6082-T6 aluminum
Product-specific reference for 6082-T6 chemistry, extrusion versus sheet properties, machining and joining limits.
Tags: materials, aluminum, structural-alloys, heat-treatment
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Identify the product as well as the alloy
Hydro's North American 6082-T6/T6511 extrusion table gives 310 MPa tensile and 260 MPa yield minima for its printed 20–150 mm band and 280/240 MPa for 150–200 mm. The tensile specimen's section thickness governs. Consult the original inch table at a rounded metric endpoint. Hydro Rev. 2019/02, p. 2
6082-T6 identifies a wrought aluminium alloy and its heat-treatment condition. Hydro describes 6082 as a structural alloy offered in rod, bar, tube and profiles, with characteristics similar to—but not equivalent to—6061. A common application does not establish an approved substitution. Record alloy, complete temper, form, dimensions, specification/edition, finish and required certification. Hydro 6082 alloy overview
Aalco's composition table gives 0.70–1.30% silicon, 0.60–1.20% magnesium and 0.40–1.00% manganese by mass, with other-element limits and aluminium as the balance. These are composition limits, not a measured heat analysis or a strength guarantee. Aalco 6082 composition
Do not transfer rolled-sheet or plate properties to an extrusion, casting or final machined wall. Retain the original product dimensions and test orientation with the material record. The thickness relevant to a purchase specification may differ from the final wall thickness of a pocketed component.
T6 does not include every stress-relief condition
T6 means solution heat-treated and artificially aged. T651 adds stress relief by stretching. For related extruded products, T6511 permits minor straightening after stretching to meet tolerances. Preserve those suffixes rather than reducing all delivery conditions to T6. Aalco temper descriptions, Capalex detailed temper definitions
Scoped reference properties
Hydro's North American extrusion sheet, explicitly marked Revision 2019/02 (3/2019), gives these T6/T6511 minimum property entries. It states that the thickness of the cross-section from which the tensile specimen is taken determines applicability:
| Printed metric thickness range | Ultimate tensile strength, minimum | 0.2% offset yield, minimum | Elongation, minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5–20 mm | 310 MPa | 260 MPa | 6% |
| 20–150 mm | 310 MPa | 260 MPa | 8% |
| 150–200 mm | 280 MPa | 240 MPa | 6% |
The sheet states elongation in 2 inches or four specimen diameters and gives specimen-size exceptions. Its rounded metric endpoints should be read with the original table and ordered specification, rather than used to invent a rule at an overlapping boundary. Hydro extrusion property table and footnotes, p. 2
For comparison, Aalco's T6/T651 sheet page cites BS EN 485-2:2008 and gives 260 MPa minimum proof stress and 310 MPa minimum tensile strength for its stated 0.4–6.00 mm range. It warns that the data are indicative and do not replace the full specification. Similar numbers do not make the two product standards interchangeable. Aalco sheet properties and disclaimer
Manufacture and qualify the part
Hydro warns that some thin-wall sections may not be available in T6 because of quenching limitations. It recommends softer O or T4 conditions for bending/forming and notes chip-control considerations when machining stronger conditions. Confirm the actual producible profile and temper before committing a design to an extrusion route. Hydro processing guidance, p. 1
A bend trial should represent actual gauge, rolling/extrusion direction, tool geometry, lubrication and surface requirements. A successful simple bend does not establish formability of a more severe feature. If forming is performed in another condition followed by heat treatment, qualify the final properties and dimensions through that full route.
For machining, record stock identity, workholding, tool and coolant, roughing/finishing sequence and inspection after unclamping. Qualify thin walls and asymmetric removal on a representative part. A favourable machinability description supplies no universal feed, speed, flatness or surface-finish guarantee.
Welding and service boundaries
Both Hydro and Aalco warn of reduced strength in the weld region. Aalco suggests different fillers for joining 6082 to itself and to 7005, illustrating why the second material and desired joint performance matter. Select the filler and procedure for the actual joint; a supplier recommendation is not a qualified welding procedure. Hydro joining guidance, Aalco weldability guidance
Assess weld metal, heat-affected zone and unaffected parent separately. Do not apply an incoming T6 certificate to the whole weldment or assume a simple ageing step restores the original condition and dimensional stability. Thermal processing needs a controlled procedure and final acceptance basis.
Corrosion resistance is also application-specific. Evaluate exposure, cleaning fluids, dissimilar-metal contacts, crevices and protection at joints. A bridge, crane or transport application list does not establish a pressure rating, fatigue life or chemical-compatibility limit for an unspecified part. Cosmetic anodising needs an agreed finish requirement and sample across the actual product and fabrication route.
Keep lot identity, complete temper, stock dimensions, certification and thermal history through manufacture. Sources were reviewed November 1, 2026; the Hydro revision is taken from its printed footer, not its upload date.