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6082 Aluminum Sheet

6082 aluminum sheet refers to a thin, worked form of the 6082 aluminum‐magnesium‐silicon alloy (6xxx series) produced in thicknesses classified as "sheet" rather than "plate." Unlike plates—which are defined by greater thickness—sheets are typically rolled or cold‐pressed into gauges or metric thicknesses up to about 6 mm (0.25 in). Sheets enjoy the same alloy chemistry and heat‐treatable temper options as 6082 plates but are optimized for applications requiring lower weight, finer gauge control, and enhanced formability.

6082 is a forged aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy from the 6000 series, known for its medium-to-high strength and excellent corrosion resistance. It cannot be cast and is typically formed through rolling, extrusion, and stamping.

6082 aluminum sheet is simply the thin, rolled form of 6082 alloy—distinct from plate by its gauge under ~6 mm—offering high strength, corrosion resistance, and excellent workability for lightweight structural and decorative applications.

6082 sheet is a "structural alloy" used for manufacturing high-stress, load-bearing components. For example, its applications include construction trusses and bridges, heavy machinery frames, vehicle chassis, and pressure vessels. It is also used in transportation (truck bodies, trailers) as well as offshore/energy structures. Compared to 6061, 6082 is preferred when higher strength and better marine corrosion resistance are required. In contrast, 5052 (a 5xxx alloy) is used in situations where maximum formability or corrosion resistance is needed (e.g., marine sheets), at the expense of strength.

6082 Aluminum Sheet vs Plate Distinction

Thickness Standards

  • 6082 Aluminum Sheet: Thickness ranges from 0.2 mm to 6.0 mm (0.008–0.25 inches).
  • 6082 Aluminum Plate: In most regions, thickness exceeds 6 mm (0.25 inches) (≥6.35 mm or 0.25 inches in North America).
  • Sheets thinner than 0.2 mm are classified as foil, while some standards classify sheets thicker than 200 mm as "extra-thick" plate.

6082 Aluminum Sheet Sizes and Forms

Category Specification Options Description
Sheet Thickness Range ~0.2–6 mm
Common Widths Typically 1000–2600 mm
Common Lengths Typically 6000–10000 mm
Common Standard Sheet Sizes 2000×1000 mm (thickness 0.6–3.0 mm)
2500×1250 mm (thickness 0.5–3.0 mm)
3000×1250 mm (thickness 1.0–3.0 mm)
Plate Thickness Range ~6–250/300 mm
Common Widths Typically 1000–2600 mm
Common Lengths Typically 6000–10000 mm
Common Standard Plate Sizes 2500×1250 mm (thickness up to 305 mm)
4000×2000 mm (thickness over 150 mm)

6082 Aluminum Sheet Stock

Commercial 6082 aluminium sheet is typically supplied in thicknesses ranging from 0.2 mm up to 6.0 mm, with most stock in the 0.4–5.0 mm bracket . Sheets are produced in widths from 100 mm (special order) up to 2 600 mm, and lengths up to 10 000 mm, to suit a wide range of fabrication needs . The alloy is most commonly supplied in T4, T6 and T651 tempers for optimal strength and finish .

Panel Size (mm) Typical Thickness Range (mm) Notes
2000 × 1000 0.6 – 3.0 Most widely stocked for light structural applications and flat components.
2500 × 1250 0.5 – 3.0 Common executive‐sheet size, balances panel area and handling.
3000 × 1250 1.0 – 3.0 Preferred for larger fabrications, limited in very thin gauge.
Custom widths 700 – 2500 0.2 – 5.0 Available on request from coil, subject to minimum order quantities.
Any width up to 2600 0.4 – 6.0 Hot- and cold-rolled sheet conforming to ASTM B209 and EN 485-2 specifications.
  • Thickness spectrum: While sheet as thin as 0.2 mm is possible, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 1.0, 1.2, 1.5, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 and 6.0 mm are the most commonly stocked increments .
  • Custom cutting: Plate up to 6 mm can be cut to any length (≤ 10 000 mm) and width (≤ 2 600 mm) on modern slitting lines or saws .
  • Surface finishes: Available mill-finish, brushed, anodized or PVC-coated.

6082 Aluminum Sheet Properties

  • High Strength: In T6 temper (heat-treated and artificially aged), the tensile strength is approximately 310–340 MPa.
  • Good Weldability: Compatible with TIG/MIG welding.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Excellent performance in atmospheric and marine environments due to the protective film formed by Mg₂Si precipitates.
  • Workability: Good machinability and bendability, suitable for stamping and deep drawing; weldable via MIG/TIG (weld zones may require filler alloys such as 4043 or 5356).

6082 Aluminum Sheet Chemical Composition

The typical chemical composition of 6082 aluminum alloy (weight percentage) is as follows:

Element Content Range (%)
Silicon (Si) 0.70–1.30
Magnesium (Mg) 0.60–1.20
Manganese (Mn) 0.40–1.00
Iron (Fe) ≤0.50
Copper (Cu) ≤0.10
Zinc (Zn) ≤0.20
Chromium (Cr) ≤0.25
Titanium (Ti) ≤0.10
Other Impurities ≤0.15
Aluminum (Al) Balance

6082 Aluminum Sheet Mechanical Properties

At room temperature, the typical mechanical properties of 6082-T6 (solution treated + artificially aged) sheet include:

  • Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS): 310–340 MPa
  • Yield Strength: Approximately 260–310 MPa
  • Elongation: Around 8–12%
  • Vickers Hardness: Approximately 90–110 HV
  • Young’s Modulus: Approximately 71 GPa

6082 Aluminum Sheet Common Tempers

Common tempers for 6082 aluminum alloy include:

  • O Temper (Annealed): Offers maximum ductility and toughness;
  • T4 Temper (Solution Heat Treated): Solution treated and naturally aged, suitable for low-stress applications;
  • T6 Temper (Solution Heat Treated + Artificially Aged): Provides maximum strength and is the most commonly used temper for sheets;
  • T651 Temper: Same as T6 but stress-relieved by stretching, suitable for applications requiring tight dimensional tolerance.

6082 Aluminum Sheet Processing and Weldability

6082 alloy sheets can be produced by cold rolling, hot rolling, or extrusion processes, and exhibit good machinability, making them suitable for CNC machining.

This alloy has good weldability, though the strength in the weld zone may decrease. Aluminum-silicon filler wires (such as 4043) are commonly used for MIG welding; when welding with high-strength 7005 aluminum alloys, 5356 filler wire is recommended.

6082 Aluminum Sheet Corrosion Resistance

6082 alloy demonstrates excellent corrosion resistance in atmospheric and marine environments due to the protective passivation film formed by the Mg₂Si precipitates. In salt spray environments, its corrosion resistance surpasses that of 6061 alloy, making it suitable for ship decks, marine structures, and similar applications.

6082 Aluminum Sheet Applications

  • Transportation structures: automobile body panels, trailer skins, and ship superstructures—applications where lightweight and corrosion resistance are critical.
  • Architectural cladding: external walls, roofing, and decorative panels benefit from thin gauge sheets and anodized surfaces.
  • Mechanical components: precision-rolled sheets used for conveyor chutes, structural frames, and machinery enclosures.
  • Aerospace interiors: non-critical interior panels, linings, and fittings that utilize the sheet’s formability and surface finish.

In the fields of construction and civil engineering, 6082 is used in bridges, trusses, cranes, and support structures that require high load-bearing capacity.

In the automotive industry, 6082 is used for manufacturing frames, door frames, roof reinforcements, and chassis components. Due to its higher strength, it often replaces 6061 in many high-stress parts.

In aerospace applications, 6082 is employed for fuselage components and internal structures (such as seat frames, cockpit fittings, and support frames) due to its excellent strength and corrosion resistance.

In marine applications, 6082 is widely used for hulls, decks, superstructures, and ship components thanks to its outstanding resistance to seawater corrosion and weldability, making it an ideal choice for producing ship sheets and extrusions.

6082 Aluminum Sheet Standards and Specifications

6082 sheets comply with international standards such as EN 573-3 (chemical composition), EN 485-2 (mechanical properties of sheets and strips), and ISO 6361 (wrought sheets and strips). Depending on the end-use requirements, specific regional specifications (ASTM, JIS) may also apply.

The 6082 alloy sheets mainly conform to the following international standards:

  • EN 573-3: Chemical composition and product forms
  • EN 485-2: Mechanical properties of sheets, strips, and plates
  • ISO 6361: Standards for aluminum and aluminum alloy sheets, strips, and plates

6082 Aluminum Sheet Fabrication

  • Machining: Exhibits good machinability in the T6 temper.
  • Welding: Suitable for TIG/MIG welding; post-weld heat treatment can restore performance.
  • Forming: Moderate formability; better in annealed (O) condition.

Advantages of 6082 Aluminum Sheet Over Similar Alloys

  • Higher strength than 6061 aluminum, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications.
  • Better corrosion resistance than many steel alternatives.
  • Widely used in Europe (similar to 6061 aluminum in North America).

Comparison with 6061 and 5052

6082, 6061, and 5052 are all popular aluminum alloys, but they differ in key properties:

Property 6082 (T6/T651) 6061 (T6) 5052 (H32)
Tensile Strength (UTS) ≈295–300 MPa ≈290 MPa ≈228 MPa
Yield Strength (0.2%) ≈240–255 MPa ≈240 MPa ≈193 MP
Corrosion Resistance Excellent (very good in marine) Very good (commonly used in marine) Superior (5xxx-series, marine-grade)
Machinability Good (comparable to 6061) Good (very easy to machine) Fair (only moderate machinability)
Formability Good (in annealed O or T4); moderate in T6 Good in annealed O; limited in T6 Excellent (easily formed, especially in H32/O tempers)

6082 Aluminum Sheet Surface Treatment

Anodizing, powder coating, and painting can enhance aesthetics and corrosion resistance.

6082 Aluminum Sheet Limitations

  • Strength decreases at temperatures above 150°C (302°F).
  • Lower ductility compared to non-heat-treatable alloys (e.g., 5000 series).
  • Not suitable for high-temperature applications (strength declines above 150°C).

In the non-heat-treated condition, ductility is lower than that of 5000 series alloys.

6082 Aluminum Sheet Production Method

6082 sheets are produced from hot-rolled or cold-rolled alloy slabs, followed by optional cold rolling to control thickness. Compared to hot-rolled sheet production, cold rolling improves surface quality and dimensional accuracy.

Why Choose 6082 Aluminum Sheet?

  • Versatility: Balances strength, weldability, and corrosion resistance.
  • Cost-effectiveness: Durable with minimal maintenance needs.
  • Sustainability: Fully recyclable with minimal environmental impact.