Aluminium is one of the most commonly used metals in industrial applications due to its exceptional properties, such as being lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and durable. However, selecting the right aluminium alloy is crucial as it can significantly impact a project’s success. Two of the most popular aluminium alloys used in construction and engineering are 6060-T5 and 6061. But what exactly is the difference between them? In this blog post, we will take a closer look at both alloys and compare them so you can choose the right one for your project needs.
What is Aluminium 6060-T5?
Aluminium 6060-T5 is an alloy composed of aluminium, magnesium and silicon. It has the highest strength-to-weight ratio among the 6000 series alloys available. The alloy provides excellent corrosion resistance, superior electrical conductivity and good mechanical properties when in a T5 temper. In addition, it can be easily machined or welded onto other components due to its low melting point. Aluminium 6060-T5 has applications in construction, transportation industry (e.g., airframes), automotive parts such as wheels and body panels, machine components for power tools and outdoor equipment like lawnmowers and camping stoves due to its durability and lightness.
What is Aluminium 6061?
Aluminium 6061 (“structural aluminium”) is a precipitation-hardened, general-purpose alloy with excellent corrosion resistance. It has good machinability and weldability properties and offers various mechanical properties. Specifically, it has superior strength levels to standard 6063 aluminium alloys, which can be used for heavier-load applications such as aerospace components and structural engineering projects. Furthermore, Aluminium 6061 has outstanding fatigue strength due to its high silicon and magnesium content. It is an ideal choice for constructing aircraft frames or parts exposed to stress frequently over extended periods.
Difference Between Aluminium 6060-T5 and 6061
Find out the differences between two of the most popular forms of aluminium available – Aluminium 6060-T5 and 6061 – to ensure you’re choosing the best material for your next project.
Chemical Composition
The main difference between the two alloys lies in their chemical composition. Aluminium 6060-T5 is an alloy that contains magnesium, silicon, and traces of manganese, iron, and copper. This combination gives it good corrosion resistance, strength, and excellent finishing properties. Aluminium 6061, on the other hand, contains magnesium, silicon, copper, and small amounts of chromium and zinc. This composition has excellent strength, machinability, and welding capabilities, making it ideal for structural applications.
Strength and Hardness
Aluminium 6060-T5 has a minimum tensile strength of 60,000 psi and a Brinell hardness of 55-100. It is moderately strong and stiff but is not recommended for heavy-duty applications. On the other hand, Aluminium 6061 is stronger and harder than 6060-T5, with a minimum tensile strength of 45,000 psi and a Brinell hardness of between 75-145. Its increased strength and hardness make it better suited for heavy-duty applications such as aeroplane wings, automotive components, and rifle barrels.
Machinability
Another significant difference between the two alloys is their machinability. Aluminium 6060-T5 has lower machinability than 6061 but compensates with its excellent finishing properties. Its malleability and ductility give 6060-T5 great formability, making it suitable for architectural and decorative applications. On the other hand, 6061 is easy to machine, which is ideal for manufacturing complex shapes from the material.
Weldability
Welding is a commonly used process in engineering applications, and the two alloys have different levels of weldability. Aluminium 6060-T5 is easier to weld than 6061 due to its low level of copper. Welding 6061 can often result in cracking due to its copper content. If the application involves welding, 6060-T5 is the better choice.
Conclusion
As we have seen, there are differences in chemical composition, strength, hardness, machinability, and weldability between the two most common aluminium alloys, 6060-T5 and 6061. Choosing the correct alloy depends on the specific requirements of the application. Aluminium 6060-T5 is the better option for architectural and decorative applications due to its excellent finishing properties. In contrast, for heavy-duty applications that require higher strength, hardness, and machinability, Aluminium 6061 is the ideal choice. As always, it is essential to consult with experts in the field to ensure that you make the right choice for your project’s success.