6061 Aluminum Plate

6061 Aluminum Plate

The most popular of the heat treatable aluminum alloys, 6061 aluminum plate is an excellent choice for structural framing and base plates, gussetts, aircraft and automotive parts, hinge pins, magneto parts, and decorative hardware.6061 aluminum plate Its strength, weldability, and corrosion resistance make it ideal for heavy duty structures. 6061 is also relatively affordable compared to other metals.

The first digit of the aluminum alloy designation indicates the primary alloying elements: The number 6061 means that magnesium and silicon are its main constituents.6061 aluminum plate Other alloying elements include copper, chromium, and trace amounts of other elements.

When selecting an alloy, it is important to look at its specific tensile strengths and yield strengths.6061 aluminum plate In general, higher tensile and yield strengths mean greater durability and resistance to damage. The machinability of an alloy is another important attribute to consider, especially when it comes to working with large-scale parts. This characteristic is often determined by the amount of impurities present in an alloy.

Alloys with lower percentages of impurities are usually easier to work and more machinable. The second digit of the aluminum alloy designation indicates the amount of chromium in an alloy. This number is significant because chromium increases the resistance of an alloy to corrosion and oxidation.

Another way to determine which aluminum alloy is best for an application is to review its elongation, or how much the material can stretch before breaking. 6061 is known for its elongation of 16%, which makes it an excellent choice for structural applications.

An important factor to remember when choosing an aluminum alloy is that it will lose a substantial portion of its strength after welding. This loss of strength can be mitigated by using the proper filler material during the welding process. Common filler materials used with 6061 aluminum are 4043 and 5356.

The ability of an alloy to resist cracking under stress is also important. This property of an alloy is typically determined by the tempering process, which involves heating an alloy to a temperature just below its melting point and then rapidly cooling it. The resulting product has improved corrosion resistance and greater tensile strength than the untempered product.

6061 aluminum plate is a great option for fabricating parts and structures because it offers high tensile and yield strengths, good machinability, and great weldability. It is a versatile alloy that can be fabricated using a wide range of methods, including cutting, forming, stamping, drilling, deep drawing, tapping, and milling. To learn more about how to work with this aluminum alloy, contact a Xometry representative today.

Tags:3003 aluminum | 5083 aluminum sheet | 6061 aluminum sheet | 7075 aluminum