance: We implement stringent quality control measures at every stage, from raw material sourcing to final product inspection, ensuring our 6061 aluminum sheet meets or exceeds international standards (e.g., ASTM, EN).
Wide Range of Specifications: We offer 6061 aluminum sheet in various thicknesses, widths, lengths, and tempers (including T6, T651, O) to precisely match your project needs. Custom sizes are also available.
Competitive Pricing: Leveraging our efficient production and extensive network, Huawei Aluminum provides competitive pricing without compromising on quality.
Expert Support: Our experienced team offers technical guidance to help you select the optimal 6061 aluminum sheet specifications for your application.
Global Reach: We efficiently ship our aluminum products worldwide, ensuring timely delivery.
Conclusion
6061 aluminum sheet is an indispensable material in modern manufacturing and construction. Its impressive blend of strength, lightness, corrosion resistance, weldability, and machinability makes it a versatile and reliable choice for countless applications.
For your 6061 aluminum sheet requirements, look no further than Huawei Aluminum. We are dedicated to providing top-tier products and exceptional service to help bring your projects to life. Contact us today to discuss your needs and discover the Huawei Aluminum difference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about 6061 Aluminum Sheet
Q1: What is the difference between 6061-T6 and 6061-T651 aluminum sheet?
A1: Both 6061-T6 and 6061-T651 are solution heat-treated and artificially aged to achieve high strength. The "51" in T651 indicates that the material has undergone a stress-relieving process, typically by controlled stretching after solution heat treatment and before aging. This minimizes internal stresses, leading to better dimensional stability during and after machining, reducing warping. Huawei Aluminum stocks both tempers.
Q2: Is 6061 aluminum sheet suitable for outdoor applications?
A2: Yes, 6061 aluminum sheet has good corrosion resistance due to its natural protective oxide layer, making it suitable for many outdoor applications. For very harsh marine environments or prolonged exposure to corrosive chemicals, additional surface treatments (like anodizing or painting) or a different alloy might be recommended.
Q3: Can I bend 6061-T6 aluminum sheet?
A3: While 6061-T6 is strong, it has lower ductility compared to its -O or -T4 tempers. It can be bent, but care must be taken with bend radii to avoid cracking. Larger bend radii are generally required for T6 temper. For complex forming, using 6061 in O or T4 temper and then heat-treating to T6 afterward is a common practice.
Q4: What is the primary use of 6061 aluminum sheet?
A4: Due to its excellent all-around properties, 6061 aluminum sheet has no single "primary" use. It is extensively used in structural applications, transportation (automotive, aerospace, marine), machinery, and consumer products. Its versatility is its key strength.
Q5: How does Huawei Aluminum ensure the quality of its 6061 aluminum sheet?
A5: Huawei Aluminum adheres to strict quality management systems. We source high-purity raw materials, control the alloying and rolling processes meticulously, and conduct thorough testing (chemical composition, mechanical properties, dimensional accuracy) on our 6061 aluminum sheet products. Material Test Certificates (MTCs) are provided with each shipment, guaranteeing compliance with relevant international standards.
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