6068 Aluminum alloy,Aluminum 6068 alloy,E FORU

### **Aluminum 6068 Alloy: Product Introduction** **Overview** Aluminum 6068 is a heat-treatable aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy that represents an advanced member of the 6xxx series aluminum alloys. Designed to offer **superior strength characteristics** while maintaining good extrudability and corrosion resistance, this alloy is particularly suitable for **high-stress structural applications**. With its optimized chemical composition, 6068 provides enhanced mechanical properties compared to more common 6xxx series alloys like 6061 and 6063. --- #### **1. Chemical Composition (Weight %)** | Element | Minimum (%) | Maximum (%) | Notes | |---------|-------------|-------------|-------| | Silicon (Si) | 0.90 | 1.40 | Enhanced silicon for improved strength | | Iron (Fe) | - | 0.35 | Controlled impurity | | Copper (Cu) | 0.25 | 0.45 | Optimized copper content for strength | | Manganese (Mn) | 0.30 | 0.60 | Enhanced manganese for grain refinement | | Magnesium (Mg) | 0.80 | 1.20 | Balanced magnesium for optimal Mg₂Si formation | | Chromium (Cr) | 0.15 | 0.25 | Improved corrosion resistance | | Zinc (Zn) | - | 0.15 | Impurity control | | Titanium (Ti) | - | 0.10 | Grain refiner | | Other (Each) | - | 0.05 | - | | Other (Total) | - | 0.15 | - | | **Aluminum (Al)** | **Balance** | | | --- #### **2. Physical Properties** | Property | Metric Value | Imperial Value | |----------|--------------|----------------| | **Density** | 2.71 g/cm³ | 0.0979 lb/in³ | | **Melting Range** | 580-650 °C | 1076-1202 °F | | **Electrical Conductivity** | 42-46% IACS | 42-46% IACS | | **Thermal Conductivity** | 160-175 W/m·K | 930-1015 BTU·in/(hr·ft²·°F) | | **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion** | 23.5 × 10⁻⁶/°C | 13.05 × 10⁻⁶/°F | | **Modulus of Elasticity** | 69.0 GPa | 10,007 ksi | --- #### **3. Mechanical Properties** **Typical Mechanical Properties by Temper:** | Property | T4 Temper | T6 Temper | |----------|-----------|-----------| | **Tensile Strength** | 280-320 MPa | 350-390 MPa | | **Yield Strength (0.2% Offset)** | 170-200 MPa | 320-350 MPa | | **Elongation (in 50mm)** | 12-16% | 8-12% | | **Hardness (Brinell)** | 80-90 HB | 105-115 HB | | **Shear Strength** | 190-220 MPa | 230-260 MPa | | **Fatigue Strength** | 110-130 MPa | 130-150 MPa | --- #### **4. International Standards** * **ASTM Standards:** * ASTM B221: Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and Tubes * ASTM B211: Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Bar, Rod, and Wire * **European Standards (EN):** * EN 573-3: Chemical composition (Designation: EN AW-6068) * EN 755-2: Mechanical properties for extruded products * **ISO Standards:** * 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 * **National Standards:** * GB/T 3190 (China) * JIS H4040 (Japan) --- #### **5. Product Applications** **Aerospace and Defense:** - Aircraft structural components - Missile structural members - Defense equipment frames - Aerospace brackets and fittings **Transportation Industry:** - High-performance automotive frames - Heavy truck chassis components - Railway vehicle structural members - Bus and coach structural elements **Industrial Equipment:** - High-stress machinery frames - Industrial robot structural components - Heavy equipment supporting structures - Press and machine tool components **Specialized Structures:** - High-load architectural structures - Bridge components - Tower and mast structures - Special engineering applications --- #### **6. Key Characteristics & Advantages** * **Enhanced Strength Properties:** Superior mechanical properties compared to standard 6xxx alloys * **Excellent Extrudability:** Good for complex profile shapes despite high strength * **Good Corrosion Resistance:** Maintains aluminum's inherent corrosion resistance * **Superior Fatigue Performance:** Excellent resistance to cyclic loading conditions * **Good Weldability:** Can be welded using common methods with proper procedures * **Excellent Machinability:** Good machining characteristics in T6 temper * **Heat Treatable:** Responsive to solution treatment and aging processes --- #### **7. Heat Treatment Process** **Solution Heat Treatment:** - Temperature: 530-540°C (986-1004°F) - Time: 30-45 minutes depending on thickness - Quenching: Rapid water quenching **Artificial Aging (T6):** - Temperature: 170-180°C (338-356°F) - Time: 6-10 hours - Cooling: Air cooling to room temperature --- #### **8. Processing and Fabrication** **Extrusion Characteristics:** - Good for medium-complexity profiles - Requires higher extrusion pressures than 6063 - Good surface quality achievable - Suitable for structural sections **Machining Properties:** - Good machinability with carbide tools - Requires appropriate cutting parameters - Good surface finish obtainable - Suitable for precision components **Forming Operations:** - Best formability in T4 temper - Suitable for moderate bending operations - Requires careful handling in T6 temper - Adequate for most structural applications **Joining Methods:** - Good TIG and MIG weldability - Requires qualified welding procedures - Suitable for mechanical fastening - Adhesive bonding applicable --- #### **9. Quality Assurance** **Testing Requirements:** - Comprehensive mechanical testing - Chemical composition analysis - Microstructural examination - Non-destructive testing as required **Certification Standards:** - Mill test certificates per EN 10204 3.1/3.2 - Third-party inspection available - Full traceability maintained - Quality documentation provided --- **Technical Note:** Aluminum 6068 represents an advanced high-strength option in the 6xxx series aluminum alloys, bridging the gap between conventional 6xxx alloys and higher-strength 2xxx and 7xxx series. Its optimized chemical composition provides enhanced strength characteristics while maintaining the good corrosion resistance and manufacturing advantages of the 6xxx series. The alloy is particularly valuable for applications where higher strength requirements must be met without compromising on corrosion resistance and weldability. While it may require more careful processing than standard 6061 or 6063 alloys, its superior mechanical properties make it an excellent choice for demanding structural applications across aerospace, transportation, and heavy industry sectors.

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 2015 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.