Alloy 6061 Extrusions

Properties & Applications

Aluminium alloy 6061 is a popular choice for many applications due to its excellent properties, including:

• Weldability: 6061 has excellent weldability, making it suitable for welding, brazing, and soldering
• Formability: It has good formability and can be easily shaped into various forms using conventional methods such as bending
• Tensile and fatigue strength: 6061 exhibits high tensile and fatigue strength, which makes it suitable for structural applications that require strength and durability
• Corrosion resistance: It has excellent resistance to corrosion, making it ideal for use in harsh environments
• Machinability: 6061 is also an excellent choice for machining features. It has a high surface quality, which means it can be machined to produce smooth features such as precise pockets and tapped holes with minimal defects. This alloy also has good thermal conductivity, which helps to prevent heat build-up during machining, reducing the risk of damage
• Strength: It is a precipitation-hardened aluminium alloy.

The unique properties of 6061 make it suitable for various applications in several industries. Some of the common applications include:

• Construction: 6061 is widely used in the construction industry for framing, windows and doors, roofing, and cladding
• Automotive: This alloy is also used in the automotive industry for manufacturing components such as suspension systems, wheels, and engine parts
• Shipbuilding: 6061 is highly corrosion-resistant and has excellent strength, making it ideal for use in the shipbuilding industry
• Aerospace: Due to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, a6061 is a popular choice for aircraft and spacecraft components

6061 vs. 6063

While aluminium alloy 6061 is a popular choice for many applications, there is  some confusion as to how it compares to the aluminium alloy 6063. Here's a breakdown of the properties and applications of these two alloys:

Properties:

• Both alloys contain magnesium and silicon as their primary alloying elements, but alloy 6063 also contains a small amount of copper
• Both alloys have excellent corrosion resistance and formability
• 6061 has higher tensile strength than 6063, making it more suitable for applications that require high strength
• 6063 has better extrudability and is easier to shape into complex profiles and shapes than 6061
• 6063 also provides a better surface finish than 6061, making it ideal for applications where aesthetics are important

Applications:

• 6061 is commonly used in the aerospace, automotive, construction, and shipbuilding industries for manufacturing components that require high strength and durability.
• 6063 is mainly used in the construction and architectural industries for manufacturing windows, doors, and other extruded profiles that require complex shapes, designs, and a better surface finish.

In summary, while both aluminium alloys have excellent properties, they have different strengths and are better suited for different applications. Aluminium alloy 6061 is a better choice for applications that require high strength and durability, while aluminium alloy 6063 is ideal for applications that require complex extrusions, shapes, and where appearance is a consideration.

Why Source From The UK?

US companies, alongside companies based in the UK and elsewhere, may want to source aluminium alloy 6061 from the UK for several reasons.

• The popularity of this alloy in the US means demand is extremely high. Sourcing it from the UK can offer a reliable supply chain with tighter turnaround times and competitive pricing
• UK suppliers may have a reputation for quality and reliability, providing US companies with peace of mind when it comes to sourcing high-quality components
• Sourcing from the UK could also provide US / other companies worldwide, with access to a wider range of alloys, including those that are not as readily available in the US, expanding their options for complementary materials

In conclusion, aluminium alloy 6061 is an excellent option for those in need of high-strength extruded products. It's properties - such as weldability, formability, tensile, and fatigue strength - make it a popular choice in construction, automotive, and aerospace component manufacturing.

We can now offer extruded products using aluminium alloy 6061, providing a new reliable and efficient solution for those seeking to source this alloy from the UK. For more information on how to order, please contact us. 

Want to know more about 6061 aluminium? Check out our 6061 Aluminium FAQ's Blog.