6262 was designed as an Aluminium alloy for operations where significant machining is required. It contains lead and bismuth to help with chip creation and breakage, as well as to partially lubricate the
cutting tool. It is generally regarded as having good strength and
corrosion resistance. Finished parts can be produced with a high level of polishing.
Principal Design Features
AL 6262 is a heat treatable alloy with very good resistance to general corrosion and excellent mechanical properties (strength). It is a free-machining alloy, ideal for screw-machine stock and general machining purposes.
Applications
Commonly used in the manufacture of screw machine products, fittings, couplings, camera parts, and in nuts.
Machinability
Machinability is excellent due to the additions of bismuth and lead to this alloy to enhance machining characteristics. Smooth finishes can be obtained with either high-speed or carbide tooling. Use of oil lubricant is advised for heavy cuts, however light cutting may be done dry.
Forming
This alloy may be formed by conventional means. However the cold working characteristics are only fair in some of the temper conditions (see Cold Working).
WeldingThe welding characteristics of AL 6262 are good and it may be welded by all commercial methods. It can also be joined by brazing.
Heat TreatmentHeat treatment is accomplished by first solution annealing this alloy and then aging at relatively low temperature. See Annealing and Aging.
Cold WorkingThis alloy has only fair to poor cold working capability in many of the common temper conditions, as follow: T9 Poor, T6511, T6510, T6 and T651 all have fair cold working characteristics,
AnnealingSolution annealing is done at 1000 F for sufficient time to allow thorough heating, followed by a quench in hot water.
Aging
The various tempers are obtained by aging (after the solution anneal) at 340 to 350 F for times varying from 8 to 12 hours, depending upon temper desired and product form as follow: T6 and T62 8 hours for cold formed bar or rod. T6 and T62 12 hours for extruded shapes. The T4 and T42 tempers result from natural aging at room temperature.
Hardening
Hardens due to cold working or combination of aging and subsequent cold work.
Other Physical Props
Electrical conductivity 41% of copper.
Other Mechanical Props
Shear strength for T9 (cold worked) temper is 35 ksi. For T651 temper it is 30 ksi.