6061-T8 Aluminum alloy,Aluminum 6061-T8 alloy,E FORU

### **6061-T8 Aluminum Alloy: Product Introduction** **Overview** 6061-T8 aluminum alloy is a specialized temper of the widely used 6061 aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy. The **T8 temper** indicates material that has been **solution heat-treated, cold worked, and then artificially aged**. This specific thermal-mechanical processing sequence results in a unique combination of **enhanced strength and improved stress corrosion cracking resistance** compared to the standard T6 temper. The T8 condition is particularly valuable for applications requiring superior dimensional stability and enhanced mechanical properties in specific directions. --- #### **1. Chemical Composition (Weight %)** | Element | Minimum (%) | Maximum (%) | |---------|-------------|-------------| | Silicon (Si) | 0.40 | 0.8 | | Iron (Fe) | - | 0.7 | | Copper (Cu) | 0.15 | 0.40 | | Manganese (Mn) | - | 0.15 | | Magnesium (Mg) | 0.8 | 1.2 | | Chromium (Cr) | 0.04 | 0.35 | | Zinc (Zn) | - | 0.25 | | Titanium (Ti) | - | 0.15 | | Other (Each) | - | 0.05 | | Other (Total) | - | 0.15 | | **Aluminum (Al)** | **Balance** | | --- #### **2. Physical Properties** | Property | Typical Metric Value | Imperial Value | |----------|---------------------|----------------| | **Density** | 2.70 g/cm³ | 0.0975 lb/in³ | | **Melting Range** | 580 - 650 °C | 1075 - 1200 °F | | **Electrical Conductivity** | 40-45% IACS | 40-45% IACS | | **Thermal Conductivity** | 155-165 W/m·K | 900-960 BTU·in/(hr·ft²·°F) | | **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion** | 23.6 × 10⁻⁶/°C | 13.1 × 10⁻⁶/°F | --- #### **3. Mechanical Properties** **Typical Mechanical Properties for 6061-T8:** | Property | Typical Value (Metric) | Typical Value (Imperial) | |----------|------------------------|--------------------------| | **Tensile Strength** | 315-330 MPa | 45-48 ksi | | **Yield Strength (0.2% Offset)** | 285-300 MPa | 41-43 ksi | | **Elongation (in 50mm)** | 6-10% | 6-10% | | **Hardness (Brinell)** | 100-105 HB | 100-105 HB | | **Shear Strength** | 215-230 MPa | 31-33 ksi | | **Fatigue Strength** | 100-105 MPa | 14.5-15 ksi | **Key Characteristics of T8 Temper:** - Cold working after solution treatment provides additional strength through strain hardening - Artificial aging after cold working stabilizes the microstructure - Improved stress corrosion cracking resistance compared to T6 temper - Enhanced strength in the direction of cold working --- #### **4. International Standards** * **ASTM (USA):** * ASTM B209: Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate * ASTM B211: Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Bar, Rod, and Wire * ASTM B221: Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and Tubes * **AMS (Aerospace Material Specification):** * AMS 4117: 6061-T8 Sheet and Plate * AMS 4337: 6061-T8 Extruded Shapes * **ISO (International Organization for Standardization):** * ISO 6361-2: Wrought aluminum and aluminum alloy sheets, strips and plates * ISO 6362-2: Wrought aluminum and aluminum alloy extruded rods/bars, tubes and profiles --- #### **5. Product Applications** **Aerospace Applications:** - Aircraft structural components requiring high strength-to-weight ratio - Wing and fuselage elements - Spacecraft components - Missile and rocket structures **Transportation Industry:** - High-performance automotive components - Racing vehicle chassis elements - Railway structural members - Heavy-duty truck frames **Marine & Offshore:** - Marine structural components - Shipbuilding applications - Offshore platform elements - Subsea equipment housings **Specialized Industrial Applications:** - Pressure vessels requiring enhanced SCC resistance - Structural components for chemical processing - High-stress mechanical components - Precision instruments and equipment --- #### **6. Key Characteristics & Advantages** * **Enhanced Strength Properties:** Higher yield and tensile strength compared to T6 temper in specific orientations * **Improved Stress Corrosion Cracking Resistance:** Superior performance in corrosive environments under stress * **Good Dimensional Stability:** Excellent for precision applications * **Enhanced Fatigue Performance:** Improved resistance to cyclic loading * **Good Machinability:** Can be machined to close tolerances * **Maintained Weldability:** Suitable for welding with proper procedures * **Anisotropic Properties:** Directional properties can be optimized through controlled cold working --- #### **7. Heat Treatment and Processing** * **Solution Heat Treatment:** 530°C ± 10°C (985°F ± 15°F) * **Cold Working:** Typically 5-15% reduction by cold rolling, drawing, or stretching * **Artificial Aging:** 160-180°C (320-355°F) for 8-18 hours * **Quality Control:** Strict process control required to ensure consistent properties **Technical Note:** The T8 temper is particularly valuable for applications where enhanced stress corrosion cracking resistance is required without sacrificing strength. The cold working process introduces dislocations that provide additional strengthening mechanisms, while the subsequent artificial aging stabilizes the microstructure. This makes 6061-T8 suitable for critical applications in aerospace, marine, and other demanding environments where reliability under stress is paramount.

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 1996 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.