OnlineMetals.com - Guide to 6000 Series Aluminum | Materials Talk Series

Welcome to the Online Metals "Materials Talk" series. This video dives deeper into aluminum alloys, more specifically, the 6000 series alloys more commonly used today. 6061 aluminum is the most commonly used aluminum alloy. Primarily due to its strength heat treatability and comparably easy machining and welding. The main alloying elements of 6061 are magnesium and silicon. These elements give it an edge in maintaining corrosive resistance, even when the surface is abraded. If that wasn't enough, it can also be anodized for an additional thin layer of protection. 6061 is available in many forms including extrusion, sheets, and architectural shapes. You'll find this alloy in applications ranging from food packaging and fly fishing reels to firearm suppressors. 6063 aluminum is often called architectural aluminum for two reasons. First, it has a surface finish that is far smoother than the other commercially available alloys. Second, its strength is roughly half that of 6061. This is because while its main alloying elements are magnesium and silicon, it has far lower levels of each. This makes it suited for applications where strength is not the primary consideration such as non load-bearing posts and roofs or decorative structures. 6063 rates well for performing in cold working operations is excellent for anodizing and fair for machining. While it is easily welded or brazed, you should carefully select filler material to compensate for reduced strength in welded regions. 6101 aluminium is best suited for applications involving moderate strength and maximum electrical conductivity. It's similar to 6063, but with minor chemistry changes that enhance electrical conductivity. Although 6101 offers slightly lower connectivity than 1350 and offers way greater strength. It is typically used in busbar applications and can be used as an alternative to copper. Thank you for watching another Online Metals video! Please subscribe to our channel or leave a comment below with questions or future video requests