Aluminum comes in a range of different alloys, each with different chemical compositions and characteristics suitable for various applications. 6005 aluminum is ideal for applications that require high corrosion and moderate strength. At Tri-State, we offer custom 6005 aluminum extrusions and other 6000 series aluminum alloys to suit your unique applications. 6005 aluminum possesses many desirable properties applicable to a variety of applications and industries.
6005 Aluminum vs. 6005A Aluminum
Aluminum alloys in the 6000 series have magnesium and silicon as their main elements and are strengthened through heat treatment. This combination improves corrosion resistance, formability, strength, and weldability, making them suitable for many different applications.
When comparing 6005 aluminum and 6005A, they differ in chemical composition but are similar in some applications. For instance, 6005 aluminum has a high silicon amount, reducing its melting point but improving its extrudability.
6005A aluminum also has more chromium to reduce the risk of stress corrosion and increase its toughness. It also has extra manganese to improve its extrudability and strength.
Though both aluminum alloys have excellent bending properties, they aren’t ideal for applications that experience frequent overloading or impact. You should also note that these two aluminum alloys perform poorly in producing thin-walled, complicated shapes.
Finally, these 6005 and 6005A aluminum are easy to braze and weld in commercial applications. However, the heat from the welding reduces its strength. Additional characteristics include good corrosion resistance, enhanced finishing properties, and compatibility with Tri-State’s anodizing methods such as dying, hard coating, and coloring. Anodized aluminum is less reactive, easier to dye, and offers exceptional corrosion resistance. Non-anodized aluminum, on the other hand, is much more susceptible to environmental contaminants and decay over time.
6005 Aluminum vs. 6061 Aluminum
6005 aluminum has similar characteristics to 6061 aluminum when produced through a -T5 temper. They have identical yield and tensile strength and offer better machinability than the 6063-T6 aluminum. Despite these similarities, 6005A aluminum outperforms 6061 aluminum due to its improved extrudability and surface appearance.
Application
6005 aluminum is commonly used in the following applications:
- Ladder structures
- Handrail tubing
- Automotive connector stock
- Seamless and structural tubing
- Structural members
6005 aluminum is an ideal aluminum alloy for different industries, such as the manufacture of automobiles, trucks, trailers, rail components, marine components, platforms, structures, ladders, and more.
Chemical Composition
6005 aluminum is made up of different metals with the following chemical composition:
- Aluminum content from 97.5% to 99.0%
- Maximum of 0.1% of chromium
- Maximum of 0.1% of copper
- Maximum of 0.35% of iron
- Maximum of 0.4% to 0.6% of magnesium
- Maximum of 0.1% of manganese
- Maximum of 0.6% to 0.9% of silicon
- Maximum of 0.1% of titanium
- Maximum of 0.1% of zinc
- Maximum of 0.15% of residual
Properties
6005 aluminum has the following typical material properties:
- A density of 2.7 g/cm3
- A Young’s modulus of 10 Msi or 69 GPa
- Ultimate tensile strength of 28 to 44 ksi or 190 to 300 MPa
- Yield strength of 100 to 260 MPa
- Thermal expansion of 23 um/m-K
6005 Aluminum at Tri-State Aluminum
6005 aluminum offers better properties for various applications than other aluminum alloys. If you need an aluminum alloy that matches your needs, Tri-State Aluminum is here to help. We’re an exclusive 6000 series aluminum manufacturing company offering services that include design, extrusion, extruding, and finishing. Our aluminum extrusion capabilities are up to 18” and circle size 1. Contact us today and learn how we can help you get the best aluminum alloy for your use.