6082 T6 Aluminum
6082-T6 aluminum alloy is an aluminum alloy that has been heat-treated with the T6 process (solution heat-treated, quenched, and artificially aged). It is commonly used in engineering fields that require high strength and good corrosion resistance.
6082-T6 aluminum is a typical high-strength Al-Mg-Si series aluminum alloy. Through the T6 heat treatment process (solution treatment + artificial aging), its performance is optimized, and its comprehensive characteristics hold significant application value in engineering fields.
6082 T6 aluminum is a high-strength, heat-treatable alloy in the 6000 series (aluminum-magnesium-silicon family). Due to its balanced combination of strength, weldability, and corrosion resistance, it is widely used in structural and industrial applications.
In the aerospace sector, 6082-T6 aluminum alloy falls between the more common 6061 aluminum and higher-performance 7xxx aluminum alloys, offering an optimal balance of properties for secondary structures and lightweight load-bearing components.
6082-T6 aluminum alloy is a forged alloy renowned for its excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability. With a high strength-to-weight ratio, it is also suitable for structural applications such as bridges, cranes, transport frames, and scaffolding.
6082 Aluminum T6 Heat Treatment Process
Solution Heat Treatment: The aluminum alloy is heated to a certain high temperature (usually between 500°C and 540°C), allowing the alloying elements to dissolve completely and form a solid solution.
Quenching: The heated aluminum alloy is rapidly cooled to room temperature, usually through water quenching, to fix the internal crystal structure of the alloy.
Artificial Aging: The aluminum alloy is further strengthened through aging treatment at a lower temperature (typically between 160°C and 180°C) for a specified time, significantly improving its strength and hardness.
Through the T6 heat treatment, the mechanical properties of 6082 aluminum alloy are significantly enhanced, especially in terms of strength and hardness, making it suitable for structural applications that require high mechanical loads.
6082 T6 Aluminum Properties
- High Strength and Hardness: 6082-T6 aluminum alloy possesses high strength and hardness, enabling it to withstand significant mechanical stress, making it suitable for high-strength applications.
- Excellent Corrosion Resistance: 6082 aluminum alloy offers outstanding corrosion resistance, especially in marine environments and humid climates, and is particularly effective against various corrosive agents.
- Good Weldability: Despite its high strength, 6082-T6 aluminum retains good weldability. TIG/MIG welding methods are suitable, although weld zone strength may reduce by about 30%; filler alloys 4043 or 5356 are recommended.
- Good Machinability: Compared to other high-strength aluminum alloys, 6082-T6 has good machinability and can be formed using common machining techniques.
- Internal Stress: Due to the quenching process during T6 heat treatment, 6082 aluminum alloy may develop internal stress, which needs to be managed during machining or application, especially in large-scale processing.
6082 T6 Aluminum Chemical Composition Limits
Composition: 6082 aluminum alloy is a high-strength alloy primarily composed of silicon and magnesium, offering excellent overall performance.
| Weight% | Al | Si | Fe | Cu | Mn | Cr | Mg | Zn | Ti | Other Each | Others Total |
| Alloy 6082 | Bal | 0.7 - 1.3 | 0.50 max | 0.10 max | 0.40-1.00 | 0.25 max | 0.06-1.20 | 0.20 max | 0.10 max | 0.05 max | 0.15 max |
6082 T6 Aluminum Typical Mechanical Properties
Mechanical Properties: 6082 aluminum alloy in the T6 condition has high strength and relatively high hardness, making it suitable for structural components that need to withstand heavy loads.
| Material | Thickness (mm) | Tensile Strength (N/mm²) min | Yield Strength (N/mm²) min | Elongation on 50mm % (min) |
| Alloy 6082 - T6 Sheet and Plate | 0.2 - 3.0 | 295 | 255 | 8 |
| Alloy 6082 T6 Sheet and Plate | 3.0 - 6.0 | 295 | 240 | 8 |
| Alloy 6082 T6 Sheet and Plate | 6.0 - 25.00 | 295 | 240 | 8 |
| Material | Diameter (mm) | Tensile Strength min (N/mm²) | Yield Strength min (N/mm²) | Elongation on 5.65v % (min) |
| Alloy 6082 T6 Bar | < 20 | 295 | 255 | 8 |
| Alloy 6082 T6 Bar | 20 - 150 | 310 | 270 | 8 |
| Alloy 6082 T6 Bar | 150 - 200 | 280 | 240 | 5 |
Aluminium 6082 T6 Physical and Thermal Properties
- Density: 2.70 g/cm³
- Melting Point: 580–650°C
- Thermal Conductivity: 160–180 W/m·K
- Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 23–24 µm/m·K
Aluminium 6082 T6 Standards and Designations
- EN 573-3: Chemical composition and form of wrought products.
- EN 485-2: Mechanical properties of sheet, strip, and plate.
- EN 755-2 / EN 754-2: Mechanical properties of extruded / cold-drawn products.
- ISO 6361: Aluminum sheets, strips, and plates.
- Alternate Names: AlSi1MgMn, 3.2315, H30, A96082
6082 T6 Aluminum Available Product Forms
| Product Name | Description |
| 6082 T6 Aluminum Bars | 6082 T6 aluminum bars are high-strength aluminum alloy products with excellent mechanical properties and good corrosion resistance. They are widely used in fields that require high strength and good fatigue resistance. The T6 heat treatment process significantly enhances the hardness and strength of the aluminum bars, making them suitable for structural components and frames in industries such as aerospace, transportation, and mechanical manufacturing. |
| 6082 T6 Aluminum Tube Drawn | 6082 T6 aluminum drawn tubes are produced using a drawing process based on 6082 aluminum alloy, offering higher strength and corrosion resistance. These tubes are commonly used in applications with high structural requirements, such as aerospace, mechanical equipment, and transportation. In the T6 condition, the aluminum tube exhibits good wear resistance and weldability. |
| 6082 T6 Aluminum Plate | 6082 T6 aluminum plates are high-strength aluminum alloy sheets suitable for applications requiring high strength and corrosion resistance, such as aerospace, transportation, and building structures. The T6 heat treatment process gives the aluminum plate excellent bending, impact resistance, and fatigue strength, making it an ideal choice for manufacturing structural components and outer shell materials. |
| 6082 T6 Aluminum Extrusions | 6082 T6 aluminum extrusions are complexly shaped aluminum profiles produced through the extrusion process, offering excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability. The T6 treatment makes these extrusions ideal for manufacturing various structural components and supports in industries such as aerospace, automotive, construction, and machinery. |
| 6082 T6 Aluminum Sheet | 6082 T6 aluminum sheets are high-strength aluminum alloy thin plates with excellent corrosion resistance. After T6 heat treatment, they have good machinability and strength, widely used in transportation, shipbuilding, and mechanical manufacturing. They are commonly used to produce structural components, outer shells, and devices that require certain strength and durability. |
| 6082 T6 Aluminum Strip | 6082 T6 aluminum strips are thin, wide aluminum alloy materials that, after T6 heat treatment, offer higher strength and corrosion resistance. They are suitable for fields requiring precise dimensions and high strength. These aluminum strips are widely used in manufacturing precision components, decorative structural parts, and high-demand industrial applications, especially in the construction and transportation sectors. |
Applications of Aluminium 6082 T6 in the Aerospace Sector
With its balanced combination of mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and manufacturability, 6082-T6 aluminum has firmly established itself as the preferred material for a variety of secondary aerospace structures and lightweight components (ranging from seat frames and cabin brackets to precision-machined rods and extruded tubes).
- Aerospace Auxiliary Structures (Non-Load-Bearing Frames)
- Lightweight Aerospace Structural Components (e.g., rods and profiles)
Auxiliary Structures (Non-Load-Bearing Frames)
6082-T6 is commonly used in non-load-bearing aircraft frames, such as internal fuselage support structures, cabin partitions, and equipment mounts. These components require lightweight design to reduce overall weight while maintaining adequate strength and vibration resistance.
| Application | Description |
| Internal Frames and Brackets | Aluminium 6082 T6 extruded profiles are widely used for secondary internal frames, including cabin partitions, instrument brackets, and interface mounts. These frames must support equipment loads without compromising the integrity of the main wing or fuselage. |
| Seat and Interior Supports | Aircraft seat frames and interior mounting fixtures require a combination of toughness, lightweight, and impact resistance. Aluminium 6082 T6 profiles (such as square/rectangular tubes and angle bars) not only provide these characteristics but also allow integration of complex shapes into cabin modules. |
| Hydraulic and Fuel Line Supports | Precision-machined hydraulic and fuel line clamps and brackets are often made from Aluminium 6082 T6 extruded profiles, taking advantage of its corrosion resistance and dimensional stability to secure critical systems. |
| Cargo and Ground Support Components | Boarding stair frames, cargo hold rails, and ground support brackets are all made using Aluminium 6082 T6 profiles due to their high durability in repeated-use environments—resistant to wear, corrosion, and occasional impact. |
Lightweight Structural Components (Bars and Profiles)
Aluminium 6082 T6 can be produced through extrusion into bars, profiles, and tubes, and is used in the manufacture of wing ribs, fuselage frames, and door tracks.
Extruded Profiles
A wide array of cross-sections can be produced via extrusion:
| Profile Type | Typical Applications |
| Aluminium 6082 T6 Round & Square Tubes | Structural frames, fuselage skeletons, support columns |
| Aluminium 6082 T6 Rectangular Tubes | Cabin floor tracks, equipment supports, suitable for applications requiring directional bending stiffness |
| Aluminium 6082 T6 Angle Profiles (L-shaped) | Reinforcements for wing flaps and control surface edges |
| Aluminium 6082 T6 T/U/Z Profiles | Track mounting frames, cabin partition frames, symmetrical connecting structures |
| Aluminium 6082 T6 H-shape & I-beams | Fairings, secondary beams in sub-load-bearing structures |
| Aluminium 6082 T6 Hat & J Profiles | Frame reinforcements, interior attachment brackets |
| Aluminium 6082 T6 Flat Bars & Solid Rods | Machined shafts, pins, spacers |
Precision Parts Using Bars and Tubes
- 6082 Aerospace Aluminium Tubes: Used for fuel tank piping, hydraulic lines, and thin-walled drawn tubing for lightweight fuselage reinforcement.
- 6082 Aerospace Aluminium Bars: Solid rods can be machined into wing brackets, actuator arms, and small housings—thanks to the alloy’s high rigidity and thermal resistance.
Other Auxiliary Components
In avionics mounting brackets, sensor bases, and interior structures, 6082-T6 offers long-term durability in humid and temperature-fluctuating environments due to its excellent surface finish capability (such as anodizing) and corrosion resistance.
Other Industries Where Aluminium 6082 T6 Is Used
Transportation
- Marine structural components (high-speed hulls, deck supports)
- Rail vehicle flooring, truck frames
Construction Engineering
- Bridge trusses, roof support systems
- Crane booms, elevator guide rails
Special Industries
- High-pressure valve housings, hydraulic pistons
- Beer fermentation tanks, wear-resistant components in mining machinery
6082 T6 aluminum alloy, due to its high strength, corrosion resistance, good weldability, and machinability, is widely used in construction, shipbuilding, transportation, machinery manufacturing, and power facilities. Its lightweight characteristics not only reduce structural load but also improve energy efficiency and load-bearing capacity, while maintaining long-term stability in harsh environmental conditions. It is widely used in the manufacture of structural components such as bridges, ships, transportation vehicles, machinery, and power facilities.
| Application Area | Description | 6082 T6 Aluminum Product Forms |
| Construction | 6082 T6 aluminum alloy is commonly used in structural components such as bridges, roof frames, and wall supports. Due to its high strength and corrosion resistance, it can effectively handle loads in complex environments, making it ideal for external building structures with long service lives. | 6082 T6 aluminum is used in the form of aluminum profiles (such as pipes, angles, T-profiles, U-profiles, etc.), suitable for manufacturing supporting beams for bridges, roof frames, and external wall supports in buildings. |
| Shipbuilding | 6082 T6 aluminum alloy is widely used in the shipbuilding industry, especially in hull structures and frame components. It has excellent resistance to seawater corrosion, allowing it to be used in marine environments for long periods without degradation, ensuring the safety and durability of the ship's structure. | 6082 T6 aluminum is used in the form of aluminum sheets and profiles, particularly in hull frames, deck support beams, and other critical structural components. |
| Transportation | 6082 T6 aluminum alloy is widely applied in transportation vehicles, including trucks, freight cars, and trains. It reduces the vehicle's weight, improves fuel efficiency, and can withstand significant loads, ensuring structural safety. | 6082 T6 aluminum is used in the form of aluminum profiles (such as square tubes, rectangular tubes, T-profiles, etc.) and sheets, primarily for manufacturing vehicle body frames, chassis support structures, freight car bodies, and rail transport frames. |
| Machinery Manufacturing | 6082 T6 aluminum alloy is extensively used in machinery manufacturing, particularly in the frames of heavy machinery, lifting equipment, and high-strength structural components. Its excellent strength and corrosion resistance enable it to remain stable even in harsh working conditions, making it suitable for long-term use in industrial equipment. | 6082 T6 aluminum is used in the form of aluminum profiles (such as square tubes, round tubes, channels) and sheets for manufacturing machinery frames, heavy equipment supports, crane booms, and other large structural components. |
| Power Facilities | Due to its excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical strength, 6082 T6 aluminum alloy is often used in structural components of power facilities, especially in high-voltage power towers. It can withstand extreme weather conditions such as high humidity, saline marine environments, and cold mountainous regions. | 6082 T6 aluminum is used in the form of aluminum profiles and sheets, primarily for manufacturing power tower supports, wire supports, and external facilities for substations. |
6082-T6 aluminum alloy is a high-strength, corrosion-resistant, weldable, and machinable alloy, suitable for various engineering applications that require high strength and long-lasting durability.
Due to its protective aluminum oxide layer and balanced alloy composition, 6082-T6 provides excellent atmospheric and marine corrosion resistance. It is suitable for outdoor structures and marine components without additional surface protection, though anodizing or painting can further enhance durability.
Aluminium 6082 T6 Surface Treatment
- Anodized film thickness up to 10–25 μm, suitable for electrolytic coloring
- Lentil-patterned checkered plate surface friction coefficient increased by 40% (BS EN standard)
Aluminium 6082 T6 Manufacturing and Machinability
6082-T6 can be processed by various methods:
- Extrusion: Suitable for complex profiles; offers good surface finish and dimensional accuracy.
- Machining: Excellent machinability in T6 condition; commonly used for precision components from plate.
- Forming: Good formability in O (annealed) condition, but limited in T6; bending radius ≥ 3 × thickness is recommended.
- Welding: Typically weldable using MIG/TIG processes, though strength in the heat-affected zone may be reduced.
As the strongest alloy in the 6000 series, 6082-T6 is gradually replacing 6061 aluminium in marine and heavy machinery sectors, though it remains limited in the production of thin-walled complex extrusions due to surface finish concerns.
Aluminium 6082 T6 Heat Treatment Process
Melting temperature: 740–760℃, with precise control of manganese distribution required.
T6 treatment process:
- Solution treatment: Heat to 530–550℃, hold, then quench in water
- Artificial aging: Hold at 160–180℃ for 8–12 hours
Aluminium 6082 t6 Comparisons with Other Alloys
| Feature | 6082-T6 | 6061-T6 | 6063 | |
| Strength | Highest (340 MPa) | Moderate (310 MPa) | Low (241 MPa) | |
| Extrudability | Moderate | Good | Excellent | |
| Surface Finish | Rough | Smooth | Very Smooth | |
| Typical Use | Heavy structures | General purpose | Architectural |
6082-T6 aluminum alloy is a widely used, high-strength alloy that is well-suited for structural and marine applications. Although it offers higher strength than 6061, its extrusion process limitations and weaknesses in the weld zone require careful consideration during design.