The Most Overlooked Things about 6061 Aluminum

Aluminum alloys are used in most industrial processes due to their broad range of uses and wide availability. 6061 aluminum is one of the alloys with improved material properties. However, many people do not understand the uses and differences of various aluminum alloys. Here is detailed information about everything you need to know about 6061 aluminum.

6061 aluminum

Differences between 6063 and 6061 Aluminum

One of the most common concerns about aluminum alloys is differentiating between 6061 and 6063 aluminum. Silicon and magnesium are the two primary alloying elements of both 6063 and 6061. The main difference between these alloys is their end-use.

6063 has good formability and high corrosion resistance, so it is used mainly for custom extrusions. On the other hand, 6061 aluminum is primarily used for structural applications because it is stronger than 6063.

3003 aluminum

This alloy is made from combined metals namely manganese, aluminum, and copper. Since 3003 aluminum is one of the most popular aluminum alloys, most people confuse it with 6061 aluminum. Some of its popular uses are making chemical equipment, cabinets, trailers, trucks, metal sheets, and fuel tanks.

Versatility

The formability and weld-ability of 6061 aluminum make it suitable for general-purpose applications. Also, it is corrosion resistant and has high strength that makes a great pick for structural, architectural, and motor vehicle applications.

We cannot exhaust its uses in most industries. However, some of the common applications are furniture, electronic parts, aircraft, heat sinks, chemical equipment, marine frames, and truck frames.

It is worth noting that 40% of steel production globally is made with recycled metals such as aluminum alloys, and 6061 aluminum is one of the commonly used metals.

Corrosion Resistance

When you expose aluminum to water or air, it forms an oxide layer that makes it non-reactive with most elements. The level of corrosion resistance of 6061 aluminum depends on aqueous conditions and temperature.

However, the copper content found in 6061 makes it less resistant to corrosions as compared to other alloy types.

6061 is exceptionally great at resisting corrosion from ammonium hydroxide, ammonia, and nitric acid. You can get rid of these corrosive effects with a protective layer in which 6061 aluminum responds well.

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Buying copper can be a daunting task especially if you do not have adequate information about different aluminum alloys. You are probably asking yourself, where do I get trusted metal sales near me? Check out Thin Metal Sales today to learn more!

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