6061 Aluminum Coil is a popular choice of manufacturers for general-purpose and construction applications. Its primary alloying elements include 1% magnesium and 0.6% silicon. High corrosion, cracking, and stress resistance make it valuable to various industries.
It is commonly used to construct aircraft structures like fuselages and wings, yacht and small utility boats, flashlights, scuba tanks, high-pressure gas storage cylinders, aluminum cans, and automotive parts.
What does the 6061 mean in the aluminum coil?
6061 is the designated grade for precipitation-hardened aluminum alloy. It was developed in 1935 and was originally known as “Alloy 61S”. Its chemical composition is 95.85% aluminum, 0.80% Manganese, 0.40% Silicon, 0.15% Copper, and 0.04% Chromium.
Its mechanical properties vary depending on the heat treatment or temper of the material. The combination of silicon and magnesium allows the 6061 aluminum coil to withstand heat treatment and attain a higher strength level.
Properties of 6061 Alloy Aluminum Coil
- Lightweight: Aluminum is a light metal perfect for cabling and wiring applications. It eliminates the use of supporting structures, making it a cost-effective solution. Using a 6061 aluminum coil increases payload and improves the fuel economy of both transportation and automotive industries.
- Resistant to corrosion: This material offers high resistance against corrosion due to harsh environmental elements such as moisture, oxygen, and chemicals.
- Versatile and formable: It is ideal for thinner applications like making kitchen coil and for more durable applications, including creating aircraft or military armor. And while it has 13 KSI tensile strength, it can be strengthened up to 100 KSI by adding alloying elements or subjecting it to cold working methods. This makes the 6061 aluminum coil a good material for structural applications.
6061-O vs. 6061-t6
6061-O (annealed) is a pre-tempered grade aluminum coil with a 150 MPa or 22 KSI maximum tensile strength. It yields 83 MPa (12 KSI) to 110 MPa (16 KSI). This aluminum material has 10-18% elongation or stretch. The alloy is usually heated for 2-3 hours at 415 °C to achieve the desired annealed condition.
6061-T6 grade aluminum coil is artificially aged and solutionized to deliver the maximum yield strength. With a minimum yield strength of 240 MPa (35 KSI) and ultimate tensile strength of 290 MPa (42 KSI), it has a good-strength-to-weight ratio.
T6 refers to the degree or temper of hardness attained through precipitation hardening. It is one of the common materials that is used for structural and engineering applications. It offers excellent weldability and formability.
