6101 Aluminium Specification

6101 is best suited for applications involving moderate strength and maximum electrical conductivity. It is similar to alloy 6063, but with minor chemistry changes which enhance electrical conductivity. Although slightly lower in conductivity than alloy 1350, it offers greater strength. Its most typical application is bus bar.

Principal Design Features
This is a high electrical conductivity Aluminium alloy also possessing good mechanical (strength) properties. It is hardened (strengthened) by heat treatment.

Applications
Electrical bus bar conductor applications for use in enclosed bus electrical installations.

Machinability
Machinability by conventional means is good. Either carbide or high speed tool steel tooling may be used. Use of an oil base lubricant during machining operations is recommended.

Forming
Forming characteristics are good by conventional processes. See also Cold Working.


Welding
Welding by all of the standard processes may be done, including gas torch welding. The preferred method of welding is by means of inert gas arc welding for best results. Filler rod of the same alloy should be used. When welded in the heat treated condition the subsequent parts will be lower in strength because of weld heat input.

Heat Treatment
The AL 6061 alloy does respond to heat treatment which is accomplished by annealing and relatively low temperature aging. See "Annealing" and "Aging".
Forging
No data, although the alloy is considered forgeable.

Hot Working
No data. Hot working generally is not required because the alloy has very good cold working characteristics.

Cold Working
Easily cold worked, or cold formed in either the annealed or aged conditions.

Annealing
Annealing is done at 775 F for 3 hours at temperature, followed by controlled cooling at a rate of 50 F per hour down to 500 F, then air cool. A stress relief anneal (after cold working) may be done at 650 F with air cooling.

Aging
Aging is done at different temperatures and times, depending upon the finished temper desired as follows : T6 350 F for 20 hours and air cool. T61 440 F for 6 hours and air cool. T63 380 F for 19 hours and air cool.

Hardening
Hardens due to cold working or aging heat treatment -- see "Aging".

Other Physical Props
Electrical conductivity 56% of copper.

Other Mechanical Props
Shear strength values are: T6 - 22 ksi. T63 - 21 ksi. T61 - 17 ksi