Aluminum Alloy 6010 (UNS A96010)
Aluminum 6010 is a wrought aluminum alloy that is commonly used in the manufacturing of automotive and structural components. It is part of the 6xxx series of aluminum alloys, which are heat-treatable and contain magnesium and silicon as the primary alloying elements.
| Chemical Composition | ||
|---|---|---|
| Element | Min | Max |
| Aluminum | 95.3% | 98.3% |
| Chromium | —— | 0.1% |
| Copper | 0.15% | 0.6% |
| Iron | —— | 0.5% |
| Magnesium | 0.6% | 1.0% |
| Manganese | 0.2% | 0.8% |
| Silicon | 0.8% | 1.2% |
| Titanium | —— | 0.1% |
| Zinc | —— | 0.25% |
| Residuals | —— | 0.15% |
The following table provides a list of aluminum 6010 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.
Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.
| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Density | 2710 kg/m3 |
| Mechanical Properties | Metric |
| Tensile Strength | 290 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 170 MPa |
| Young’s Modulus (E) | 69 GPa |
| Shear Modulus (G) | 26 GPa |
| Elongation at Break | 24% |
| Poisson’s Ratio (ν) | 0.33 |
| Brinell Hardness | 78 HB |
| Thermal Properties | Metric |
| Melting Point | 585 - 649 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 160 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity (Cp) | 890 J/kg·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL) | 2.15×10-5 1/°C |
| Electrical Properties | Metric |
| Electrical Conductivity | 2.55×107 S/m |
| Electrical Resistivity | 3.9×10-8 Ω·m |
The values in this table are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as the specific manufacturing process and heat treatment applied to the alloy.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Aluminum 6010
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| High strength | Limited availability |
| Good weldability | Limited heat treatability |
| Corrosion resistance | High cost |
| Lightweight | |
| Formability |
Applications of Aluminum 6010
Aluminum 6010 is a versatile alloy that finds applications in various industries. Some common applications of Aluminum 6010 include:
- Automotive industry: Aluminum 6010 is used in the automotive industry for structural components, such as chassis frames, body panels, and crash management systems. Its high strength-to-weight ratio and good formability make it suitable for lightweighting vehicles and improving fuel efficiency.
- Aerospace industry: Aluminum 6010 is utilized in the aerospace industry for structural components, including aircraft fuselages, wings, and landing gear parts. Its strength and corrosion resistance, combined with its lightweight properties, make it an attractive choice for aircraft manufacturing.
- Marine industry: Due to its corrosion resistance and strength, Aluminum 6010 is employed in the marine industry for boat building, ship structures, and offshore equipment. It can withstand harsh marine environments and offers weight reduction advantages for improved performance.
- Construction industry: Aluminum 6010 is used in the construction industry for applications such as building facades, roofing, window frames, and structural components. Its combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and formability allows for the creation of durable and aesthetically appealing structures.
- Sporting goods: Aluminum 6010 is employed in the production of sporting goods such as bicycles, baseball bats, and tennis racquets. Its high strength enables the construction of lightweight equipment that offers excellent performance characteristics.
- Industrial equipment: Aluminum 6010 is used in the manufacturing of industrial equipment, including machinery frames, conveyor systems, and storage tanks. Its strength and corrosion resistance make it suitable for heavy-duty applications.
- Electrical industry: Aluminum 6010 is utilized in electrical conductors, particularly for overhead power transmission lines. Its high conductivity and light weight make it an efficient choice for transmitting electricity over long distances.