Sep 13 2012
Topics Covered
IntroductionChemical CompositionPhysical PropertiesMechanical PropertiesThermal PropertiesOther DesignationsFabrication and Heat Treatment Machinability Forming Welding Heat Treatment Cold Working Annealing Aging HardeningApplications
Introduction
Aluminium / Aluminum alloys have good corrosion resistance. The strength of these alloys can be reduced when they are exposed to high temperatures. However, their strength can be increased at subzero temperatures. Aluminium / Aluminum 6101 alloy has good mechanical strength and high electrical conductivity.
The following datasheet will discuss in detail about Aluminium / Aluminum 6101 alloy.
Chemical Composition
The following table shows the chemical composition of Aluminium / Aluminum 6101 alloy.
| Element |
Content (%) |
| Aluminium / Aluminum, Al |
98.9 |
| Magnesium, Mg |
0.60 |
| Silicon, Si |
0.50 |
Physical Properties
The physical properties of Aluminium / Aluminum 6101 alloy are given in the following table.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Density |
2.7 g/cm3 |
0.0975 lb/in3 |
| Melting point |
588°C |
1090°F |
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of Aluminium / Aluminum 6101 alloy are tabulated below.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Tensile strength |
97 MPa |
14069 psi |
| Yield strength |
76 MPa |
11023 psi |
| Elastic modulus |
70-80 GPa |
10153-11603 ksi |
| Poisson's ratio |
0.33 |
0.33 |
Thermal Properties
The thermal properties of Aluminium / Aluminum 6101 alloy are given in the following table.
| Properties |
Conditions |
| T (ºC) |
Treatment |
| Thermal expansion |
23 (10-6/ºC) |
20-100 |
- |
| Thermal conductivity |
218 W/mK |
25 |
T6 |
Other Designations
Other designations that are equivalent to Aluminium / Aluminum 6101 alloy include:
Fabrication and Heat Treatment
Machinability
Aluminium / Aluminum 6101 alloy has good machinability. Oil base lubricant is used to perform machining operations. Carbide or high speed tool steel tooling can be used for machining this alloy.
Forming
Aluminium / Aluminum 6101 alloy can be formed using conventional methods.
Welding
Aluminium / Aluminum 6101 alloy can be welded using all standard welding methods. Inert gas arc welding method is the most preferred method for welding this alloy. The strength of the subsequent parts will be reduced when welded in the heat treated condition.
Heat Treatment
Aluminium / Aluminum 6101 alloy does not react to heat treatment. However, heat treatment can be done by annealing and aging.
Cold Working
Aluminium / Aluminum 6101 alloy can be cold worked in the aged or annealed conditions.
Annealing
Aluminium / Aluminum 6101 alloy is annealed at 413°C (775°F) for 3 h followed by controlled cooling at 10 to 260°C (50 to 500°F) per hour, and cooling in air. Stress relief annealing process can also be performed after cold working at 344°C (650°F) followed by cooling in air.
Aging
Aluminium / Aluminum 6101 alloy can be aged at different temperatures and times based on the finished temper. For example, T6 can be aged at 177°C (350°F) for 20 h, T61 can be aged at 227°C (440°F) for 6 h, and T63 can be aged at 194°C (380°F) for 19 h followed by cooling in air.
Hardening
Aluminium / Aluminum 6101 alloy can be hardened by cold working and aging.
Applications
Aluminium / Aluminum 6101 alloy is used in electrical bus bar conductor applications for enclosed bus electrical installations.