Aluminum Alloy 6060 (UNS A96060)
Aluminum 6060 is a widely used alloy in the 6000 series of aluminum alloys. It is often used in architectural and structural applications, including window frames, door frames, railings, and lightweight structural components.
| Chemical Composition | ||
|---|---|---|
| Element | Min | Max |
| Aluminum | 97.9% | 99.3% |
| Chromium | —— | 0.05% |
| Copper | —— | 0.1% |
| Iron | 0.1% | 0.3% |
| Magnesium | 0.35% | 0.5% |
| Manganese | —— | 0.1% |
| Silicon | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Titanium | —— | 0.1% |
| Zinc | —— | 0.15% |
| Residuals | —— | 0.15% |
The following table provides a list of aluminum 6060 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.
Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.
| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Density | 2700 kg/m3 |
| Mechanical Properties | Metric |
| Tensile Strength | 140 - 230 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 70 - 180 MPa |
| Young’s Modulus (E) | 70 GPa |
| Shear Modulus (G) | 26 GPa |
| Elongation at Break | 9 - 16% |
| Poisson’s Ratio (ν) | 0.33 |
| Brinell Hardness | 60 HB |
| Thermal Properties | Metric |
| Melting Point | 650 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 210 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity (Cp) | 900 J/kg·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL) | 2.34×10-5 1/°C |
| Electrical Properties | Metric |
| Electrical Conductivity | 3.1×107 S/m |
| Electrical Resistivity | 3.2×10-8 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 6060
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Lightweight | Limited hardness |
| Good strength-to-weight ratio | High cost |
| Excellent corrosion resistance | Lower melting point |
| High formability | |
| Good weldability |
Applications of Aluminum 6060
Aluminum 6060 finds application in various industries due to its favorable combination of properties. Here are some common applications:
- Architectures and Constructions: Aluminum 6060 is widely used in architectural and construction projects. It is utilized for window frames, door frames, curtain walls, partitions, roofing, and siding. The alloy’s lightweight nature, corrosion resistance, and excellent formability make it suitable for these applications.
- Structural Components: Aluminum 6060 is employed in the fabrication of lightweight structural components. It is utilized for constructing frameworks, supports, trusses, and beams in buildings, bridges, and infrastructure projects where strength and weight reduction are desired.
- Transportation: The automotive and aerospace industries utilize aluminum 6060 for various applications. It can be found in the production of lightweight car parts, such as body panels, chassis components, and interior trim. In the aerospace sector, it may be used in the construction of aircraft interiors and non-structural components.
- Electrical Conductors: Aluminum 6060 is sometimes employed in the manufacturing of electrical conductors, such as bus bars and wiring systems. Its excellent conductivity and formability make it suitable for carrying electrical currents efficiently.
- Furniture and Decorative Items: The alloy’s aesthetic appeal, combined with its lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties, make it popular for furniture and decorative items. Aluminum 6060 is used in the production of chairs, tables, shelves, lighting fixtures, and other decorative pieces.
- Industrial Equipment and Machinery: Aluminum 6060 is utilized in various industrial equipment and machinery applications. It can be found in the construction of frames, supports, enclosures, and components for equipment used in manufacturing, material handling, and automation.