6260 Aluminum alloy,Aluminum 6260 alloy,E FORU

### **Aluminum 6260 Alloy (UNS A96260) - Product Introduction** **Aluminum 6260** is a heat-treatable wrought aluminum-magnesium-silicon (Al-Mg-Si) alloy. It is primarily known for its excellent **electrical conductivity** combined with good mechanical strength and formability. This unique combination makes it a premier choice for electrical applications, particularly as a replacement for copper in certain overhead power transmission lines. It is often compared to alloys like 6061 and 6101 but is specifically optimized for conductivity. --- #### **1. Chemical Composition** The chemical composition of Aluminum 6260 is tightly controlled to ensure optimal electrical and mechanical properties, conforming to international standards. | Element | Content (%) (Typical) | Standard Range | |---|---|---| | **Aluminum (Al)** | Balance | Balance | | **Magnesium (Mg)** | 0.50 - 0.9 | 0.50 - 0.9 | | **Silicon (Si)** | 0.40 - 0.9 | 0.40 - 0.9 | | **Iron (Fe)** | ≤ 0.30 | ≤ 0.30 | | **Copper (Cu)** | ≤ 0.20 | ≤ 0.20 | | **Manganese (Mn)** | ≤ 0.10 | ≤ 0.10 | | **Chromium (Cr)** | ≤ 0.10 | ≤ 0.10 | | **Zinc (Zn)** | ≤ 0.10 | ≤ 0.10 | | **Titanium (Ti)** | ≤ 0.10 | ≤ 0.10 | | **Others (Each)** | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.05 | | **Others (Total)** | ≤ 0.15 | ≤ 0.15 | *The balanced ratio of Magnesium and Silicon (Mg₂Si) forms the basis for its strengthening through heat treatment (precipitation hardening).* --- #### **2. Physical Properties** Aluminum 6260 offers an excellent blend of lightweight properties and high electrical conductivity. | 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 % IACS** (T6 Temper) | **≥ 55 % IACS** | | **Thermal Conductivity** | 190 - 200 W/m·K | 1318 - 1388 BTU·in/(hr·ft²·°F) | | **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion** | 23.4 x 10⁻⁶ /K | 13.0 x 10⁻⁶ /°F | | **Modulus of Elasticity** | 69 GPa | 10,000 ksi | --- #### **3. Mechanical Properties (Typical for T4, T6, T651 Tempers)** Properties are achieved through heat treatment. T6/T651 tempers provide the best combination of strength and conductivity. | Temper | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) | Elongation (%) | |---|---|---|---| | **T4 (Solution Heat Treated)** | 190 - 240 MPa | 100 - 150 MPa | 18 - 22% | | **T6 / T651 (Solution Heat Treated & Artificially Aged)** | **260 - 310 MPa** | **240 - 290 MPa** | **8 - 12%** | --- #### **4. International Standards** Aluminum 6260 is recognized and specified under several key international standards, particularly those related to electrical conductors. * **ISO:** **EN AW-6260 (AlMgSi)** as per ISO 209. * **European Standard (EN):** **EN AW-6260** (Material Number 3.3205) in EN 573-3. * **UNS:** **A96260** * **ASTM:** * **ASTM B317/B317M:** Standard Specification for Aluminum-Alloy Extended Bar, Rod, Pipe, and Structural Shapes for Electrical Purfaces (Bus Conductor). * **ASTM B221:** Standard Specification for Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and Tubes. * **IEC:** * **IEC 60104:** Specifies 6260 (and 6101) for aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy wires for overhead line conductors. * **National/Regional Equivalents:** Widely adopted in various national standards (e.g., DIN, BS, JIS) for electrical products. --- #### **5. Product Applications** The primary application of 6260 alloy is in the electrical industry, but its properties make it suitable for other uses as well. * **Electrical Conductors:** * **Overhead Power Lines:** Used as the core and strand material in All-Aluminum Alloy Conductors (AAAC). Its high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent conductivity are critical here. * **Busbars:** For electrical power distribution in substations and switchgear. * **Electrical Busways and Connectors.** * **General Engineering:** * Structural components requiring a good combination of strength and corrosion resistance. * Welded structures where good post-weld strength is needed. * Pipe and tube for certain pressure applications. --- #### **6. Key Advantages & Characteristics** * **High Electrical Conductivity:** Its most defining feature, typically ≥55% IACS, making it one of the best conductive aluminum alloys for structural electrical applications. * **Good Mechanical Strength:** After T6 tempering, it offers a superior strength-to-weight ratio compared to pure aluminum and many other conductive alloys. * **Excellent Corrosion Resistance:** Inherits good general atmospheric corrosion resistance typical of Al-Mg-Si alloys. * **Good Formability and Weldability:** Can be easily extruded into complex shapes (rods, bars, wires) and welded using standard methods. * **Heat Treatable:** Gains significant strength through precipitation hardening (T6 temper). **Conclusion:** Aluminum 6260 is a specialized, high-performance alloy engineered to bridge the gap between mechanical strength and electrical conductivity. Its compliance with major international electrical standards solidifies its position as a material of choice for critical electrical transmission and distribution infrastructure, offering a lightweight, durable, and highly efficient alternative.

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 2063 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.