What is Aluminum alloy 6061? You may want to know about the main material that mostly bike frames are made from. The following section, we will help you to have some clear information about.
Aluminum alloy 6061 is a combination of many element. In which, three main element magnesium, silicon and aluminum are alloyed to create a new durable compound with highly corrosion resistance. Aluminum alloy has many forms like rods, coils, plates.. etc. .
Characteristically, it is easy to be formed and weldable. Comes with different sizes and thickness. It provides a range of basic properties that qualify it for annealing, hardening.
In the bike industry, manufacturers use aluminum alloy to produce different types bikes for different purposes of use like : mountain bike, road bike, stationary bike, electric bike…
Components and elements of Aluminum alloy 6061
With its superior properties, the products made from aluminum alloy are dominant on the market. Many data shows that the rate of use of aluminum alloy is just behind iron and steel alloys.
The main component of aluminum alloy is the aluminum element. Beside this main key element ,manganese ,magnesium, copper, tin with a certain proportion are added to the alloy. It creates the aluminum alloy with code 6061. Refer to the specific composition ratio of 6061 aluminum alloys, you can see the chart below
Aluminum : Balance
Magnesium: 0.8-1.2%
Silicon: 0.4 – 0.8%
Iron: Max. 0.7%
Copper: 0.15-0.40
Zinc: Max. 0.25%
Titanium: Max. 0.15%
Manganese: Max. 0.15%
Chromium: 0.04-0.35%
Other impurities: 0.05%
The melting point about 580°C .
Conductivity and thermal conductivity: poor
Elasticity from 70-80 MPa.
Characteristics
Aluminum alloy is durable. It is easy to be formed and weldable. The surface of it can be polished, anodized and dyed in a variety of colors. This makes aluminum alloy is very compatible for commercial purposes. And with corrosion resistance, anti -rust characteristics, it can perform good in many different environment, including the sea water.
The price of this material is reasonable. It is much cheaper than carbon and titanium. Because of many outstanding advanced characteristics. Manufacturers choose it is a main material for producing various products for a variety of use.
What is aluminum alloy 6061 used for?
Aluminum alloy 6061 is used to produce many products which serve in our daily life. It is also used for all structural applications such as :semiconductors, aeronautics, automation components, mechanical components, mechanics and industrial factory construction works
In the food industry: It is used to make frames or molds for food processing and manufacturing.
In mechanical industry: It is applied to make frames, tools, support plates …etc.
In the bike industry. Aluminum alloy 6061 is material to make bike’ frame, bike rim , bike brake , derailleur , seat post , suspension and other components.
Source: Wikipedia
Image : Pixel mob
