6061 vs 6082 Aluminum Comparative Guide

Aluminum is a very demanding material in engineering applications because of being strong and lighter in weight. By adding alloying elements in Al alloys and providing heat treatment, its mechanical properties like shear strength and toughness further increases. In 6xxx series, 6061 and 6082 have exceptional mechanical properties. This article provides a comprehensive difference of Al 6061 vs 6082. Comparison includes composition, properties, uses in detail along with identifying reliable 6061 and 6082 aluminum suppliers.

Aluminum 6082 (AL 6082)

Al 6082 has moderate strength. But its corrosion resistance is exceptional. Presence of alloying element Mn increases its strength by controlling grain size. During anodizing, the chemical bonding is strong which increases surface finish properties. In 6xxx grades, this alloy possesses highest shear strength. Aluminum 6082 has many construction applications. 6082 Al properties include good machining features. It is now becoming a substitute of 6061 in many uses by 6061. Even though it is comparatively a modern alloy. Better machining is observed in 6082 aluminum properties. It results in a stress resistant material as 6082 aluminum sheets. It is typically employed in making cranes, bridges, and in other transportation applications.

Aluminum 6061（AL 6061)

One of the most demanding alloys for structural applications in 6xxx grades of Al. The main alloying elements are Mg and Si. Mg increases its strength of 6061 aluminum. As the melting point of Al is around 650℃, so purpose of adding Si is to decrease its melting point. 6061 t6 is heat-treatable and has good properties and applications. The weldability and formability of 6061 is good with higher shear strength makes it a good option as structural alloy. Al 6061 is versatile for extrusion. All the remarkable features of 6061 make it useful for a huge range of projects.

What is the difference between 6061 and 6082?

6082 has versatile nature which is making it an alternative to 6061. 6061 vs 6082 are comparable with each other due to both having unique natures. Heat treatment and alloying elements both have a great effect on their mechanical properties and applications. 6082 aluminum properties make it a rust-free material with high shear strength. Properties are good in 6082 as 6061 also has good strength and rust resistance. the formability and welding speed is good for 6061. Alloying elements in these alloys make their properties different. Heat treatment also increases their strength and mechanical properties. 6061 t6 vs 6082 t6 are two common comparable heat-treated materials.

Chemical composition Chart

Al 6061 vs 6082 has different composition. It further changes their mechanical properties with each other. In tempered alloys, 6061 t6 vs 6082 t6 are common alloys.

Elements	Aluminum alloy 6061	Aluminum alloy 6082
Aluminum	95.9%	95.2%
Chromium	0.04%	0.25%
Copper	0.15%	0.1%
Iron	0.7%	0.5%
Magnesium	1.2%	1.2%
Manganese	0.15%	1%
Titanium	0.15%	0.1%
silicon	0.8%	1.3%
Zinc	0.25%	0.2%

6061 vs 6082 aluminum properties

6082 has comparable properties to 6061. Both have different compositions which makes their mechanical properties different. Heat treatment and alloying elements both have a great effect on their features and applications. The main mechanical properties of 6061 vs 6082 are mentioned. In heat treated alloys, 6061 t6 vs 6082 t6 are common alloys.

Density

As aluminum is naturally a light weigh material. Therefore, there the density of both materials is same. This is 2.7g/cm³.

Strength

Strength of 6082 is slightly higher. The weldability and welding speed is good in 6061. but its strength is a bit lower.

Tensile strength

The tensile strength of aluminum alloy 6082 is 410MPa. While 6061 has 340MPa. Therefore, 6082 has higher strength than 6061.

Yield strength

Yield strength of aluminum alloy 6082 is 370MPa while 6061 has 320MPa. Therefore, 6082 has higher strength than 6061. 6082 aluminum sheets are used in construction due to being stronger.

Corrosion resistance

6082 has higher resistance. That is why is performs better in harsh environments than 6061.

Weldability

Weldability of 6082 is better than 6061 aluminum properties. The 6082 performs better with high welding speed.

Machining service

Machining service of 6082 is better than 6061. 6082 aluminum sheets are produced by machining for structural applications due to higher strength.

Cost

Cost of 6082 is higher than 6061. This is because it has better mechanical properties and after giving heat treatments, the tempered alloys performs better than 6061. In heat treated alloys, 6061 t6 vs 6082 t6 are common alloys.

Common Applications

6082 is mostly utilized in the construction field. The common uses are ladder and scaffoldings. For 6061, automobile fields mostly utilize this alloy because of its strength and cost. It is used in making frames and wheels.

Summary 6061 vs 6082: A Comparative Chart

For 6062 vs 6082, a comparison chart has summarized their mechanical properties which is mentioned below:

Properties	Aluminum alloy 6082	Aluminum alloy 6061
Strength	High	Low
Weldability	High	Low
Formability	High	Low
Corrosion resistance	High	Low
Machining	High	Low
Cost	High	Low

Pros and Cons of Aluminum 6082

The pros of 6082 aluminum alloy are as:

Higher strength makes it a good choice as a structural alloy

Possess excellent corrosion resistance in harsh environments

Machinability and weldability are high

Easily formable to any shape like 6082 aluminum sheets

Suitable for construction applications due to high shear strength and other mechanical properties

The only disadvantage of 6082 aluminum alloy is:

It is bot costly than other aluminum alloys which could result in limited application at smaller scale.

When to use 6061 or 6082？

6061 vs 6082 are comparable with each other. Heat treatment and alloying elements have a great effect on their mechanical properties. 6082 aluminum properties make it a rust-free material with a higher shear strength alloy than 6061. 6082 is mostly utilized in construction application. For 6061, automobile fields mostly utilize this alloy because of its strength and cost.

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FAQ about aluminum 6082 and 6061

What is aluminum 6082 equivalent to?

Aluminum 6061 round bars equivalent to 6082 aluminum sheets. Both have good corrosion resistance and higher mechanical properties. Heat treatment further increases their strength like shear strength, tensile and yield strength, etc.