Aluminium Alloy 6061 is a versatile, heat-treatable aluminium–magnesium–silicon alloy widely recognized for its exceptional strength, superior machinability, and excellent overall performance in demanding structural and engineering applications. Renowned for its outstanding corrosion resistance, good weldability, and ability to achieve high mechanical strength through heat treatment (T6, T651 tempers), Alloy 6061 is extensively used across aerospace components, automotive parts, marine fittings, hydraulic structures, transportation equipment, and precision-engineered products. With its excellent balance of strength, toughness, and lightweight properties, 6061 aluminium excels in fabrication processes such as extrusion, machining, forming, and welding. Its reliable performance under stress, resistance to fatigue, and dimensional stability make Aluminium 6061 a preferred choice for industries requiring high-performance, durable, and structurally efficient aluminium materials.
ALUMINIUM 6061 SHEETS AND PLATES EQUIVALENT GRADES
| European Standard | UNS | ISO | Germany (DIN) | UK | USA (AA) | Werkstoff Nr. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN AW-6061 | A96061 | AlMg1SiCu | AlMgSiCu | HE20 | AA6061 | 3.3211 |
SPECIFICATION OF ALUMINIUM 6061 SHEETS AND PLATES
| Standard | ASTM B209 / ASME SB209 |
|---|---|
| Dimension Standard | JIS, AISI, ASTM, GB, DIN, EN, etc |
| Width | 1000mm, 1219mm, 1500mm, 1800mm, 2000mm, 2500mm, 3000mm, 3500mm, etc |
| Length | 2000mm, 2440mm, 3000mm, 5800mm, 6000mm, etc |
| Thickness | 0.3 mm to 120 mm |
| Form | Coils, Foils, Rolls, Plain Sheet, Shim Sheet, Perforated Sheet, Chequered Plate, Strip, Flats, Blank (Circle), Ring (Flange) etc. |
| Surface Finishing | Hot rolled plate (HR), Cold rolled sheet (CR), 2B, 2D, BA, NO.1, NO.4, NO.8, 8K, mirror, Chequered, embossed, hair line, sand blast, Brush, etching, SATIN (Met with Plastic Coated) etc. |
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF ALUMINIUM 6061 SHEETS AND PLATES
| Mn | Si | Cr | Cu | Fe | Zn | Al | Mg | Ti | Other Each/Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.15 | 0.4-0.8 | 0.15-0.35 | 0.15-0.4 | 0.7 | 0.25 | Remainder | 0.8-1.2 | 0.15 | 0.005/0.15 |
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF ALUMINIUM 6061 SHEETS AND PLATES
| Tensile Strength (PSI) | Yield Strength (PSI) | Shear Strength (PSI) | Elongation in 2″ | Brinell Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45,000 | 40,000 | 31,000 | 12 | 95 |
💡 Practical Difference in Use
Use Aluminium 5052 when: excellent corrosion resistance, superior formability, and good weldability are needed in marine, automotive, and general fabrication applications.
→ Example: fuel tanks, pressure vessels, marine panels, sheet-metal parts, and chemical equipment.
Use Aluminium 5083 when: high strength, exceptional seawater corrosion resistance, and superior performance under extreme mechanical stress are required.
→ Example: shipbuilding hulls, offshore structures, cryogenic tanks, and high-strength marine plates.
Use Aluminium 5086 when: high corrosion resistance with good weldability is needed for structural marine work and high-moisture environments.
→ Example: boat hulls, deck structures, storage tanks, and welded marine components.
Use Aluminium 5454 when: excellent formability and elevated-temperature corrosion resistance are required for pressure vessels and automotive applications.
→ Example: tanker bodies, storage tanks, automotive frames, and welded pressure vessels.
Use Aluminium 6061 when: high strength, good machinability, and strong structural performance are critical.
→ Example: aerospace components, structural frames, machinery parts, marine fittings, and heavy-duty transport equipment.
Applications of Aluminium 5052 / 5083 / 5086 / 5454 / 6061 Sheets & Plates
Aluminium alloys are valued for their lightweight nature, corrosion resistance, weldability, and excellent mechanical performance across marine, automotive, structural, and industrial environments.
- Marine Applications: Boat hulls, decks, superstructures, fuel tanks, and seawater handling systems.
- Automotive & Transport: Tanker bodies, frames, cargo floors, pressure vessels, and structural components.
- Industrial & Structural: Machinery parts, heat exchangers, cryogenic vessels, fabrication work, and welded structures.
When to Choose Each Aluminium Alloy?
Selecting the right aluminium grade depends on strength levels, corrosion resistance, weldability, fabrication needs, and operating conditions.
Choose Aluminium 5052 when:
- Superior corrosion resistance is needed
- High formability and easy fabrication are required
- Used in marine, chemical, and general sheet-metal applications
- Ideal for pressure vessels, panels, and fuel/chemical tanks
- Lightweight yet durable components are preferred
Choose Aluminium 5083 when:
- Highest strength among non-heat-treatable aluminium alloys is required
- Material must withstand harsh seawater and extreme environments
- Ideal for shipbuilding, offshore structures, and cryogenic service
- Excellent weldability and impact resistance are necessary
- Used for heavy marine plates and load-bearing structures
Choose Aluminium 5086 when:
- High corrosion resistance with added strength is needed
- Material will face continuous exposure to saltwater
- Used for boat hulls, decks, and marine welded fabrications
- Good for storage tanks and pressure systems
- Excellent performance in high-moisture environments
Choose Aluminium 5454 when:
- Corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures is needed
- Used for tanker bodies, pressure vessels, and transport systems
- High formability and weldability are required
- Ideal for hot working conditions
- Stable mechanical properties under continuous load
Choose Aluminium 6061 when:
- High strength and excellent machinability are required
- Material will be used in structural or engineering applications
- Ideal for aerospace, marine fittings, and heavy-duty components
- Heat-treatable alloy with strong mechanical performance
- Perfect for frames, fixtures, and industrial machinery
Industries That Use Aluminium Alloy Sheets & Plates
These aluminium grades cater to industries requiring lightweight materials with excellent corrosion resistance, strength, and fabrication flexibility.
Widely used due to excellent seawater resistance and lightweight properties.
Uses
Boat hulls, decks, superstructures, fuel tanks.
Why Aluminium?
High corrosion resistance and strong weldability for marine environments.
Ideal for lightweight structural and tanker applications.
Uses
Tanker bodies, trailers, truck panels, cargo vehicles.
Why Aluminium?
Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and fuel-efficient material choice.
Used in structural and high-performance engineering components.
Uses
Aircraft frames, fittings, precision components.
Why Aluminium?
High strength-to-weight ratio with excellent machinability.
Common in tanks, vessels, cryogenic equipment, and machinery.
Uses
Pressure vessels, storage tanks, welded assemblies.
Why Aluminium?
High durability, stable performance, and easy fabrication.
Used where thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance are essential.
Uses
Cooling coils, heat exchangers, refrigeration units.
Why Aluminium?
Efficient heat transfer with long service life.
Reliable for handling chemicals, brine, and corrosive media.
Uses
Storage tanks, evaporators, piping systems.
Material Selection
5052/5454 for tanks, 5083/5086 for marine chemical exposure, 6061 for high-strength fittings.
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