Aluminium has become one of the most commonly used metals in different industries. Its unique properties make it suitable for manufacturing products in construction, transportation, aerospace, electronics, etc. Every alloy of aluminium has specific properties that make it stand out for specific purposes. Aluminium 2618 and 6061 are two commonly used alloys of aluminium in the industry. This blog post will explore the differences between the two alloys to help you understand which might be best for your needs.
What is Aluminium 2618?
Aluminium 2618 is one of the most commonly used alloys in the aerospace industry. It has a combination of strength, flexibility, and fracture toughness, making it suitable for manufacturing aircraft parts. The alloy comprises aluminium, copper and magnesium, which are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and anti-heat.
What is Aluminium 2618?
Aluminium 6061, on the other hand, is a widely used alloy for structural purposes in different industries. It mainly comprises aluminium, magnesium, and silicon, making it easy to weld, bend or cut.
Difference Between Aluminium 2618 and 6061
Aluminium 2618 and 6061 differ in composition, strength, hardness, formability and weldability. The primary alloying elements in 2618 are copper and magnesium, while those in 6061 are magnesium and silicon. In general, Aluminium 2618 is stronger yet less malleable than 6061 due to its higher copper content. It is used primarily for high-strength applications such as aerospace components or auto racing parts, whereas 6061 has greater workability and is well-suited for welding and machining for many structural components requiring lightweight and good strength.
Tensile Strength
Regarding tensile strength, Aluminium 2618 has a higher tensile strength than 6061. Tensile strength is the maximum stress a material can handle before it fractures or breaks. For instance, Aluminium 6061 has a tensile strength of 45,000 PSI, whereas Aluminium 2618 has a tensile strength ranging from 68,000 PSI to 74,000 PSI. Therefore, Aluminium 2618 is the best option for components that require high tensile strength, like aircraft landing gears, engine pistons, and hydraulic systems.
Machinability
Another significant difference between the two alloys is in their machinability. Aluminium 2618 has poor machinability compared to Aluminium 6061. Machinability refers to the ability of a material to be cut, drilled, or milled without damaging the machinery tool. If you are looking for an alloy that is easy to machine, Aluminium 6061 is the perfect fit. It is often used in the automobile industry to produce engine parts, radiators, and housings because of its excellent machinability.
Corrosion Resistance
In terms of corrosion resistance, both alloys have excellent properties. However, Aluminium 6061 is slightly better at resisting corrosion than Aluminium 2618. Aluminium 6061 has a protective oxide layer on its surface that prevents it from rusting or corroding, whereas Aluminium 2618 requires an anodizing process to improve its corrosion resistance. If you are looking for an alloy that resists corrosion without further treatment, Aluminium 6061 is a better option.
Cost
Regarding cost, Aluminium 6061 is relatively cheaper than Aluminium 2618. Aluminium 2618 requires a more complex process for its production, making it more expensive than Aluminium 6061. Therefore, if you are looking for an affordable option, Aluminium 6061 is the best choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the differences between Aluminium 2618 and 6061 mainly lie in their specific properties, tensile strength, machinability, corrosion resistance, and cost. Aluminium 2618 is perfect for high tensile strength applications in the aerospace industry, while Aluminium 6061 fits the bill for automotive parts or any applications that require easy machining. The choice of which alloy to use ultimately depends on your specific needs and the requirements of your application.
