6000 Series Aluminium Alloys

Most of the extrusion produced by Goudsmit UK is the 6000 series, which combines aluminium with magnesium and silicon. Goudsmit UK’s 6000 series range of aluminium alloys is available to you in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and also material grades. This combination of elements in the 6000 series allows the alloy to be solution heat treated which improves the alloys strength. Used extensively in welding fabrication, the alloys are supplied in bars, sheets and extrusions. In addition, this range of aluminium alloy is incorporated in a variety of structural components. Characteristics 6000 series commercial aluminium does not promote the strength characteristics of either 2000 or 7000 series alloys; however, the range is one of the most versatile heat-treatable aluminium’s and offers good corrosion resistance and formability with medium strength. Availability and production Our range of 6000 series aluminium alloys include 6060, 6101, 6063, 6005A and 6082. Goudsmit UK use what is known as a direct extrusion process. Cylindrical aluminium alloy billets are heated to a temperature between 450°C and 500°C before being loaded into a container and the billet squeezed through a die using ram pressures of up to 600MPa. Furthermore, the die is supported by a series of back dies and bolsters so that the main press load is transferred to a front platen. On leaving the die the temperature of the section is more than 500°C. Therefore, with heat treatable alloys the quenching or solution heat treatment takes place in the production line. This is done using a water bath with an approximate temperature drop of 250°C across the quench box. However, to avoid distortion care must be exercised in handling the extruded sections. After extrusion, the section is guided down the table by a puller on to a slatted moving belt. Pullers are based on linear motor systems and operate on tables up to 30 meters long. On completion of an extruded length, the section is sheared at the press end and lifted from the slatted table. It is then transferred by a walking beam or multi-belt transfer table to the stretcher bay where it is given a controlled stretch to straighten and remove minor misalignment’s. The section is then taken and cut to length on high speed tungsten carbide tipped saws. If the material is required in the solution heat treated condition T4 it is released at this stage. If the full-strength aged material TS is required, it is given a precipitation treatment before release. Furthermore, in the case of the T5 temper, there is limited cooling at the press exit and the material goes directly to precipitation. 6060 aluminium alloy 6060 is a medium strength heat treatable alloy with a strength slightly lower than 6005A. Having exceptional corrosion resistance, weldability and cold formability especially in temper T4, 6060 is commonly used alloy for very complex cross sections. Applications Typically used for extrusions with complex cross sections and/or requiring anodising: Irrigation, heating and cooling pipes Heat sink sections, electronic modules, electro motor housings Truck and trailer flooring, pneumatic installation, railway, inside applications Flexible assembly systems, special machinery elements 6101 aluminium alloy 6061 is a precipitation-hardened aluminium alloy with good mechanical properties, weldability, and is also very commonly extruded. Additionally, its popularity makes it the common alloy of aluminium for general-purpose use. Applications Automotive parts Construction of aircraft structures Yacht construction 6063 aluminium alloy 6063 is a medium strength alloy commonly referred to as an architectural alloy. It’s normally used in intricate extrusions. Also, due to excellent surface finish, high corrosion resistance, it’s readily suited to welding and can be easily anodised. Applications Extrusions Architectural applications Shop fittings Window frames Irrigation tubing 6005A aluminium alloy Alloy 6005A is a medium strength, heat treatable alloy with excellent corrosion resistance. The alloy has properties between those of alloys 6061 and 6082 and can also sometimes be used interchangeably with these alloys. However, 6005A has better extrusion characteristics and a better mill surface finish. Applications Typically used in applications requiring complex extrusions like: Railway and bus profile structures Tubing for furniture Pylons, platforms and pipelines 6082 aluminium alloy Known as a structural alloy, 6082 is a medium strength alloy with excellent corrosion resistance. Therefore, it has the highest strength of the 6000 series alloys. In plate form, 6082 is the alloy most commonly used for machining. Applications Highly stressed applications Transport applications Cranes Bridges Goudsmit UK To find out more about Goudsmit UK’s extensive range of commercial aluminium alloy products, get in touch on +44 (0)2890 271 001. Or you can also email us at info@goudsmit.co.uk. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook for regular updates.

For more information on 6000 Series Aluminium Alloys talk to Goudsmit Magnetics (UK) Ltd