Aluminium alloy 6082 is a medium strength alloy with excellent corrosion resistance. It has the highest strength of the 6000 series alloys. Alloy 6082 is known as a structural alloy. In plate form, 6082 is the alloy most commonly used for machining. As a relatively new alloy, the higher strength of 6082 has seen it replace 6061 in many applications. The addition of a large amount of manganese controls the grain structure which in turn results in a stronger alloy.
It is difficult to produce thin walled, complicated extrusion shapes in alloy 6082. The extruded surface finish is not as smooth as other similar strength alloys in the 6000 series.
In the T6 and T651 temper, alloy 6082 machines well and produces tight coils of swarf when chip breakers are used.
Applications
6082 is typically used in:
~ Highly stressed applications
~ Trusses
~ Bridges
~ Cranes
~ Transport applications
~ Ore skips
~ Beer barrels
~ Milk churns
Alloy Designations
Aluminium alloy 6082 also corresponds to the following standard designations and specifications but may not be a direct equivalent:
AA6082
HE30
DIN 3.2315
EN AW-6082
ISO: Al Si1MgMn
A96082
Temper Types
The most common tempers for 6082 aluminium are:
- T6 - Solution heat treated and artificially aged
- O - Soft
- T4 - Solution heat treated and naturally aged to a substantially stable condition
- T651 - Solution heat treated, stress relieved by stretching then artificially aged
Weldability
6082 has very good weldability but strength is lowered in the weld zone. When welded to itself, alloy 4043 wire is recommended. If welding 6082 to 7005, then the wire used should be alloy 5356.
Weldability – Gas: Good
Weldability – Arc: Good
Weldability – Resistance: Good
Brazability: Good
Solderability: Good