Aluminum 6101

Aging Procedure

Aging is done at different temperatures and times, depending upon the finished temper desired as follows : T6 350 F for 20 hours and air cool. T61 440 F for 6 hours and air cool. T63 380 F for 19 hours and air cool.

Annealing Procedure

Annealing is done at 775 F for 3 hours at temperature, followed by controlled cooling at a rate of 50 F per hour down to 500 F, then air cool. A stress relief anneal (after cold working) may be done at 650 F with air cooling.

Applications

Electrical bus bar conductor applications for use in enclosed bus electrical installations.

Cold Workability

Easily cold worked, or cold formed in either the annealed or aged conditions.

Forgeability

No data, although the alloy is considered forgeable.

Formability

Forming characteristics are good by conventional processes. See also Cold Working.

Hardening Procedure

Hardens due to cold working or aging heat treatment -- see "Aging".

Heat Treatability

The AL 6061 alloy does respond to heat treatment which is accomplished by annealing and relatively low temperature aging. See "Annealing" and "Aging".

Hot Workability

No data. Hot working generally is not required because the alloy has very good cold working characteristics.

Machinability

Machinability by conventional means is good. Either carbide or high speed tool steel tooling may be used. Use of an oil base lubricant during machining operations is recommended.

Other Mechanical Properties

Shear strength values are: T6 - 22 ksi. T63 - 21 ksi. T61 - 17 ksi

Other Physical Properties

Electrical conductivity 56% of copper.

Principle Design Features

This is a high electrical conductivity aluminum alloy also possessing good mechanical (strength) properties. It is hardened (strengthened) by heat treatment.

Tempering Procedure

Not applicable.

Weldability

Welding by all of the standard processes may be done, including gas torch welding. The preferred method of welding is by means of inert gas arc welding for best results. Filler rod of the same alloy should be used. When welded in the heat treated condition the subsequent parts will be lower in strength because of weld heat input.