6061 aluminum alloy is a versatile and frequently used material renowned for its superior mechanical qualities and corrosion resistance. The several tempers of 6061 aluminum, 6061-T651, 6061-T6, and 6061-T6511, each provide distinct advantages customized to certain applications and part geometries. Understanding the differences between these tempers is critical for determining the best material for certain engineering and production requirements.
Aluminum 6061-T6, -T651, and -T6511 Explained
What's 6061-T6?
6061 aluminum alloy is a versatile and frequently used material renowned for its superior mechanical qualities and corrosion resistance. The several tempers of 6061 aluminum, 6061-T651, 6061-T6, and 6061-T6511, each provide distinct advantages customized to certain applications and part geometries. Understanding the differences between these tempers is critical for determining the best material for certain engineering and production requirements.
What's 6061-T651?
The 6061-T651 aluminum alloy is a popular structural aluminum in plate form. It went through the same heat treatment process as T6 to incorporate strengthening precipitates into the material, making it tougher and stronger than the naked alloy. Additionally, the material is stretched following the solution heat treatment. This stress releases the metal, reducing warp and distortion during machining; the '5' represents an additional loss in hardness compared to regular T6. Furthermore, the T651 plate must have a thickness of at least .25".
What's 6061-T6511?
6061-T6511 is an extruded bar or rod that uses the same heat treatment method as T6. It also undergoes a stress-relieving procedure and may be straightened. Extrusions produced to T6511 temper are often certified by the mill to T6 temper using a material certification or mill test report. T6511 is often a less expensive stock than T651.
6061-T651 vs. 6061-T6 vs. 6061-T6511: What Are the Differences?
6061-T651:
Plate stock is usual. Cold-finished bars are also designated as T651.
The highest strength of the three is attributable to extra cold working (stretching) during processing.
Because of the additional cold processing, the material is less formable and workable than the others.
Used in severe structural applications that require optimum strength.
Over broad, flat part designs, the low residual stress ensures dimensional stability and reduces warp risk.
The homogeneous grain structure gives a uniform appearance and polish.
6061-T651 is the most adaptable 6061 alloy stock due to its wide range of sizes and mechanical qualities. The trade-off is greater prices as compared to other alloy tempers.
6061-T6:
Sheet stock. The maximum thickness is often less than 0.25".
Medium strength level: stronger than bare 6061, but not as strong as T651.
More practical than T651.
T6511 extruded bar can frequently be dual-certified to meet T6 temper.
Good combination of strength and formability for a wide range of common applications, although available stock sizes are restricted.
6061-T6511:
Extruded rod or bar stock.
The most formable and workable of the many 6061 alloy tempers.
Useful for turned aluminum items and general machining if T651's hardness, size availability, and stability are not required.
T6511's available width decreases when it becomes thicker than one inch. The maximum width is often less than 15 inches.
6061-T6 and T6511 Interchangeability
These tempers may be dual-certified, as shown on material certifications. Because of the variations mentioned above, orders for 6061-T6 may be made from 6061-T6511 but not 6061-T651.
What Should I Select on a GNEE Quote?
GNEE's 6061 aluminum options are set to Aluminum 6061-T6x (Best Available), which provides the most flexibility for aluminum 6061 in the specified geometry. If a specific alloy is specified and available, such as Aluminum 6061-T651 Plate or Aluminum 6061-T6/T6511 Bar/Rod, please pick it directly.
Other alloys that are not listed can be added by using the Custom or Other Material option. This requires the quote to be submitted for manual evaluation, which usually takes less than a business day!
