Key Highlights
- 6010 aluminum alloy has strong corrosion resistance. Because of this, it works well outside and in areas near the sea.
- This aluminum alloy gives a good mix of high strength and low weight. That helps make cars, trucks, and other vehicles more fuel efficient.
- This alloy has good mechanical properties. It is rugged and reliable, making it suitable for structural and industrial jobs.
- This alloy is easy to weld and machine, so it is used for many kinds of work in fabrication and manufacturing.
- This aluminum alloy also has good thermal properties. It stays steady even when the temperature increases or decreases, so it works well in different conditions.
- The alloy contains magnesium, silicon, and zinc. These give the material good formability and help it excel in many uses.
What is 6010 Aluminum Alloy?
6010 aluminum alloy is a heat-treatable member of the 6000 series, primarily composed of aluminum, magnesium, and silicon. It is known for its moderate strength, good corrosion resistance, and excellent formability, making it suitable for various structural and automotive applications.
Key Properties of 6013 Aluminum
The 6010 aluminum alloy is robust, so it can take on heavy loads without bending. The alloy also holds its shape very well when it is stretched or pulled, making it a good choice for tough jobs. This high strength makes it a good choice for many building projects. People know they can rely on this aluminum alloy when working hard.
This alloy stands out with:
- Lightweight Density: Its weight is 2.70 g/cm³, making it light and easy to move or use. This helps you work with it in lightweight structures.
- Solid Strength: The tensile strength is about 340-380 MPa in the T6 temper. This means it has a firm feel when you need it to be sturdy.
- Good Corrosion Resistance: It has good corrosion resistance in mild places. So, it stays strong and does not easily break down over time. This is good for any spot where you want it to last and fight off corrosion.
- Excellent Formability: You can easily shape the metal into sheets or other forms. This is handy for people who want to make custom parts. You get excellent formability with it.
- Good Weldability: It is simple to weld, making it easy for people to take two pieces and put them together, which helps make strong, workable parts.
- Applications: It is used for automotive parts, structure frames, and general extrusions. Its combination of strength, formability, and good corrosion resistance means it works well in many ways.
Property |
Value/Description |
---|---|
Density |
2.70 g/cm³ |
Melting Point |
~570–650°C |
Tensile Strength (T6 Temper) |
~340–380 MPa (estimated) |
Yield Strength (T6 Temper) |
~300–340 MPa (estimated) |
Corrosion Resistance |
Good, suitable for general and mild environments |
Thermal Conductivity |
~155–175 W/m·K (estimated) |
Electrical Conductivity |
~42–48% IACS (estimated) |
Weldability |
Good, supports various welding methods |
Formability |
Excellent for extrusion and sheet forming |
Thermal Expansion Rate |
23.6 × 10⁻⁶ /°C (estimated) |
Chemical Composition of 6010 Aluminum
6013 aluminum is a strong alloy. People use this metal in the aerospace field and for building things. The alloy has magnesium and silicon in it. These give the alloy excellent strength and good corrosion resistance. A small amount of copper and manganese are also in 6013 aluminum. These extra parts help it be easier to weld and make it last longer. Because it has good corrosion resistance and excellent strength, this alloy is often used where the metal can face lots of wear or the risk of corrosion. It’s a good choice if you need something that will hold up well in tough conditions.
Element |
Composition Range (% by weight) |
Description |
---|---|---|
Aluminum (Al) |
94.8 – 97.8 |
The primary component, offering a lightweight and corrosion-resistant foundation. |
Magnesium (Mg) |
0.8 – 1.2 |
Increases strength and enhances resistance to corrosion, ideal for harsh environments. |
Silicon (Si) |
0.6 – 1.0 |
Improves strength and supports easier forming during manufacturing. |
Copper (Cu) |
0.6 – 1.1 |
Boosts strength and improves the alloy’s ability to be welded. |
Manganese (Mn) |
0.2 – 0.8 |
Adds durability and toughness, suitable for high-stress applications. |
Iron (Fe) |
0.5 (max) |
Kept low to maintain corrosion resistance and alloy purity. |
Zinc (Zn) |
0.25 (max) |
Limited to prevent adverse effects on corrosion resistance. |
Titanium (Ti) |
0.1 (max) |
Refines grain structure for improved manufacturing quality. |
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. |
Common Applications
6010 aluminum alloy is used in many industries because it is strong and lightweight. This alloy has good corrosion resistance, so it does not rust easily. Many people use the aluminum alloy for different jobs. The good corrosion resistance helps it last a long time. People like that the alloy can handle wear and still look good after many years. That is why 6010 aluminum alloy material is popular in many fields.
- Transportation Sector: The alloy is used in truck frames, railway cars, and marine vessels. Its use helps them achieve better fuel efficiency while remaining strong.
- Construction Industry: The alloy is used to make window frames, roofs, and outside facades. It is resistant to corrosion and different weather conditions.
- Utility and Power Distribution: The alloy works well for power cables. It is light, has good formability, and moves electricity the way it should. This means energy can be efficiently distributed to people.
- Industrial Equipment: The alloy is used in ladders, scaffolding, and conveyor systems. It is easy to shape, so it is good for things that need to work hard and are used a lot.
- Marine Applications: People use the alloy for boat hulls and dock parts. It does not rust much in saltwater, so it keeps its strength for a long time.
It is now used in many new and creative ways. Because it is flexible, people use it for different things all the time, making it easy for them to try out new ideas.
6010 Aluminum vs. Other Alloys
The 6010 aluminum alloy is not the same as some other alloys. It gives you a good balance of corrosion resistance, strength, and formability. Alloys such as 6061 and 6063 look like they are alike. They both have close strength and are also easy to shape. But 6010 stands out with its chemical composition. This gives the alloy better thermal properties, so it can last more over time. The strong corrosion resistance of this aluminum alloy also allows it to deal with rough conditions better.
Its magnesium and silicon help it withstand stress and bad weather. This makes 6010 a good pick for tough jobs, such as ships and factory equipment.
6010 vs. 6061 vs. 6063 Aluminum
There are clear differences between these aluminum alloys. Each one is made to fit a certain use.
Alloy |
Key Characteristics |
Strength |
Corrosion Resistance |
Weldability |
Typical Applications |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
High strength, heat-treatable, good machinability |
High (T6: ~350 MPa) |
Good |
Good |
Aerospace components, structural parts |
|
Versatile, heat-treatable, balanced strength and formability |
Moderate (T6: ~310 MPa) |
Very Good |
Excellent |
Structural components, marine fittings, general use |
|
Excellent extrudability, smooth surface finish, heat-treatable |
Lower (T6: ~240 MPa) |
Good |
Excellent |
Architectural extrusions, window frames, tubing |
In Summary:
- 6010 Aluminum: The 6010 type is strong, and you can easily shape it. You can use it to make things that need to be tough, like plane parts.
- 6061 Aluminum: The 6061 type is suitable for many things and does not rust or turn bad from corrosion. People often pick this one for building because you can count on it, and it keeps off corrosion,n too.
- 6063 Aluminum: This type is used when you want what you make to look good, like in window frames. You often see it in places where people care about how things look.
Pick 6010 when you need high-strength aluminum for airplanes and other flying machines. Pick 6061 if you want metal that is more flexible and can be used for many jobs. Go with 6063 when you want smooth finishes that look good in building work.
Comparing 6010 T4, T6, and T651 Tempers
The way 6010 aluminum is tempered will change its mechanical properties. When you use a T4 temper, the aluminum undergoes heat. After that, it cools down on its own. This makes the metal stronger and allows it to stretch more. Many people pick this temper if they want something that can bend with ease.
T6 and T651 tempers both get artificial aging after they have a solution heat treatment. These steps help make the alloy harder and stronger, making it suitable for work where tough materials are needed, like building jobs or things in the water. Each type is made for a specific job, so you can pick the one that fits your needs. This way, the alloy works well in different conditions.
Temper |
Key Characteristics |
Strength |
Corrosion Resistance |
Formability |
Typical Applications |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
6010 T4 |
Solution heat-treated, naturally aged, good formability |
Moderate (~290 MPa) |
Good |
Excellent |
Aerospace components, formable parts |
6010 T6 |
Solution heat-treated, artificially aged, high strength |
High (~350 MPa) |
Good |
Moderate |
Aircraft structures, high-strength parts |
6010 T651 |
T6 with stress relief by stretching, high strength, improved stability |
High (~350 MPa) |
Good |
Moderate |
Precision aerospace parts, stress-sensitive applications |
In Summary:
- 6010 T4: This works well to make things for planes that need to be shaped easily and also need some strength.
- 6010 T6: This kind gives high strength, so it is used for aircraft parts that need to be very strong.
- 6010 T651: This has high strength and is made to let out stress, so it gives better accuracy and helps keep parts steady.
Choose T4 if you need the best formability. Pick T6 when you want your job to be strong. T651 is good if you need your parts to be stable and not change when you put stress on them.
Tips for Sourcing 6010 Aluminum
- Verify Quality Certifications: Pick suppliers that have ISO certificates for 6010 aluminum. Check if it follows the common rules like ASTM B209 for both sheet and plate. Linsy Aluminum makes sure all its 6010 aluminum is made to fit these rules. This helps you get the right formability and high corrosion resistance in each piece.
- Assess Manufacturing Capabilities: Choose suppliers who are skilled at rolling and heating the metal. This ensures the same high quality in every batch of 6010 aluminum. Linsy Aluminum always offers 6010 aluminum in T4 and T6 tempers. These types are good when you need solid support and exact work for your project.
- Match Application Requirements: Choose 6010 aluminum when your parts need to be strong, easy to form, and resistant to corrosion. This alloy is great for car or plane parts like body panels or other important bits. Linsy Aluminum offers 6010 alloys made for tough jobs where strength, formability, and protection from corrosion are needed.
- Prioritize Supply Flexibility: Look for suppliers who allow small orders and give strong global shipping options. Linsy Aluminum gives quick deliveries and will provide free samples of 6010 aluminum as needed for your projects.
Why Choose Linsy 6010 Aluminum?
Linsy Aluminum is a trusted name in aluminum products. We use top-quality 6010 alloy, which meets ISO 9001, ASTM B209, GB/T 3190, AMS, and JIS standards. The team has been in this work for over 20 years. We make 300,000 tons of these products every year.
We keep many sheets, plates, extrusions, and profiles. You can get them in many sizes. We help with custom sizes and also with small minimum orders. Our team works hard to send orders fast to over 20 countries. You get good prices and great support after you buy.
Pick the 6010 alloy from Linsy. It is strong and good for cars, planes, and many building jobs. Ask for your free quote now!
Frequently Asked Questions
How is 6010 aluminum alloy different from 6061?
6010 aluminum alloy gives you better corrosion resistance than 6061. This is because there is more magnesium and silicon in the chemical composition of 6010. You get good strength from both alloy options. But 6010 does better when you need it for tough places like on the water or near the sea. The magnesium and silicon in 6010 help it fight off corrosion. So, if you are looking for an aluminum alloy that can handle a lot of corrosion, 6010 is a good one to pick.
Can 6010 aluminum be welded easily?
Yes, you can weld 6010 aluminum alloy. This alloy has good formability and strong mechanical properties. It is also known for its good corrosion resistance, which helps make welding easier. Because the alloy has good corrosion resistance and is strong, people use it a lot in construction and transportation jobs.
What are the best practices for machining 6010 aluminum?
Always use tools that are made to work with aluminum. This helps the tools stay in good condition and last longer. Make sure not to set the cutting speed too low or too high. A good lubricant will help you get good results and better accuracy in your work. The mechanical properties of 6010 help you finish your job faster and well. The properties of this metal also mean you will notice less heat warping and fewer problems from copper.
How does the cost of 6010 aluminum compare to other alloys?
6010 aluminum alloy is a good pick if you want to save money. It does not cost as much as other types of alloy. This aluminum alloy is strong and can last a long time. You get a lot of value from it. That is why people use it in big building and manufacturing jobs.
Where can I purchase 6010 aluminum alloy in the United States?
6010 aluminum alloy is available from suppliers and distributors across the United States. To make sure you always have steady access to good aluminum alloy, choose certified vendors. These vendors check the quality of what they sell and keep enough alloy in stock. This way, you get the alloy you need when you want it.