6101-T6 Aluminum alloy,Aluminum 6101-T6 alloy,E FORU

### **Aluminum 6101-T6 Alloy: Product Introduction** **Overview** Aluminum 6101-T6 is a heat-treatable aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy supplied in the solution heat-treated and artificially aged condition. This temper represents the **optimal balance between high strength and excellent electrical conductivity**, making it one of the most widely used aluminum alloys for **electrical conductor applications**. The T6 treatment provides **maximum strength** while maintaining the high electrical conductivity required for power transmission and distribution systems. --- #### **1. Chemical Composition (Weight %)** | Element | Minimum (%) | Maximum (%) | |---------|-------------|-------------| | Silicon (Si) | 0.30 | 0.7 | | Iron (Fe) | - | 0.50 | | Copper (Cu) | - | 0.10 | | Manganese (Mn) | - | 0.03 | | Magnesium (Mg) | 0.35 | 0.8 | | Chromium (Cr) | - | 0.03 | | Zinc (Zn) | - | 0.10 | | Titanium (Ti) | - | 0.03 | | Other (Each) | - | 0.03 | | Other (Total) | - | 0.10 | | **Aluminum (Al)** | **Balance** | | --- #### **2. Physical Properties** | Property | Metric Value | Imperial Value | |----------|--------------|----------------| | **Density** | 2.70 g/cm³ | 0.0975 lb/in³ | | **Melting Range** | 615-655 °C | 1140-1210 °F | | **Electrical Conductivity** | 55-59% IACS | 55-59% IACS | | **Thermal Conductivity** | 195-210 W/m·K | 1130-1220 BTU·in/(hr·ft²·°F) | | **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion** | 23.4 × 10⁻⁶/°C | 13.0 × 10⁻⁶/°F | | **Modulus of Elasticity** | 68.9 GPa | 10,000 ksi | --- #### **3. Mechanical Properties** **Typical Mechanical Properties for 6101-T6:** | Property | Metric Value | Imperial Value | |----------|--------------|----------------| | **Tensile Strength** | 220-260 MPa | 32-38 ksi | | **Yield Strength (0.2% Offset)** | 195-235 MPa | 28-34 ksi | | **Elongation (in 50mm)** | 10-15% | 10-15% | | **Hardness (Brinell)** | 70-80 HB | 70-80 HB | | **Shear Strength** | 140-170 MPa | 20-25 ksi | | **Fatigue Strength** | 90-110 MPa | 13-16 ksi | --- #### **4. International Standards** * **ASTM Standards:** * ASTM B317: Standard Specification for Extruded Bar, Rod, Pipe, and Structural Shapes for Electrical Purposes (Bus Conductor) * ASTM B396: Standard Specification for Aluminum-Alloy 6101-T61 and 6101-T63 Extruded Round Tube for Electrical Purposes * **European Standards (EN):** * EN 573-3: Chemical composition (Designation: EN AW-6101) * EN 754-2: Mechanical properties for drawn bars and tubes * **IEC Standards:** * IEC 60104: Aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy wire for overhead line conductors * IEC 60889: Hard-drawn aluminum wire for overhead line conductors * **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 --- #### **5. Product Applications** **Electrical Power Transmission:** - Bus bars and bus bar systems - Electrical conductors and busways - Power distribution components - Electrical switchgear components **Overhead Power Lines:** - ACSR (Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced) cores - All-aluminum alloy conductors - Electrical transmission lines - Power line reinforcement components **Electrical Hardware:** - Transformer components - Electrical connector parts - Circuit breaker components - Electrical insulator hardware **Specialized Electrical Applications:** - Heat sinks for power electronics - Electrical housing components - Power electronic substrates - Electrical machinery parts --- #### **6. Key Characteristics & Advantages** * **Excellent Electrical Conductivity:** High conductivity combined with good mechanical strength * **Good Mechanical Strength:** Adequate strength for structural electrical applications * **Superior Thermal Conductivity:** Excellent heat dissipation characteristics * **Excellent Corrosion Resistance:** Good performance in various environmental conditions * **Good Weldability:** Suitable for most welding methods with proper procedures * **Adequate Machinability:** Can be machined using appropriate techniques * **Heat Treatable:** Can be solution treated and aged for optimal properties --- #### **7. Heat Treatment Process** **Solution Heat Treatment:** - Temperature: 520-530°C (968-986°F) - Time: 30-60 minutes depending on thickness - Quenching: Rapid water quenching **Artificial Aging Process:** - Temperature: 160-170°C (320-338°F) - Time: 6-10 hours - Cooling: Air cooling to room temperature --- #### **8. Processing and Fabrication** **Machining Characteristics:** - Good machinability with proper tooling - Suitable for precision electrical components - Good surface finish obtainable - Requires appropriate cutting parameters **Forming Limitations:** - Limited formability in T6 condition - Suitable only for minor straightening operations - Specialized equipment required for any forming - High springback characteristics **Joining Methods:** - Good weldability using TIG and MIG methods - Requires qualified welding procedures - Mechanical fastening preferred for critical applications - Suitable for bolted electrical connections **Surface Treatment Compatibility:** - Good for chemical conversion coatings - Suitable for painting and coating - Can be anodized if required - Good surface preparation characteristics --- #### **9. Quality Assurance** **Testing Requirements:** - Electrical conductivity testing - Mechanical property verification - Chemical composition analysis - Surface quality inspection - Dimensional accuracy checks **Certification:** - Mill test certificates per international standards - Electrical performance certification - Process control documentation - Full traceability records --- **Technical Note:** Aluminum 6101-T6 represents the optimal temper condition for electrical applications requiring the best combination of mechanical strength and electrical conductivity. The artificial aging process provides maximum strength development while maintaining the high electrical conductivity that makes this alloy particularly valuable for power transmission and distribution systems. This alloy is specifically designed for applications where both structural integrity and electrical performance are critical, such as in bus bars, electrical conductors, and power distribution components. The balance of properties achieved through the T6 heat treatment makes 6101-T6 the material of choice for demanding electrical applications across power generation, transmission, and distribution 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 2033 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.