Key Highlights
- Exceptional Strength: 6066 aluminum extrusions, mostly in the T6 temper, offer great strength and last a long time. This alloy delivers top performance.
- Corrosion Resistance: This alloy is very resistant to corrosion. It will continue to work even in tough or harsh spots.
- Versatile Applications: 6066 aluminum is used in many areas, such as aerospace and the auto industry. It is the top pick for many structural and mechanical parts.
- Chemical Composition: The alloy contains elements like silicon, magnesium, and manganese. These work together to give it the right amount of strength and allow you to shape it easily.
- Machining Flexibility: It can be used for cutting, welding, and forming. It is easy to make each part the way you want.
Introduction
6066 aluminum is a strong, corrosion-resistant alloy with good mechanical properties, able to handle high stress. It’s widely used in aerospace for critical components like aircraft bodies and wing bars, as well as automotive parts, due to its robustness.
This alloy’s strength comes from the synergy of its chemical components, offering a range of features including durability and pressure resistance. This makes 6066 aluminum extrusions ideal for industries seeking reliable materials for demanding applications. As you continue reading, you’ll discover more about these features, how 6066 aluminum compares to other alloys, and tips for selecting the right extrusions for your needs.
What Is 6066 Aluminum?
6066 aluminum is a premier alloy for extrusion and forging, valued for its strength and corrosion resistance. It falls within the 6000 series, containing silicon and magnesium, enhancing its versatility. Available as profiles, bars, and plates, it complies with stringent standards like ASTM B209 and QQ-A-200/10E, ensuring reliability for enduring applications. Its mechanical properties make it ideal for aerospace applications, including airplane bodies and bulkheads, as well as car frames, defense equipment, and electrical parts. The alloy accommodates various heat treatments like T4, T6, and T651, catering to diverse requirements. Next, we’ll explore its chemical makeup to understand the source of its unique characteristics.
Chemical Composition of 6066 Aluminum
6066 aluminum is a strong alloy that makes shapes and forgings in welded parts. The main things added to this alloy are magnesium and silicon. This alloy has about 0.8% to 1.4% magnesium and 1.0% to 1.8% silicon in it. People know this alloy for its high corrosion resistance and good mechanical properties. A little copper and manganese are also added. These help the alloy to be used in welding and still be strong. 6066 aluminum is used a lot in the car and aerospace industry because it is tough, has good corrosion resistance, and is easy to work with.
|
Element |
Composition Range (% by weight) |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Aluminum (Al) |
94.4 – 97.0 |
The primary component, providing a lightweight and corrosion-resistant base. |
|
Silicon (Si) |
1.0 – 1.8 |
Increases strength and lowers melting point for better fluidity in forming. |
|
Magnesium (Mg) |
0.8 – 1.4 |
Enhances strength and corrosion resistance, ideal for demanding environments. |
|
Copper (Cu) |
0.7 – 1.2 |
Boosts strength and improves weldability for structural applications. |
|
Manganese (Mn) |
0.6 – 1.1 |
Adds toughness and fatigue resistance, supporting high-stress uses. |
|
Iron (Fe) |
0.5 (max) |
Kept low to maintain corrosion resistance and alloy purity. |
|
Zinc (Zn) |
0.25 (max) |
Limited to avoid reducing corrosion resistance. |
|
Titanium (Ti) |
0.2 (max) |
Refines grain structure for improved manufacturing quality. |
|
Chromium (Cr) |
0.4 (max) |
Enhances toughness and wear resistance in small amounts. |
|
Others (each) |
0.05 (max) |
Trace elements, controlled to ensure alloy consistency. |
|
Others (total) |
0.15 (max) |
Total minor elements, kept low to maintain performance. |
Key Properties of 6066 Aluminum
6066 aluminum shines with:
- Lightweight Density: At 2.71 g/cm³, this metal is light and strong. It works well in projects where weight must be kept down.
- High Strength: The tensile strength is around 350–400 MPa, which is higher than in a T6 temper. This makes it good for heavy things that must be strong and hold up well.
- Moderate Corrosion Resistance: It offers some corrosion resistance, so it can be used in many settings. However, it may need to be protected more if it is used in very wet or harsh environments.
- Good Formability: You can shape this metal simply by forging or extruding. It lets you make many types of parts with different or small details.
- Good Weldability: If you have the right tools and learn the skills, you can weld this metal well. This makes sure the parts join together and stay strong.
- Applications: People often use this in aerospace, car parts, and high-strength forgings. It works well when you need forgings or parts with long-lasting power and good corrosion resistance.
|
Property |
Value/Description |
|---|---|
|
Density |
2.71 g/cm³ |
|
Melting Point |
~570–640°C |
|
Tensile Strength (T6 Temper) |
~350–400 MPa (estimated) |
|
Yield Strength (T6 Temper) |
~320–360 MPa (estimated) |
|
Corrosion Resistance |
Moderate, may require coatings in harsh environments |
|
Thermal Conductivity |
~150–170 W/m·K (estimated) |
|
Electrical Conductivity |
~40–45% IACS (estimated) |
|
Weldability |
Good, but may need careful technique |
|
Formability |
Good for forging and extrusion |
|
Thermal Expansion Rate |
23.5 × 10⁻⁶ /°C (estimated) |
6066 Aluminum vs. Other Alloys
6066 aluminum stands out when you compare it to other alloys like 6061, 7075, and 2024. The main point about 6066 aluminum is its good corrosion resistance. This means the metal does well outside and in places with water. 7075, on the other hand, does not have this strong corrosion resistance. 6066 aluminum also gives you a nice mix of strength and the ability to weld easily. Because of this, you may get better results from 6066 than 6061 when you need both strength and weldability to be good.
Industries like aerospace often use 6066 when they want something that works well and can be changed to fit the job. Now, we will look at the details by showing a clear table to compare them.
6066 vs. 6061 vs. 7075 vs. 2024 Aluminum
|
Alloy |
Key Characteristics |
Strength |
Corrosion Resistance |
Weldability |
Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
High strength, heat-treatable, good formability |
High (T6: ~400 MPa) |
Good |
Good |
Aerospace components, structural extrusions |
|
|
Versatile, heat-treatable, balanced strength and formability |
Moderate (T6: ~310 MPa) |
Very Good |
Excellent |
Structural components, marine fittings, general use |
|
|
Exceptional strength, heat-treatable, high fatigue resistance |
Very High (T6: ~570 MPa) |
Moderate |
Poor |
Aerospace, high-stress components, military equipment |
|
|
High strength, good machinability, heat-treatable |
High (T3: ~480 MPa) |
Poor |
Poor |
Aircraft skins, structural aerospace parts |
In Summary:
- 6066 Aluminum: This kind has high strength. It is also easy to shape. A lot of people use it in aerospace to make different parts.
- 6061 Aluminum: This one is good for many uses. It has good corrosion resistance, so it does not rust easily. It is used a lot for general building and is easy to work with.
- 7075 Aluminum: This type has the most strength of all. People pick it for parts that have to feel a lot of stress. You find it in aerospace and the military.
- 2024 Aluminum: This one is very strong, and it is good for making some parts for aircraft. But it has low corrosion resistance, so it does not stop corrosion well.
Pick 6066 when you want high-strength parts that are easy to shape. Use 6061 if you need aluminum that is flexible and works well for many uses. Choose 7075 when you want the most strength. Go with 2024 for aerospace parts that need to be easy to machine.
6066 aluminum is known for its strength and corrosion resistance, which is why many people use it when they want good performance and dependability. Other alloys can be found, but they do not always offer the same flexibility as 6066. Now, we will look at the different temper types of this alloy so you can learn more about how it works.
Comparing 6066 T4, T6, and T651 Tempers
6066 aluminum has several tempers to meet industry needs. The T4 temper offers good toughness, bending without breaking, making it suitable for many aerospace parts like partitions and bulkheads, which require moderate strength.
It is also used for fuel tanks and pipelines, maintaining shape and strength after work. The T6 temper provides the highest strength, capable of handling up to 415 MPa, suitable for critical components like wing supports and engine covers. T651 temper enhances strength and reduces stress, enabling longer lifespan in harsh conditions. Understanding each temper type allows for appropriate selection of 6066 aluminum profiles.
|
Temper |
Key Characteristics |
Strength |
Corrosion Resistance |
Formability |
Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6066 T4 |
Solution heat-treated, naturally aged, excellent formability |
Moderate (~320 MPa) |
Good |
Excellent |
Aerospace components, formable structural parts |
|
6066 T6 |
Solution heat-treated, artificially aged, high strength |
High (~400 MPa) |
Good |
Moderate |
Aircraft structures, high-strength extrusions |
|
6066 T651 |
T6 with stress relief by stretching, high strength, improved stability |
High (~400 MPa) |
Good |
Moderate |
Precision aerospace parts, stress-sensitive applications |
In Summary:
- 6066 T4: This one has good formability. You can shape it for many aerospace parts.
- 6066 T6: It gives high strength. Use it in aircraft structures and extrusions when you need them to be strong.
- 6066 T651: This one also gives high strength and adds stress relief. It helps parts keep their shape and stay stable for aerospace uses.
Pick T4 when you need the part to be shaped. Use T6 if you want it to be strong. Go with T651 for parts that can get stressed easily and need stability.
Tips for Sourcing 6066 Aluminum
- Ensure Quality Certifications: Choose suppliers who have ISO certificates for 6066 aluminum. Check that it meets ASTM B221 rules for extruded alloys. Linsy Aluminum offers 6066 aluminum with good corrosion resistance and strength. This means you can trust it for high-quality jobs and ensure it will follow industry requirements.
- Evaluate Manufacturing Expertise: Pick suppliers who are skilled at extrusion and heat treatment. This will ensure that you get reliable 6066 aluminum. Linsy Aluminum makes 6066 aluminum with the T6 temper. It is a good choice if you need strong mechanical properties in tough places.
- Align with Application Needs: Choose 6066 aluminum when you need it for big jobs. It works well in construction, transportation, and machine building. Linsy Aluminum is skilled at making 6066 alloys for bridges, train frames, and tough gear.
- Secure Efficient Supply Chains: Work with suppliers who let you order with low minimums and deliver worldwide fast. Linsy Aluminum can send 6066 aluminum quickly and give free samples, so you meet your project timing with no worry.
Conclusion
In summary, 6066 aluminum extrusions give you strength, light weight, and flexibility. These things make it good for many different uses. If you learn about the special qualities of 6066 aluminum and find out how it is not the same as other aluminum alloys, you can make better choices for your projects. Whether you work with 6066 aluminum in buildings, cars, or the aerospace industry, it is good to check its temper and chemical makeup. If you want to know more about the good things of 6066 aluminum extrusions, you can ask for quotes from several suppliers. This will help you get the choices that are best for you.
Why Choose Linsy 6066 Aluminum?
As a top name in aluminum, Linsy Aluminum gives you high-quality 6066 alloy. This alloy meets many important standards, like ISO 9001, ASTM B209, GB/T 3190, AMS, and JIS. We have been in this field for more than 20 years. Every year, we can make up to 300,000 tons. You can get sheets, plates, extrusions, and shapes in many sizes. We can also make the size you want and take small orders.
Our team works hard to send your alloy order fast to more than 20 countries. We keep the price good and help you even after you get it. Linsy’s 6066 aluminum is strong and fights corrosion well, making it a good pick for aerospace, car, and building work. Ask for a Free Quote now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common applications of 6066 aluminum extrusions?
6066 aluminum extrusions are often used in the aerospace industry. You will see them in many aircraft parts like fuselages and wing spars. This is because they have good corrosion resistance and strong mechanical properties. They also be used in car frames, electrical parts, and many tools made for use in water. This is because they give good performance and keep corrosion away.
How does 6066 aluminum compare to other aluminum alloys?
6066 aluminum is known for its great corrosion resistance and good performance under stress over time. When you look at it next to other alloy types like 6061 and 7075, it does better with corrosion and can take a lot more use. The mechanical properties of this alloy are a reason it is used so much in the aerospace field. It gives you a metal that is both strong and easy to work with, which is not easy to get from other materials. Many people in aerospace want this balance between corrosion resistance and strong, steady results.
What are the machining specifications for 6066 aluminum?
6066 aluminum is good for many machining jobs. People use it for cutting and forging. It follows ASTM rules. This helps make sure it is high quality. A big reason people use it is because of its great corrosion resistance. This aluminum fits many uses. It works well for things that need to be accurate. People often turn to it for aviation accessories, pipes, and structural parts. The strong resistance to corrosion and meeting ASTM rules help make 6066 aluminum very useful for these jobs.
