6xxx alloys

Description

Aluminium 6xxx alloys are recycled aluminium. They consist of magnesium and silicon as their principal alloying elements. Their strength is improved with heat treatment. Solution treatment followed by either artificial or natural aging allows considerable increasing the yield strength (3-5 times). Ductility of the alloy decreases as a result of the heat treatment. Hardening of the alloys from this group is achieved due to precipitation of the phase Mg2Si occurring during aging. This phase has a fixed ratio between the elements contents (valence compound), therefore amounts of magnesium and silicon in 6xxx alloys are balanced according to this ratio or with an excess of silicon. 

Whilst not as strong as 2xxx and 7xxx alloys, they couple good strength with good formability, weldability, machinability, and fair corrosion resistance. 

6061 aluminum alloy is the most flexible of the heat-treatable aluminum alloys while maintaining most of the excellent aluminum characteristics. This grade has a wide range of mechanical properties and resistance to corrosion. It can be manufactured using common methods and it has excellent workability in the annealed condition. It is welded with all techniques and can be brazed with a furnace. 

Popular applications: 6xxx alloys are popularly used in aircraft and automotive applications, architectural applications, marine, structural materials, and general-purpose applications.