EN AW-6060 (AlMgSi0.5): A Versatile Aluminium Alloy for Architectural and Industrial Profiles
Alloy Definition and Chemical Composition
EN AW-6060 is an Aluminium-Magnesium-Silicon alloy among the 6xxx series aluminium alloys, with a medium strength level and hardenable by heat treatment. This alloy is widely preferred especially in extrusion profiles, in architectural applications and in projects where surface quality is to the fore.
Its typical chemical composition (% by weight):
- Aluminium (Al): Balance
- Magnesium (Mg): 0.35 – 0.60%
- Silicon (Si): 0.30 – 0.60%
- Iron (Fe): Max. 0.30%
- Manganese (Mn), Chromium (Cr), Titanium (Ti), Zinc (Zn): In trace amounts
This alloy EN AW-6063 — it carries great similarities to this one, but with a slightly lower magnesium ratio it provides better formability and surface quality.
EN AW-6060 Standards and Specifications
EN AW-6060 has been defined in various European and international standards:
- EN 573-3 – Chemical composition
- EN 755-2 / EN 755-9 – Mechanical properties (extrusion products)
- EN 15088 – Aluminium products in structural use
- EN 515 – Temper designations
- ISO 6361, DIN 3.3206
- UNS A96060 (American equivalent)
Temper codes:
- T4: Solution treated, naturally aged
- T5: Artificial ageing after extrusion
- T6: Solution treated + artificially aged (maximum strength)
EN AW-6060 Trade Names and Equivalents
- EN AW-6060
- AlMgSi0.5
- AA6060
- DIN 3.3206
- UNS A96060
In the commercial literature this alloy is sometimes also referred to as an “architectural alloy” or a “medium strength extrusion alloy”.
EN AW-6060 Mechanical and Physical Properties
EN AW-6060 is an alloy whose strength can be increased by heat treatment. The average mechanical properties for the most widely used T6 temper are given below:
- Tensile Strength (Rm): 190 – 230 MPa
- Yield Strength (Rp0.2): ≥ 150 MPa
- Elongation (A50): ≥ 8%
- Density: 2.70 g/cm³
- Modulus of Elasticity: ~69 GPa
- Thermal Conductivity: ~200 W/m·K
- Melting Point: 615 – 650 °C
- Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 23.5 µm/m·K
- Hardness (Brinell): 60–75 HB
The T4 and T5 tempers of the alloy provide lower strength than T6 but better formability.
Application Areas
EN AW-6060 offers a very broad range of use thanks to its medium level mechanical properties, aesthetic surface quality and formability:
1.Architectural and Construction Systems
#Facade claddings
#Door and window frames
#Sun breaker systems
#Anodised exterior facade profiles
2.Automotive and Transport
#Rail system interior profiles
#Lightweight structural components
#Body supports
3.Furniture and Decoration
#Aluminium table and chair profiles
#Shelving systems
4.Electronics and Heat Transfer
#LED profile bodies
#Heat exchanger profiles
5.General Industrial Applications
#Machine housing profiles
#Carrier systems, duct structures
Advantages
- Good Extrusion Capability: Profiles with fine detail and complex cross-sections can be produced easily.
- Superior Surface Quality: It is advantageous in terms of brightness, smoothness and anodising compatibility.
- Suitability for Heat Treatment: Application-specific mechanical properties can be obtained in different tempers.
- Corrosion Resistance: It is quite resistant in atmospheric conditions and is suitable for seaside applications.
- Recyclability: It is 100% recyclable and an environmentally friendly material.
Disadvantages
- Low High Temperature Strength: At temperatures above 200 °C the mechanical properties decrease significantly.
- Inadequate in Applications Requiring High Strength: For example it is not preferred in aerospace or heavy structural applications; alloys such as EN AW-6082 or 7075 are used instead.
- Precautions to Be Taken in Welding: It is suitable for MIG/TIG welding, but filler wire selection and heat distribution must be controlled carefully.
Conclusion and Engineering Evaluation
EN AW-6060 is one of the alloys that makes the best use of the aesthetics, lightness and freedom of form offered by aluminium extrusion technology. It offers an economical and functional solution especially in architectural, decorative and lightweight engineering applications.
From an engineering point of view, as long as higher strength is not required, this alloy is a reason for preference with its good machinability, anodising compatibility and suitable cost. In this respect it takes on a strategic role in sustainable architectural and industrial designs.
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#UNSA96060
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| Chemical Composition | % Value | Physical Properties | % Value | Mechanical Properties | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silicon (Si) | 0,30 – 0,60 | Density | 2.70 g/cm³ | Yield Strength | 150 MPa (T6) |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0,00 – 0,05 | Melting Point | 582 °C | Tensile Strength | 190 MPa (T6) |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0,00 – 0,10 | Coeff. of Thermal Expansion | 23.4 x 10^-6 /K | Shear Strength | 140 MPa |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0,35 – 0,60 | Modulus of Elasticity | 69 GPa | Elongation | 8% |
| Copper (Cu) | 0,00 – 0,10 | Heat Capacity | 170 W/m.K | Elasticity | 69 GPa |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0,00 – 0,15 | Electrical Conductivity | 43% IACS | | |
| Iron (Fe) | 0,10 – 0,30 | | | ||
| Zinc (Zn) | 0,00 – 0,10 | | | ||
| Aluminium (Al) | Balance | | |
We supply this material
We supply EN AW 6060 (3.3206) — in the dimensions and forms required. For stock availability and pricing:
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