6061 (He20) — Aluminium Grade Specification, Properties & Equivalents
6061 (He20) Aluminium Alloy: India
6061 (He20) Aluminium Alloy: India
Chemical Composition of 6061 (He20)
| Element | % |
|---|---|
| Aluminium | Balance |
| Copper | 4.4-6.1 |
| Magnesium | 0.8-1.0 |
| Silicon | 0.7-1.3 |
| Iron | <= 0.35 |
| Manganese | <= 0.15 |
| Chromium | 0.15-0.35 |
| Zinc | <= 0.25 |
| Titanium | <= 0.15 |
| Other (each) | <= 0.05 |
| Other (Total) | <= 0.15 |
Mechanical Properties of 6061 (He20)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Ultimate Tensile Strength | 310 - 370 MPa (T4 temper) |
| Yield Strength | 240 - 290 MPa (T4 temper) |
| Elongation at Break | 12 - 25 % (T4 temper) |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 950 - 1050 HBW (T4 temper) |
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 70 GPa |
Available Forms in India for 6061 (He20)
| Shape | Typical Sizes | Standard Length |
|---|---|---|
| Round Bar | 10mm - 200mm diameter | 6 meters |
| Square Bar | 10mm x 10mm - 100mm x 100mm | 6 meters |
| Flat Bar | 5mm x 50mm - 50mm x 200mm | 6 meters |
| Sheet | 0.5mm - 10mm thickness | 2440mm x 1220mm |
| Plate | 12mm - 100mm thickness | 2440mm x 1220mm |
| Tube (Seamless) | 15mm - 100mm OD, 2mm - 8mm wall | 6 meters |
| Tube (Welded) | 20mm - 150mm OD, 1mm - 5mm wall | 6 meters |
| Extruded Profiles | Custom profiles available | 6 meters |
Real-world Applications of 6061 (He20)
- Automotive: Chassis components, structural parts, truck bodies
- Aerospace: Aircraft frames, wing structures, fuselage parts (non-critical)
- Marine: Boat hulls, decks, railings, marine hardware
- Construction: Architectural elements, window frames, door frames, structural components
- Consumer Goods: Bicycle frames, sporting equipment, electronic enclosures
- Industrial Equipment: Machine frames, tooling, fixtures, conveyor systems
- Transportation: Rail cars, bus frames, trailer chassis
Machinability and Weldability of 6061 (He20)
The 6061 (He20) aluminium alloy offers good machinability in the T4 and T6 tempers. For optimal results when machining 6061 (He20), utilize high-speed steel or carbide cutting tools. Speeds around 150-250 m/min are common for turning operations, with feed rates adjusted based on the specific operation and desired surface finish. Flood lubrication is highly recommended to maintain tool life and improve chip evacuation. Free-machining grades, if available, can further enhance output. Weldability of 6061 (He20) is considered excellent, particularly using Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG) or Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG). Filler materials like 4043 or 5356 are typically used. It is crucial to clean the weld area thoroughly to remove any oxides or contaminants. Post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) to the T6 temper is often performed to restore strength to the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of the 6061 (He20) weldment, although this can introduce distortion. Preheating is generally not required for 6061 (He20) welding, but interpass temperatures should be controlled.Heat Treatment and Processing of 6061 (He20)
The 6061 (He20) aluminium alloy is a precipitation-hardenable alloy, meaning its mechanical properties can be significantly enhanced through heat treatment. The solution heat-treatment (solutionizing) process for 6061 (He20) typically involves heating to 500-520°C, holding for 1-2 hours (or longer for thicker sections), followed by rapid quenching in water. This process dissolves alloying elements into a uniform solid solution. For the T4 temper (solution heat-treated and naturally aged), no further thermal treatment is applied, resulting in moderate strength and good formability. To achieve the T6 temper, the material undergoes artificial aging (precipitation hardening) by heating to 160-175°C and holding for 6-8 hours, followed by air cooling. This significantly increases the strength and hardness of the 6061 (He20) alloy. Normalizing is not applicable to aluminium alloys like 6061 (He20). Annealing of 6061 (He20) involves heating to 410-430°C, holding for 1-2 hours, and slow furnace cooling to achieve its softest state.Sourcing 6061 (He20) in India
Procuring 6061 (He20) aluminium in India is a streamlined process, with major producers like Hindalco, Vedanta Advanced Materials, and Nalco listed among the potential manufacturers. Significant stock is readily available in industrial hubs like Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, and Ahmedabad, catering to fabricators nationwide. Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) for 6061 (He20) typically range from 500 kg to 2000 kg for standard forms like bars and sheets, though custom extrusions might require higher volumes. The price band for 6061 (He20) aluminium, depending on form, temper, and prevailing market conditions, generally falls between ₹250 - ₹350 per kg. Buyers should expect to receive a Material Test Certificate (MTC) as per IS 733 standards with every order, confirming the chemical composition and mechanical properties of the 6061 (He20) supplied. Mill Test Reports (MTRs) are standard for larger quantities.International Equivalents for 6061 (He20)
| Standard | Code |
|---|---|
| IS | H20 |
| ASTM | 6061 |
| EN | AlMg1SiCu |
| JIS | 6061 |
| DIN | 3.3211 |
| AA | 6061 |
FAQs about 6061 (He20)
What is the primary use of 6061 (He20) aluminium?
The 6061 (He20) aluminium alloy is extensively used across various industries due to its excellent corrosion resistance, good strength-to-weight ratio, and excellent weldability. Its primary applications include automotive components, aerospace structures (non-critical), marine hardware, bicycle frames, and architectural elements. The versatility and reliability of 6061 (He20) make it a go-to choice for many fabrication needs in India.
Is 6061 (He20) aluminium suitable for high-temperature applications?
While 6061 (He20) aluminium offers good performance at ambient temperatures, its strength significantly decreases at elevated temperatures above 150°C. Continuous exposure to higher temperatures can also lead to over-aging, further reducing mechanical properties. For high-temperature applications, other aluminium alloys or different materials like stainless steel or titanium are generally recommended over 6061 (He20).
Can 6061 (He20) aluminium be anodized?
Yes, 6061 (He20) aluminium is highly suitable for anodizing. The anodizing process enhances its corrosion resistance and provides an excellent surface for dyeing, painting, or electroplating. This makes 6061 (He20) a popular choice for architectural applications where aesthetics and durability are important. The clear or coloured anodized finishes improve the visual appeal and protective qualities of the component.
What is the difference between 6061-T4 and 6061-T6 (He20) tempers?
The primary difference lies in their heat treatment and resulting mechanical properties. 6061-T4 (He20) is solution heat-treated and naturally aged, offering moderate strength and excellent formability. 6061-T6 (He20), on the other hand, is solution heat-treated and artificially aged, resulting in significantly higher tensile and yield strength but reduced ductility compared to T4. T6 is the most common temper for structural applications of 6061 (He20).
What are the typical mechanical properties of 6061 (He20) in T6 temper?
In the T6 temper, 6061 (He20) aluminium typically exhibits an Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) of 310-370 MPa and a Yield Strength (YS) of 240-290 MPa. The elongation at break is usually between 8-15%. Hardness measured on the Rockwell B scale is around 60-70 HRB. These properties make 6061 (He20) in T6 temper suitable for structural components requiring a good balance of strength and toughness.
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