Aluminum alloys come in a variety of grades, and differentiating between them is not an easy task. This article provides you with a comparison of the two most commonly used tempering processes for aluminum alloys. 6061 aluminum alloy t6 and 6061 t651 tempered alloys have the same composition but different mechanical properties such as machinability, formability, and hardness values.
Here you will be able to grasp the heat treatment process parameters for each of them and understand when a specific tempering process is required. After understanding the pros and cons of each process, you will be able to make a decision based on your application requirements.
Understand the main differences between T6 and T651 aluminum alloys in our comprehensive comparison. We hope that this article will give you a clear direction when choosing between 6061 aluminum alloy t6 and 6061 T651, providing the best choice for your project.
The Significance of Aluminum Tempers
Aluminum tempering involves various processes such as heat treatment, quenching, and sometimes cold working, which alter the material’s microstructure to achieve desired mechanical properties. The temper designation includes a combination of letters and numbers (e.g., T6, T651) that provide specific information about the treatment process. Understanding these tempers is essential for selecting the right material for a given application, as they directly impact the alloy’s strength, ductility, hardness, and other critical properties.
6061t6 is a commonly used aluminum alloy state. Generally, it is in the 6061t6 state unless otherwise specified, and 6061t651 is the best characteristic of the 6 series aluminum alloys. It is a fighter in the 6000 series aluminum alloys. It has excellent processing performance, Excellent welding characteristics and electroplating properties, good corrosion resistance, high toughness, and no deformation after processing, dense material without defects and easy polishing, easy coloring film, excellent oxidation effect, and other excellent characteristics.
6061-T651 is the main alloy of 6061 aluminum alloy. It is a high-quality aluminum alloy product produced by heat treatment and pre-stretching process. Although its strength cannot be compared with the 2000 series or the 7000 series, it has many characteristics of magnesium and silicon alloys. 6061- Typical uses of T651 include aerospace fixtures, electrical fixtures, and communications. It is also widely used in automated mechanical parts, precision machining, mold manufacturing, electronics and precision instruments, SMT, PC board soldering vehicles, etc.
Comparison between 606 Aluminum Alloy T6 and T651
The difference between the T6 and T651 states of the 6061 aluminum plate is that, in general, the internal stress of T6 will be relatively large, and deformation will occur during processing. The most suitable state for processing should be T651, which is stretched based on T6 to eliminate internal stress. The main alloying elements of 6061 aluminum alloy are magnesium and silicon, forming the Mg2Si phase.
Mechanical Properties of 6061-T6 and 6061-T651
| Property | 6061-T6 | 6061-T651 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | Approximately 310 | Approximately 310 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | Approximately 276 | Approximately 276 |
| Elongation (%) | About 10-12 | About 10-12 |
| Hardness (Brinell HB) | Approximately 95 | Approximately 95 |
Both 6601 aluminum alloy T6 and T651 tempers exhibit similar mechanical properties because they undergo the same heat treatment process. However, T651 includes an additional stress-relieving step, typically stretching, which helps reduce internal stresses that might be present after quenching.
Physical Properties of 6061-T6 and 6061-T651
| Property | 6061-T6 | 6061-T651 |
|---|---|---|
| Density (g/cm³) | 2.70 | 2.70 |
| Melting Point (°C) | 582 – 652 | 582 – 652 |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | 167 | 167 |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (µm/m·°C) | 23.6 | 23.6 |
| Electrical Conductivity (% IACS) | 40 | 40 |
The physical properties of 6061-T6 and 6061-T651 are virtually identical. The main difference lies in the mechanical properties due to the stress-relieving process in T651.
Prices of 6061-T6 and 6061-T651
- Generally, 6061-T6 is slightly less expensive than 6061-T651 due to the absence of the additional stress-relieving process.
- The added cost of 6061-T651 reflects the extra processing step to relieve internal stresses, which can be beneficial for certain applications requiring precise dimensional stability.
If you need to know the specific price of 6061 aluminum alloy T6 and T651, you can contact us directly!
Applications of 6061-T6 and 6061-T651
6061-T6:
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Widely used in structural applications, including aircraft and marine components, automotive parts, and building materials.
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Ideal for applications requiring high strength and good corrosion resistance.
6061-T651:
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Used in applications where dimensional stability is crucial, such as precision machining and manufacturing of complex components.
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Preferred for high-stress applications where internal stresses could lead to deformation or failure.
In Conclusion
Understanding the differences between aluminum tempers is crucial for selecting the right material for specific applications. Both 6061 aluminum alloy T6 and 6061 aluminum T651 offer excellent mechanical and physical properties, making them suitable for a wide range of uses.
However, the choice between the two depends on the specific requirements of the application. If high strength and good corrosion resistance are paramount, 6061 aluminum alloy T6 is a great choice. For applications where dimensional stability and reduced internal stresses are critical, 6061 T651 is the preferred option.
