About 6xxx Series Aluminum Alloys
The 6xxx series aluminum alloys are widely recognized for their versatility. These alloys are heat-treatable, highly formable, and easy to weld, while offering moderately high strength combined with excellent corrosion resistance.
Alloys in this series primarily contain magnesium and silicon, which combine to form magnesium silicide (Mg₂Si), providing enhanced mechanical performance and durability. Because of these advantages, 6xxx series extrusions are the preferred choice for architectural and structural applications.
Among them, 6061 aluminum alloy is the most commonly used grade and is widely applied in truck frames and marine structures. In addition, well-known consumer products, such as the iPhone 6 enclosure, were manufactured using 6xxx series aluminum extrusions.
At GNEE, 6xxx series aluminum alloys are supplied to meet both industrial and high-end architectural requirements.
6060-T5 Aluminum Alloy Characteristics
6060-T5 aluminum is suitable for complex extruded profiles requiring light to medium strength. It offers:
Excellent corrosion resistance
Smooth and consistent surface quality
Outstanding anodizing performance
These characteristics make 6060-T5 ideal for applications where appearance and durability are equally important.
Applications of 6060-T5 Aluminum Alloy
6060-T5 aluminum alloy is classified as a non-structural grade and is commonly used in applications such as:
Pipes and tubing
Railings and handrails
Furniture frames
Architectural extrusions, including glazing bars and window frames
General-purpose aluminum extrusions
GNEE supplies 6060-T5 aluminum profiles tailored for architectural and decorative uses.
Technical Specifications of 6060-T5 Aluminum
The guaranteed minimum mechanical properties of 6060-T5 are equivalent to those of 6063-T5 aluminum alloy. Therefore, for design and engineering reference, the 6063-T5 data listed in AS 1664 can be applied to 6060-T5 aluminum.
6060-T5 Aluminum Physical Properties
| Property | Metric Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ |
6060-T5 Aluminum Mechanical Properties
| Property | Metric Value |
|---|---|
| Brinell Hardness | 60 |
| Knoop Hardness | 83 |
| Vickers Hardness | 70 |
| Ultimate Tensile Strength | 186 MPa |
| Yield Tensile Strength | 145 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 22% |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 68.9 GPa |
| Poisson's Ratio | 0.33 |
| Fatigue Strength | 68.9 MPa |
| Shear Modulus | 25.8 GPa |
| Shear Strength | 117 MPa |
Electrical Properties of 6060-T5 Aluminum
| Property | Metric Value |
|---|---|
| Electrical Resistivity | 0.00000316 ohm·cm @ 20 °C |
Thermal Properties of 6060-T5 Aluminum
| Property | Metric Value |
|---|---|
| Linear CTE | 23.4 µm/m·°C |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 0.900 J/g·°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 209 W/m·K |
| Melting Point Range | 616 – 654 °C |
| Solidus Temperature | 616 °C |
| Liquidus Temperature | 654 °C |
Processing Properties of 6060-T5 Aluminum
| Property | Metric Value |
|---|---|
| Annealing Temperature | 413 °C |
| Solution Heat Treatment Temperature | 521 °C |
| Aging Temperature | 182 °C |
Chemical Composition of 6060-T5 Aluminum Alloy
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | ≤ 97.5 |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.45 – 0.90 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.20 – 0.60 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.35 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.10 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 0.10 |
| Chromium (Cr) | ≤ 0.10 |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤ 0.10 |
| Titanium (Ti) | ≤ 0.10 |
| Other (Each) | ≤ 0.05 |
| Other (Total) | ≤ 0.15 |
