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6061
Aluminum 6061 – Seamless Alloy Busbar
6061-T6 / 6061-T651
Overview
Aluminum 6061 is the most versatile and widely used seamless aluminum alloy. In T6 temper, it offers excellent mechanical properties including 45 ksi tensile strength, good corrosion resistance, and outstanding machinability. While its electrical conductivity (43% IACS) is lower than 6101 or 1350, it is the preferred choice for bus pipe and seamless applications where higher strength is required. 6061-T6 busbar is used where mechanical loading, vibration, or longer spans demand greater strength than electrical-grade alloys can provide.
Chemical Composition
| Element | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | Balance (~97.9%) | — |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.80% | 1.20% |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.40% | 0.80% |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.15% | 0.40% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.04% | 0.35% |
| Iron (Fe) | — | 0.70% |
Alloy Designations
UNSA96061
ASTMB221, B241, B308, B209
Common NameSeamless Aluminum
Mechanical Properties
Tensile Strength (T6)45 ksi (310 MPa)
Yield Strength (T6)40 ksi (276 MPa)
Elongation (T6)12%
Hardness (T6)95 HB
Shear Strength30 ksi (207 MPa)
Fatigue Strength14 ksi (97 MPa)
Physical Properties
Density2.70 g/cm³ (0.098 lb/in³)
Melting Point582–652°C (1,080–1,205°F)
Electrical Conductivity43% IACS (T6)
Thermal Conductivity167 W/m·K
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion23.6 × 10⁻⁶ /°C
Modulus of Elasticity68.9 GPa (10,000 ksi)
Typical Applications
- Seamless bus pipe and bus conductor
- Substation seamless supports
- Marine and aerospace seamless components
- General-purpose seamless shapes
- Machine parts and tooling
- Truck and trailer frames
Fabrication & Joining
- Excellent machinability in T6 temper
- Good weldability — use 4043 or 5356 filler
- Re-heat treat after welding to restore T6 properties
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Available in all standard forms