Alu 6082 vs 6060
Both 6082 and 6060 aluminum alloys belong to the 6xxx series (Al-Mg-Si), and both have good corrosion resistance, weldability, and heat treatability. However, there are significant differences in strength, composition, and typical applications.
- 6082 alloy has higher mechanical strength (especially in the T6 temper), making it suitable for manufacturing high-stress structural components; 6060 alloy, on the other hand, has medium strength and excellent surface finish and anodizing response, making it suitable for architectural and decorative profiles.
- The chemical composition of 6082 alloy contains higher amounts of manganese and magnesium, which gives it higher tensile strength and yield strength; while the balanced composition of 6060 alloy is favorable for extrusion forming and provides an aesthetically pleasing surface quality.
Both alloys are widely used in the extrusion forming process, but 6082 alloy is more commonly used in transportation and heavy structures, while 6060 alloy is more suitable for window frames, door frames, and heat exchangers.
Alu 6082 vs 6060 Key Differences Summary
| Property | 6082 | 6060 |
| Strength | High (Tensile: 290–340 MPa) | Moderate (Tensile: 140–240 MPa) |
| Corrosion | Excellent in harsh environments | Good for general use |
| Temperature | Up to 250°C | Up to 200°C |
| Machinability | Challenging, needs specialized tools | Easy, suitable for complex shapes |
| Primary Uses | Structural, marine, heavy industry | Architectural, decorative, electronics |
| Processing cost | Higher (complex casting process) | Lower (easy to extrude) |
Alu 6082 vs 6060 Alloy Classification and Introduction
6082 Aluminum Alloy
6082 belongs to the forged aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy series (6000 series), also known as AlSi1MgMn, with the designation EN AW-6082 or 3.2315.
It is recognized as the highest strength alloy in the 6000 series and is often used to replace 6061 in many applications.
6060 Aluminum Alloy
6060, with the designation EN AW-6060 or 3.3206, is also a forged aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy, featuring medium mechanical properties and excellent corrosion resistance.
It is highly regarded for its good weldability, decorative anodizing performance, and excellent surface finish.
Alu 6082 vs 6060 Chemical Composition
| Element | 6082 Composition (wt %) | 6060 Composition (wt %) |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.7 – 1.3 | 0.3 – 0.6 |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.6 – 1.2 | 0.35 – 0.6 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.4 – 1.0 | 0.10 – 0.30 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.5 | ≤ 0.35 |
| Chromium (Cr) | ≤ 0.25 | ≤ 0.10 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.1 | ≤ 0.1 |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤ 0.2 | ≤ 0.2 |
| Titanium (Ti) | ≤ 0.1 | ≤ 0.1 |
| Residuals | ≤ 0.15 | ≤ 0.15 |
| Aluminium (Al) | Balance | Balance |
Alu 6082 vs 6060 Mechanical Properties
6082-T6
- Ultimate tensile strength: 290 – 310 MPa (depending on section thickness).
- Yield strength: 250 – 260 MPa.
- Elongation at fracture: ≈ 10 %.
- Hardness (Brinell/Vickers): 95 HB / 100 HV.
6060-T5 / -T6
- Ultimate tensile strength: ≥ 160 MPa (T5) to ≈ 220 MPa (T6).
- Yield strength: ≥ 120 MPa (T5) to ≈ 170 MPa (T6).
- Elongation at fracture: 6 – 11 %.
- Hardness (Brinell): ≈ 60 HB.
Alu 6082 vs 6060 Physical and Thermal Properties
| Property | 6082 | 6060 |
| Density | 2.71 g/cm³ | 2.70 g/cm³ |
| Young’s Modulus | 71 GPa | 68 GPa |
| Thermal Conductivity | 170 W/m·K | 170 – 180 W/m·K |
| Coefficient of Expansion | 23.1 × 10⁻⁶/K | ≈ 23 × 10⁻⁶/K |
| Melting Range | 585 – 650 °C | 610 – 650 °C |
Alu 6082 vs 6060 Corrosion Resistance and High Temperature Performance
- 6082: Due to its higher magnesium content, it has excellent corrosion resistance in harsh environments (such as marine applications). It can withstand temperatures up to 250°C without significant softening.
- 6060: Has good general corrosion resistance but performs less effectively under harsh conditions. Its high-temperature performance is limited to 200°C, making it unsuitable for high-temperature applications.
Alu 6082 vs 6060 Workability and Formability
- 6060: Exhibits excellent machinability and cold-working properties. Its ductility (8-12% elongation) allows for complex extrusion, bending, and stamping without cracking. It is very suitable for complex architectural profiles and anodizing.
- 6082: Due to its higher hardness, it is more difficult to machine and requires specialized tools and lubricants. Its ductility is lower (6-10% elongation), and cracking can occur during forming unless preheated.
Alu 6082 vs 6060 Manufacturing and Processing
- Extrusion and Rolling: Both alloys are widely used for extrusion; 6082 is also used for rolling and forging to produce high-strength components.
- Heat Treatment: Both alloys can undergo solution treatment and artificial aging to achieve T5/T6 condition; 6082 achieves higher strength at the cost of ductility.
- Welding: 6060 is easier to weld, with fewer issues related to hot cracking, whereas 6082 requires more careful control during welding to avoid strength loss in the heat-affected zone.
- Surface Treatment: 6060 has excellent anodizing properties, making it very suitable for architectural profiles; the extruded surface of 6082 tends to be rougher but can be enhanced through mechanical processing to improve aesthetics.
Alu 6082 vs 6060 Weldability
Both alloys have good weldability, but 6060 alloy, when using common filler materials (such as 4043 or 5356), forms joints with higher strength and fewer defects. 6082 alloy experiences strength reduction in the heat-affected zone during welding, so careful post-weld treatment is required to ensure structural integrity.
Alu 6082 vs 6060 Applications
6082
- Structural Components: Due to its higher strength-to-weight ratio, it is used in bridges, cranes, trusses, and high-stress transportation components.
- Machined Parts: Used for bars, rods, and tubes in mechanical and automotive components where strength is crucial.
6060
- Architectural and Decorative Profiles: Window frames, door frames, curtain wall profiles, and ceiling decorations, benefiting from its excellent anodizing response and smooth surface finish.
- Heat Exchangers and Thermal Applications: Radiator fins and electronic enclosures, leveraging its good thermal conductivity and moderate strength.
- Railway and Automotive Decoration: Lightweight structural decoration and body panels requiring moderate strength and corrosion resistance.
Both 6082 and 6060 are versatile 6000 series alloys, offering good corrosion resistance and ease of fabrication. However, 6082 is the ideal choice for demanding structural applications requiring high strength, while 6060 is the preferred choice for architectural, decorative, and thermal applications, where surface quality and moderate strength are sufficient. Understanding their compositional and mechanical property differences ensures the best alloy selection based on specific engineering needs.