6056 Aluminum alloy,Aluminum 6056 alloy,E FORU

### **6056 Aluminum Alloy: Product Introduction** **Overview** 6056 aluminum alloy is a high-strength, heat-treatable Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloy, often considered an evolution of the 6053/6055 family with enhanced properties. It is specifically designed to provide an exceptional combination of **very high strength, good corrosion resistance, and excellent damage tolerance**. This makes it a premium choice for critical structural applications, particularly in the aerospace industry, where performance under stress is paramount. --- #### **1. Chemical Composition (Weight %)** The chemical composition of 6056 is carefully balanced with higher levels of alloying elements to achieve its superior strength. | Element | Minimum (%) | Maximum (%) | Notes | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Silicon (Si) | 0.7 | 1.3 | Key for forming Mg₂Si precipitates for strength. | | Iron (Fe) | - | 0.50 | Impurity, controlled. | | Copper (Cu) | 0.5 | 1.1 | Significantly higher than 6053/6055, greatly enhancing strength. | | Manganese (Mn) | 0.40 | 1.0 | Higher content for grain refinement and strength. | | Magnesium (Mg) | 0.6 | 1.2 | Primary element for Mg₂Si formation. | | Chromium (Cr) | 0.10 | 0.30 | Added for improved stress corrosion cracking resistance. | | Zinc (Zn) | - | 0.20 | Impurity. | | Titanium (Ti) | - | 0.20 | Grain refiner. | | Other (Each) | - | 0.05 | - | | Other (Total) | - | 0.15 | - | | **Aluminum (Al)** | **Balance** | | | --- #### **2. Physical Properties** The physical properties are consistent with other high-copper 6xxx series alloys. | Property | Typical Metric Value | Imperial Value | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Density** | 2.72 g/cm³ | 0.098 lb/in³ | | **Melting Range** | ~ 555 - 650 °C | ~ 1030 - 1200 °F | | **Electrical Conductivity** | ~ 40-45% IACS (T6 temper) | ~ 40-45% IACS | | **Thermal Conductivity** | ~ 150 - 170 W/m·K | ~ 870 - 990 BTU·in/(hr·ft²·°F) | | **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (20-100°C)** | 23.6 x 10⁻⁶ /°C | 13.1 x 10⁻⁶ /°F | --- #### **3. Mechanical Properties (Typical for T6 Temper)** 6056 is typically used in peak-aged tempers like T6 or T78 to maximize its strength. Properties can vary with product form. | Property | Metric Value (Typical) | Imperial Value (Typical) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Tensile Strength** | 380 - 420 MPa | 55 - 61 ksi | | **Yield Strength (0.2% Offset)** | 340 - 380 MPa | 49 - 55 ksi | | **Elongation (in 50mm)** | 10 - 14 % | 10 - 14 % | | **Hardness (Brinell)** | ~ 115 - 125 HB | ~ 115 - 125 HB | **Note:** The alloy exhibits a strong response to artificial aging. Tempers like T78 (a slightly over-aged condition) are often used to optimize the trade-off between strength and corrosion resistance. --- #### **4. International Standards** 6056 is well-defined in international standards, particularly those for aerospace. * **ASTM (USA):** * **ASTM B221:** Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and Tubes. * **ASTM B209:** Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate. * **AMS (Aerospace Material Specification):** * **AMS 4342:** Covers 6056-T4511 and similar tempers in extruded form for aerospace applications. * **EN (European Standards - Aerospace):** * **EN 485-2 / EN 573-3:** For chemical composition and mechanical properties. * **Airbus Standard:** AIMS 03-01-033 (or similar) often specifies 6056 for specific aircraft components. * **UNS (Unified Numbering System):** **UNS A96056** --- #### **5. Product Applications** 6056 is primarily an aerospace-grade alloy due to its high performance and cost. * **Aerospace Structures:** Its primary application is in aircraft structures, including: * **Fuselage Skins and Stringers** * **Upper Wing Skins** (in some aircraft designs) * **Floor Beams and Seat Tracks** * **Bulkheads and Frames** * **Military Aircraft:** Used in high-stress components where its damage tolerance is critical. * **High-Strength Automotive Applications:** In premium and racing vehicles for spaceframes and structural members (less common due to cost). * **Marine and Defense Structures:** For applications requiring a high strength-to-weight ratio and good corrosion resistance. --- #### **6. Key Characteristics & Advantages** * **Very High Strength:** Offers tensile and yield strengths comparable to some lower-grade 2xxx series alloys, making it one of the strongest 6xxx series alloys. * **Excellent Damage Tolerance:** Exhibits good fatigue resistance and fracture toughness, which is essential for aircraft safety and longevity. * **Good Corrosion Resistance:** Generally good, though its higher copper content can make it slightly less resistant than other 6xxx alloys like 6061. Tempers like T78 are used to improve exfoliation and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) resistance. * **Good Weldability:** It can be readily welded using techniques like MIG and TIG, and it regains a significant portion of its strength after welding through natural or artificial aging (a characteristic of 6xxx alloys). * **Competitive Weight-to-Stiffness Ratio:** Provides an excellent alternative to 2024 and other copper-rich alloys in many applications, with better corrosion resistance and weldability. **Disclaimer:** The information provided is typical and for reference purposes. Actual properties are highly dependent on the specific temper, product form (sheet, plate, extrusion), and processing parameters. For aerospace and other critical applications, the relevant AMS, ASTM, or OEM specifications must be consulted for definitive requirements.

Packing of Standard Packing: Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and steel drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 1987 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.