6082 T6 Aluminum Properties

Among the 6000 series, this alloy exhibits high strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and is widely used in medium- to high-stress structural components. In the T6 temper, the alloy has a yield strength of 250–260 MPa, an ultimate tensile strength up to 310 MPa, good ductility (elongation of 6–10%), and also offers good machinability, weldability, as well as thermal and electrical conductivity.

6082-T6 is characterized by a balance of strength, weldability, and corrosion resistance. "T6" indicates that it has undergone solution heat treatment followed by artificial aging, significantly enhancing its mechanical properties. Due to its strength, durability, and lightweight (density: 2.70 g/cm³), it is widely used in the construction, transportation, and marine industries.

6082 T6 Aluminum Properties - Chemical Composition

Typical Range (Weight Percent)

• Silicon (Si): 0.7 – 1.3%
• Magnesium (Mg): 0.6 – 1.2%
• Manganese (Mn): 0.4 – 1.0%
• Iron (Fe): 0.0 – 0.5%
• Chromium (Cr): 0.0 – 0.25%
• Zinc (Zn): 0.0 – 0.2%
• Titanium (Ti): 0.0 – 0.1%
• Copper (Cu): 0.0 – 0.1%
• Aluminum (Al): Remainder (95.2 – 98.3%)

6082 Aluminum Properties - Mechanical Properties (T6 Temper)

‌Strength Performance‌: The highest strength among 6000 series aluminum alloys, suitable for high-stress applications (e.g., bridges, cranes)

‌Heat Treatment Characteristics‌: T6 temper is achieved through solution heat treatment followed by artificial aging, significantly improving mechanical properties, with no cold working after processing.

• Yield Strength: 250 – 260 MPa (depends on product shape and size)
• Tensile Strength (Ultimate): 295 – 310 MPa
• Elongation at Break: 6–10% (A50 mm: ~6% for larger bars, up to 10% for thinner profiles)
• Brinell Hardness: ~95 HB
• Fatigue Strength: ~95 MPa
• Shear Strength: ~220 MPa
• Modulus of Elasticity (Tensile): ~69 GPa
• Shear Modulus: ~26 GPa
• Poisson's Ratio: ~0.33

6082 T6 Aluminum Properties - Physical and Thermal Properties

• Density: 2.70 g/cm³ (2700 kg/m³)
• Melting Point: Solidus ≈580 °C; Liquidus ≈650 °C
• Thermal Conductivity: 160–180 W/m·K
• Thermal Expansion Coefficient: ~23–24 × 10⁻⁶ /K
• Specific Heat Capacity: ~900 J/kg·K
• Maximum Operating Temperature (Mechanical Properties): ~170 °C

6082 T6 Aluminum Properties – Electrical Properties

• Electrical conductivity: ~42% IACS (by volume)
• Electrical resistivity: ~0.38 × 10⁻⁶ Ω·m

6082 Aluminum Properties – Heat Treatment (T6)

The T6 temper is achieved by solution heat treatment followed by artificial aging. This process optimizes the precipitation of Mg₂Si particles, resulting in maximum strength.

6082 T6 Aluminum Properties – Manufacturing Characteristics

• Machinability: Good; tight chip curls can be produced using appropriate chip breakers.
• Cold formability: Good; cold working rating is "good."
• Weldability: Very suitable for gas-shielded welding, arc welding, and resistance welding processes; the non-precipitation zone may reduce the strength of the heat-affected zone. Best results can be achieved using aluminum-silicon filler. Recommended fillers: 4043 for autogenous welding, 5356 for connections with 7005 alloy.
• Brazability and weldability: Good
• Machinability: Good; in T6 temper condition, tight chip curls can be produced with chip breakers.
• Formability: Limited formability for thin-walled extrusions; surface roughness is coarser than that of 6063.
• Heat resistance: Softens above 170–200°C, not suitable for high-temperature applications.

6082 T6 Aluminum Properties – Corrosion Resistance

6082-T6 has excellent resistance to atmospheric and marine corrosion, making it suitable for marine and structural applications.

6082 T6 Aluminum Properties – Common Applications

• Structural components: Scaffolding, trusses, bridges, railway car components
• Transportation and marine: Ship superstructures, marine extrusions (DNV certified)
• Machined parts: High-strength shafts, bars, rods for machinery
• Automotive and aerospace: High-stress parts, frames, connectors requiring medium-to-high strength and corrosion resistance
• Construction: Bridges, cranes, roof trusses
• Industrial: Beer barrels, milk stirrers, ore buckets

6082 T6 Aluminum Comparison with Similar Alloys

6082 T6 Aluminum Limitations

• Weld zone defects: Post-weld heat treatment is required for critical applications.
• Extrusion process challenges: Not suitable for complex thin-walled designs.
• Temperature sensitivity: Avoid prolonged use above 200°C.

6082-T6 aluminum alloy combines the high strength, good machinability, and corrosion resistance of heat-treatable alloys in the 6000 series, making it a versatile choice for engineering structures and high-load components.