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Aluminum 6082
Aluminum 6082 is a medium strength alloy with excellent corrosion resistance, good weldability and machinability, and the ability to be readily anodized.
Chemical Composition of Aluminum 6082
Aluminum 6082 is an aluminum alloy containing 95-98% aluminum for low density, high corrosion resistance, and good conductivity. The main alloying elements are silicon (0.7-1.3%) for strength and hardness, and magnesium (0.6-1.2%) enabling precipitation hardening and enhanced strength. Also contains small manganese additions to improve strength without reducing ductility. 6082 is a medium-strength, corrosion-resistant alloy.
| Chemical Composition | Proportions | Role of Each Element |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | 95.2 - 98.3% | Aluminum is the base metal that makes up the majority of the alloy. Provides low density, high corrosion resistance, and good conductivity. |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.7% - 1.3% | Silicon is the primary alloying element, increasing strength and hardness. Also improves fluidity when molten. |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.6% - 1.2% | Magnesium is added to significantly increase strength through precipitation hardening and improve corrosion resistance. |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.4% - 1.0% | Manganese enhances strength without reducing ductility and corrosion resistance. |
| Iron | 0 - 0.5% | Iron is kept low to avoid reducing ductility and corrosion resistance. |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0 - 0.25% | Chromium improves corrosion resistance in small amounts. |
| Zinc (Zn) | 0 - 0.2% | Zinc is minimized as it can cause intergranular corrosion. |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0 - 0.1% | Added for improved stress corrosion cracking resistance. Also contributes to strength. |
The T6 heat treatment involves solution heat treating, quenching, and aging to achieve optimal strength.
General Characteristics of Aluminum 6082
Aluminum 6082 is distinguished by its optimal balance of strength, weldability, and corrosion resistance among aluminum alloys.
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Physical properties
| Density | 2.7 g/cm3 |
| Corrosion resistance | Excellent |
| Melting Point | 555°C (1031°F) |
| Magnetism | Non-magnetic |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 24 x 10-6 K-1 |
| Thermal Conductivity | 180 W/m.K at 20°C |
| Electrical properties | 30% IACS (approximate, in T6 condition) |
Mechanical properties
| Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) | Approximately 310 MPa |
| Yield Strength | (T6 condition): 255 MPa (approximate) |
| Elongation at break | (T6 condition): 12-13% |
| Modulus of Elasticity (Elastic Modulus) | 70 GPa (approximate) |
| Fatigue Strength | (T6 condition): 90 MPa |
| Brinell Hardness | (T6 condition): 95 HB (approximate) |
| Vickers Hardness | (T6 condition): Approximately 95-105 HV |
Available Surface Finishing
| Anodizing | Electrochemical process to enhance corrosion resistance and color. |
| Powder Coating | Dry powder applied and heated for a protective decorative finish. |
| Electroplating | Though less common for aluminum due to its natural oxide layer, it involves depositing a layer of another metal onto the aluminum using an electrolytic process. |
| Chromate Conversion Coatings | Provides good corrosion resistance and an excellent primer layer for paint or other coatings. |
Note: The properties of Aluminum 6082 can exhibit minor variations depending on the supplier.
Types of CNC Machining Aluminum Process
The variety of aluminum machining services at AT-Machining can produce a wide range of products in different shapes and sizes.
These include CNC Milling, CNC Turning, Swiss Machining, EDM, and Grinding. Utilizing a combination of these processes is often necessary to meet the expectations for quality and accuracy set by AT-Machining and our customers.
Our team of experienced engineers can tailor the production process depending on the needs of each project, creating efficient solutions with a commitment to exceptional quality in each finishing process.
Common Applications of Aluminum 6082
Many high-strength aluminum alloys suffer from reduced weldability. However, 6082 maintains excellent weldability, ensuring that it can be reliably joined without compromising its structural integrity. This characteristic makes it a preferred choice for fabrications requiring complex assemblies.
Transport Applications
Aluminum 6082 is favored for transport vehicles due to its strength and lightness. It's essential for crafting truck bodies, railway carriages, and ships, with corrosion resistance being pivotal, especially in marine settings.
Structural and Engineering
The alloy is popular in the construction of bridges, cranes, and trusses due to its high strength-to-weight ratio. It's also used in scaffolding, masts, and other structural applications where durability and weight are crucial considerations.
Machined Components
Aluminum 6082 offers good machinability, making it a choice material for CNC machining and the creation of jigs, fixtures, and tooling plates. Its mechanical properties ensure that machined components maintain their shape and function even under stress.
FAQS About Aluminum 6082
6082 maintains excellent weldability, even among high-strength aluminum alloys, making it a top choice for projects requiring welding.
Yes, Aluminum 6082 exhibits good corrosion resistance, making it appropriate for marine applications where saltwater corrosion can be a concern.
Aluminum 6082 offers medium to high strength, positioning it between general-purpose alloys like 6061 and higher-strength options like 7075.
While Aluminum 6082 can withstand elevated temperatures better than some aluminum alloys, its mechanical properties can degrade at high temperatures, so it’s not recommended for prolonged use in extreme heat.
Yes, Aluminum 6082 can be heat-treated, especially to the T6 temper, to improve its mechanical properties, including strength and hardness.
Aluminum 6082 has a decent impact resistance due to its combination of strength and ductility, but the level of resistance will depend on the specific temper and application.
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