Key Highlights
- Aerospace alloy: 6013 aluminum is widely used in aerospace because it has high strength and is very durable.
- Corrosion resistance: This alloy is excellent at resisting corrosion, making it ideal for harsh environments.
- Structural versatility: Its formability allows this alloy to be used in structural and hydraulic applications.
- Unique composition: It contains magnesium, silicon, copper, and manganese, which enhance its special properties.
- Thermal efficiency: The alloy has excellent thermal features, making it suitable for high-temperature situations.
- Multiple tempers: It is available in T4, T6, and T651 tempers, which meet various specifications and uses.
What Is 6013 Aluminum?
6013 aluminum is a metal alloy used for places that need strength and corrosion resistance. Its important parts are magnesium, silicon, copper, and manganese, which make it strong and trustworthy. The alloy looks silverish-white, which shows its metal features.
Industries like 6013 aluminum because it can handle pressure well, is easy to shape, and resists various environmental conditions. This material is commonly found in aerospace, machine parts, and hydraulic systems. Its versatile nature allows it to be used in many areas. Whether fixing structural issues or creating accurate parts, its special features make it a top choice among aluminum alloys.
Chemical Composition of 6013 Aluminum
6013 aluminum is a special material. It is helpful in many ways. It is made up of 94.8-97.8% aluminium. It also has some other important elements. These are magnesium (0.80-1.2%), silicon (0.60-1%), and copper (0.60-1.1%). These elements make the material strong. There is also manganese (0.20-0.80%) in it. This helps add strength and toughness to the alloy.
|
Element |
Composition Range (% by weight) |
|---|---|
|
Aluminum (Al) |
94.8 – 97.8 |
|
Magnesium (Mg) |
0.8 – 1.2 |
|
Silicon (Si) |
0.6 – 1.0 |
|
Copper (Cu) |
0.6 – 1.1 |
|
Manganese (Mn) |
0.2 – 0.8 |
|
Iron (Fe) |
0.5 (max) |
|
Zinc (Zn) |
0.25 (max) |
|
Titanium (Ti) |
0.1 (max) |
|
Chromium (Cr) |
0.1 (max) |
|
Others (each) |
0.05 (max) |
|
Others (total) |
0.15 (max) |
Key Properties of 6013 Aluminum
The 6013 aluminum alloy is a strong and reliable choice. It is especially good for tasks that require a lot from the material.
This alloy stands out with:
- Lightweight Density: At 2.71 g/cm³, it keeps buildings light and strong.
- High Strength: With a tensile strength of up to 410 MPa in T6 temper, it carries heavy loads easily.
- Good Corrosion Resistance: This material remains strong in harsh environments like the sea and aerospace.
- Solid Formability: It is easy to shape for detailed parts such as aircraft or frames.
- Moderate Weldability: You can weld it carefully, making it useful for various projects.
- Applications: It is perfect for aerospace parts, car parts, and other needs that require high strength and lightweight.
|
Property |
Value/Description |
|---|---|
|
Density |
2.71 g/cm³ |
|
Melting Point |
~570–640°C |
|
Tensile Strength (T6 Temper) |
~380–410 MPa |
|
Yield Strength (T6 Temper) |
~350–370 MPa |
|
Corrosion Resistance |
Good, suitable for aerospace and marine use |
|
Thermal Conductivity |
~150–170 W/m·K |
|
Electrical Conductivity |
~40–45% IACS |
|
Weldability |
Moderate, requires careful technique |
|
Formability |
Good for extrusion and forging |
|
Thermal Expansion Rate |
23.5 × 10⁻⁶ /°C |
Advances in 6013 Aluminum Applications
Innovations in 6013 aluminum have made it very helpful in many industries. This alloy is excellent because it has strong corrosion resistance. This feature makes it a reliable choice for structural applications in marine and architectural designs. Its high strength-to-weight ratio and good formability let us create complex machine parts and components for hydraulic applications. The aerospace industry also uses 6013 aluminum more for munitions and valves. They trust its strength, durability, and thermal stability, which expand its use even further.
6013 Aluminum vs. Other Alloys
6013 aluminum alloy is special because it combines strength, resistance to corrosion, and easy machining. Compared to standard alloys like 6061 and 7075, 6013 offers better formability, making it great for structural applications. Its strong corrosion resistance is a big plus in moisture or harsh chemicals environments.
7075 is stronger, but 6013 is better for lightweight needs while remaining strong. It has special features that help it perform well in challenging industries.
6013 vs. 6061 vs. 7075 vs. 2024 Aluminum
Here’s how 6013 compares against popular alloys:
|
Alloy |
Key Composition |
Tensile Strength (MPa) |
Corrosion Resistance |
Weldability |
Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Al, 0.6-1.0% Si, 0.8-1.2% Mg, 0.6-1.1% Cu |
350-400 (T6 temper) |
Good |
Good |
Aerospace structures, automotive parts |
|
|
Al, 0.8-1.2% Mg, 0.4-0.8% Si |
240-310 (T6 temper) |
Very Good |
Excellent |
Marine frames, bike frames, general structural |
|
|
Al, 5.1-6.1% Zn, 2.1-2.9% Mg, 1.2-2.0% Cu |
500-570 (T6 temper) |
Poor |
Poor |
Aerospace components, high-strength parts |
|
|
Al, 3.8-4.9% Cu, 1.2-1.8% Mg |
400-480 (T3/T4 temper) |
Poor |
Poor |
Aircraft skins, structural aerospace parts |
6013 offers good formability and strength and a nice balance. However, this is not the same as 6061’s flexibility, 7075’s toughness, or 2024’s ability to resist wear under pressure.
In Summary:
- 6013 Aluminum: This aluminum is great for aerospace. It has high strength and can resist fatigue.
- 6061 Aluminum: This type is very flexible. It resists corrosion and is suitable for various structural needs.
- 7075 Aluminum: Known for its high strength, this aluminum is perfect for demanding aerospace and military applications.
- 2024 Aluminum: It is strong for aircraft structures but does not do well against corrosion.
Choose 6013 for airplane parts that need to resist wear. Use 6061 for flexible parts for everyday use. Select 7075 for the strongest parts. Use 2024 for aircraft parts that are easy to machine.
Comparing 6013 T4, T6, and T651 Tempers
There are several types of 6013 aluminum, such as T4, T6, and T651. Each type serves specific purposes, differs in processing, and provides different benefits for various uses.
The T4 temper is easy to shape, making it great for creating detailed machine parts that fit into complex designs. Its softer state allows for simpler shaping and machining. On the other hand, the T6 temper gets stronger through artificial aging. This added strength makes it a top choice for structural applications.
The T651 temper is strong for hard tasks and fights against rust. It finds a good balance between being simple to shape and tough, which makes it great for areas with strict regulations. When determining what is required, engineers choose from these tempers to achieve the best outcomes.
|
Temper |
Key Characteristics |
Strength |
Corrosion Resistance |
Formability |
Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6013 T4 |
Solution heat-treated, naturally aged, good formability |
Moderate (~310 MPa) |
Good |
Excellent |
Aerospace components, formable parts |
|
6013 T6 |
Solution heat-treated, artificially aged, high-strength |
High (~390 MPa) |
Good |
Moderate |
Aircraft structures, high-strength parts |
|
6013 T651 |
T6 with stress relief by stretching, high strength, improved stability |
High (~390 MPa) |
Good |
Moderate |
Precision aerospace parts, stress-sensitive applications |
Tips for Sourcing 6013 Aluminum
- Ensure Industry Certifications: Choose suppliers that have ISO-certified 6013 aluminum. It should follow AMS 4216 standards for top-level quality in aerospace. Linsy Aluminum offers certified 6013 aluminum, known for its high strength and resistance to corrosion, making it ideal for tough jobs.
- Evaluate Manufacturing Capabilities: Find suppliers that are skilled in precise rolling and heat treatment. They need to provide the steady 6013 aluminum properties you require. Linsy Aluminum produces 6013 aluminum in T4/T6 tempers, which are great for strong structural parts.
- Match Application Demands: Use 6013 aluminum for aerospace, automotive, or detailed structural projects requiring a high strength-to-weight ratio. Linsy Aluminum specializes in 6013 alloys, perfect for aircraft bodies, car panels, and complicated structures.
- Secure Reliable Supply Chains: Select suppliers with flexible minimum order amounts and fast worldwide shipping. Linsy Aluminum promises quick delivery of 6013 aluminum and offers free samples to help you stay on schedule with your projects.
Get your high-quality 6013 aluminum from Linsy Aluminum. Contact us today for a free quote!
Conclusion
In summary, 6013 aluminum is unique because it has several qualities that make it useful in many fields. These include its use in structural parts and marine environments. Understanding its features, benefits, and limitations can help you make a good choice when selecting this material. As you explore the different temper options, remember that choosing the right one can greatly impact how your projects perform and how long they last. If you want to use 6013 aluminum, you can get quotes from suppliers to find the best choice for you.
Why Choose Linsy 6013 Aluminum?
As a trusted leader in aluminum manufacturing, Linsy Aluminum provides premium 6013 alloy, certified to ISO 9001, ASTM B209, GB/T 3190, AMS, and JIS standards. With 20 years of expertise and a 300,000-ton annual production capacity, we offer a vast inventory of sheets, plates, extrusions, and profiles in diverse sizes, supporting custom dimensions and low MOQs. Our expert team ensures rapid delivery to 20+ countries, competitive pricing, and reliable after-sales support. Choose Linsy’s high-strength, corrosion-resistant 6013 aluminum for aerospace, automotive, and structural applications. Get a Free Quote today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of using 6013 aluminum?
6013 aluminum is strong and resists corrosion well. It can be easily shaped and is lightweight. Its toughness and how easy it is to machine make it a preferred aerospace alloy. This alloy creates reliable parts where precision and strength are important.
How does 6013 aluminum compare to 6061 aluminum?
The 6013 aluminum alloy is very useful. It is better than 6061 aluminum for corrosion resistance and strength. It is easier to shape, making it great for detailed designs. However, 6061 has a small advantage in thermal environments. It is also more common for many uses.
Can 6013 aluminum be used in aerospace applications?
Yes, the 6013 alloy is an aerospace alloy. This means it is a good choice for tasks that need high strength and corrosion resistance. It also follows strict specifications. Its ability to be shaped makes it great for detailed engineering. This is very important for parts designed for tough conditions.
Can 6013 aluminum be welded?
Yes, 6013 aluminum can be welded if it meets the right specifications for thermal or structural needs. Its good corrosion resistance and ability to be shaped help create strong connections in places like hydraulics, aerospace frames, and machine parts.
