Aluminum and its alloys play a significant role in the industrial process and day-to-day life due to its softness and malleability. From the little kitchen utensils to the massive construction materials, there plenty of aluminum alloys that can be implemented for such substantial uses. However, when it comes to the matter of architectural, structural, or motor vehicle applications, 6061 aluminum alloy is the prime choice for its wide range of benefits and properties.
Here’s everything you need to know about the aluminum 6061 grade and the reasons behind its popular use.
Properties And Applications
Talking about pure aluminum and other metals, they comprise fixed properties and thus have permanent durability, malleability, strength, and other features. However, the alloys on the other hand are created with the blend of pure metal and two or more metallic elements to end up having an extra-strong and beneficial hybrid structure. This is the reason aluminum 6061 alloy comes up with abundant benefits and is seamless for specific purposes.
6061 aluminum is composed of aluminum, magnesium, silicon, and its metallic elements constitute iron, zinc, copper, chromium, and titanium. As a result of the mixture, 6061 aluminum alloy exhibits the following properties –
- Structural strength and toughness – Medium to High
- Corrosion resistance – Good
- Finishing surface – Good
- Weldability And Brazeability – Good
- Machinability – Good
The efficiency of 6061 aluminum alloy in terms of mechanical and physical properties makes it fit for a vast number of applications. These include welded assemblies, marine frames, furniture, fasteners, heat exchangers, chemical equipment, aircraft, and much more.
Reasons Why 6061 Is Widely Used Grade In The World?
In comparison to other grades of aluminum, 6061 is the widely used grade in various arenas and applications. Available in the form of an aluminum bar, aluminum sheet, aluminum plate, and aluminum angle, it demonstrates bounteous benefits. Have a look.
- Versatility
Aluminum 6061, especially aluminum bars, is the most versatile alloy on the list and can be used for any structural component. Besides, the fact that it possesses greater strength, corrosion resistance, and workability makes it perfect for a broad range of industries such as chemical, aircraft, furniture, and others.
- Heat-Treatable
Grade 6061 is heat-treatable and has the ability to undergo hot forging. Its essence of great formability and weldability makes it a super-beneficial material in the field of engineering and marine applications.
- Toughness
Strength or toughness is the prime factor that decides the efficiency of the alloy to be implemented in specific applications. Since 6061 aluminum alloy comprises a great strength-to-weight ratio, it is better for various applications like flooring, ramps, welding, and a lot more.
Bottom Line
The choice of aluminum alloy impacts the execution in industries, especially where the matter of safety and efficiency are highly concerned. Even though there are a large number of aluminum alloy grades available in the market, opting for 6061 aluminum alloy is a smart idea for ample benefits in engineering, aircraft, and day-to-day life.
