6060 Aluminum Tube
6060 aluminum tube is a commonly used material for structural applications, featuring excellent strength, good workability, and outstanding corrosion resistance. Compared to 6061 aluminum alloy, 6060 has a slightly higher magnesium content, making it similar to 6063 in some properties, but with its own unique advantages. It is particularly suitable for applications requiring good corrosion resistance and workability.
What is 6060 aluminum grade?
6060 aluminum is a medium-strength aluminum alloy primarily composed of aluminum, magnesium, and silicon. It is part of the 6000 series of aluminum alloys, known for their good corrosion resistance, medium strength, and excellent workability.
6060 Aluminum Tube Characteristics
- Strength: The strength of 6060 aluminum is moderate, sufficient for various building and mechanical applications. While it is not as strong as high-strength alloys like 7075 or 2024, it still provides adequate support for structural applications.
- Corrosion resistance: Compared to 6061 alloy, 6060 aluminum offers better corrosion resistance, making it suitable for more demanding environments, especially in marine or humid climates.
- Workability: 6060 aluminum alloy has excellent workability and can be processed by conventional machining (such as cutting, drilling, milling) and precision processing (such as welding, casting), making it suitable for various shapes and sizes.
- Welding performance: This alloy has good weldability and is suitable for welding methods such as TIG or MIG.
6060 Aluminum Tube Popular Product Forms
| Product | 6060 Aluminum Round Tube | 6060 Aluminum Square Tube | 6060 Aluminum Rectangular Tube | Differences |
| Alloy | 6060 | 6060 | 6060 | All three are the same alloy with consistent properties. |
| Strength | Medium strength | Medium strength | Medium strength | The strength is the same, suitable for general load applications. |
| Corrosion resistance | Excellent, especially for atmospheric and saltwater environments | Excellent, suitable for construction and general engineering applications | Excellent, suitable for building and industrial environments | All three have excellent corrosion resistance, but their application scenarios vary slightly. |
| Formability | Easy to extrude and process, suitable for complex shapes | Easy to extrude and process, suitable for precise structural and decorative applications | Easy to extrude, suitable for larger surface area applications with better stability | Round tubes are ideal for fluid transport, while square and rectangular tubes are better for structural applications. |
| Surface treatment | Can be anodized or left in its natural state | Can be anodized or powder-coated to enhance durability | Can be anodized, powder-coated, or treated with other surface treatments | Round tubes generally don't require extensive surface treatment, while square and rectangular tubes often have coatings. |
| Common applications | Furniture, structural components, lightweight pipes, vehicle parts | Building structures, furniture frames, industrial equipment frames, decorative parts | Structural supports, frames, transportation equipment, industrial machinery parts | Round tubes are commonly used for fluid pipelines or lightweight frames, while square and rectangular tubes are used for load-bearing structures. |
| Applicable fields | Furniture, transportation, construction, industrial | Furniture, construction, industrial, decorative applications | Construction, industrial, transportation, structural applications | Round tubes are suitable for fluid movement requirements, while square and rectangular tubes are more suitable for stability needs. |
Aluminum Round Tube 6060
The 6060 aluminum round tube is made from a versatile, medium-strength, heat-treatable aluminum alloy known for its excellent corrosion resistance and good formability. It is typically used in applications where moderate strength and lightweight are required.
- Alloy: 6060
- Strength: Medium strength compared to other aluminum alloys like 6061 and 7075.
- Corrosion Resistance: Excellent corrosion resistance, especially against atmospheric conditions and moderate exposure to saltwater.
- Formability: Easy to extrude and machine, making it ideal for various applications that require complex shapes or forms.
- Finish: The tube can be anodized to enhance surface protection, or it can be left in its natural state for a matte appearance.
Aluminum Round Tube 6060 Applications
- Furniture: Used in the construction of lightweight frames for furniture like tables and chairs.
- Structural Components: Can be used for frames, supports, and light-duty structural components in construction and machinery.
- Piping: Used for small pipe applications in fluid systems.
- Transportation: Used in the manufacturing of lightweight vehicle parts such as frames or supports for trailers and carts.
Aluminum Square Tube 6060
The 6060 aluminum square tube shares many of the characteristics of the round tube but with a square cross-section. This product is particularly valued for its structural strength, ease of installation, and aesthetic versatility. Its smooth surface and uniform cross-section make it suitable for precise fabrication.
- Alloy: 6060
- Strength: Medium strength, but higher than that of typical architectural aluminum alloys.
- Corrosion Resistance: Excellent, particularly in architectural and general engineering applications.
- Formability: Easily extruded, welded, and finished, which makes it suitable for both structural and decorative applications.
- Finish: It can be anodized or powder-coated for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
Aluminum Square Tube 6060 Applications
- Construction: Commonly used for lightweight structural framing, supports, and handrails.
- Furniture: Used in making frames and components for outdoor furniture.
- Industrial: Often used in machine frames, conveyor supports, and frames for various types of equipment.
- Decorative: Its clean, geometric shape makes it a popular choice in modern architectural and interior design applications.
Rectangular Tube Aluminum 6060
The 6060 aluminum rectangular tube offers similar properties to the round and square tubes but with a rectangular cross-section, providing a greater structural profile and stability for specific applications. It’s ideal for use in situations where a larger surface area is beneficial, such as load-bearing applications or where a specific aesthetic is needed.
- Alloy: 6060
- Strength: Moderate strength, adequate for many engineering and construction applications.
- Corrosion Resistance: Excellent corrosion resistance, suitable for both outdoor and industrial environments.
- Formability: Like the round and square tubes, it is easy to extrude and can be easily welded or joined to other components.
- Finish: Can be anodized or coated with powder or paint for better durability, appearance, and corrosion resistance.
Rectangular Tube Aluminum 6060 Applications
- Structural Applications: Used for support structures, framing, and reinforcements in construction.
- Furniture: Provides strong, lightweight framing for desks, tables, and shelves.
- Transportation: Suitable for railings, supports, and other components of trailers, trucks, and other vehicles.
- Industrial: Used in the manufacturing of equipment and machinery where the geometry offers an advantage over round or square tubes.
6060 Aluminum Tube Surface Treatment
6060 aluminum tubes are typically anodized to enhance their corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal. Anodizing not only improves surface hardness and wear resistance but also provides a variety of color options, making it suitable for both decorative and functional needs.
6060 Aluminum Tube Applications
6060 aluminum tubes are commonly used in construction, shipbuilding, decoration, and other fields. 6060 aluminum alloy tubes are a cost-effective, versatile material, especially suitable for building, shipbuilding, decoration, and structural applications. Its excellent corrosion resistance, good machinability, and moderate strength make it widely used in various lightweight structures.
- Building Structures: As supporting structures, frames, columns, skylight supports, etc., the excellent strength and corrosion resistance of 6060 aluminum tubes make them an ideal material in the construction industry.
- Fences and Railings: Due to its high corrosion resistance, 6060 aluminum alloy is widely used in fences, railings, handrails, and other applications, particularly suited for outdoor use.
- Frames and Brackets: 6060 aluminum tubes are commonly used to make various types of frame structures, such as window frames, door frames, display racks, and brackets.
- Shipbuilding and Marine Environments: In shipbuilding and marine environments, 6060 aluminum tubes are used for ship structures, offshore platforms, and ship railings due to their excellent corrosion resistance.
Chemical composition of 6060 aluminum tube pipe
| Element | Composition % |
| Al | 97.9-99.3 |
| Mg | 0.35-0.6 |
| Si | 0.3-0.6 |
| Fe | 0.1-0.3 |
| Zn | 0-0.15 |
| Mn | 0 -0.1 |
| Ti | 0-0.1 |
| Cu | 0-0.1 |
| Cr | 0-0.050 |
| Residuals | 0-0.15 |
Mechanical properties of 6060 aluminum tube pipe
| Temper | T4 | T5 | T6 | T64 | T66 | H112 |
| Elongation at Break | 16% | 9.0% | 11% | 13% | 9.1% | - |
| Fatigue Strength (MPa) | 37 | 56 | 70 | 61 | 67 | - |
| Shear Strength (MPa) | 86 | 93 | 130 | 120 | 130 | - |
| Tensile Strength: Ultimate (MPa) | 140 | 160 | 220 | 200 | 220 | 215 |
| Tensile Strength: Yield (MPa) | 71 | 110 | 170 | 140 | 170 | 160 |
