EN AW-6951 is a heat-treatable wrought aluminum alloy classified under the European Norm (EN) and part of the 6xxx series based on the Al-Mg-Si system.
1. Standard and Designation
Naming Breakdown:
EN – European Norm
AW – Aluminum Wrought
6951 – Specific alloy code, where “6” indicates the Al-Mg-Si system and the last three digits denote the particular variation within this family
2. Chemical Composition
The 6xxx series alloys primarily rely on magnesium (Mg) and silicon (Si) as alloying elements, which form the strengthening Mg₂Si phase through precipitation hardening. The typical composition range (by weight) for EN AW-6951 is:
Silicon (Si):0.6–1.0%
Magnesium (Mg):0.6–1.1%
Iron (Fe):≤ 0.5%
Copper (Cu):≤ 0.2–0.4%
Manganese (Mn):≤ 0.1–0.4%
Chromium (Cr):≤ 0.1%
Zinc (Zn):≤ 0.1%
Others (each):≤ 0.05%
Others (total):≤ 0.15%
Aluminum (Al):Remainder
3. Material Properties
(1)Mechanical Properties (Typical values after T6 tempering):
Tensile Strength (Rm): 260–310 MPa
Yield Strength (Rp0.2): 240–280 MPa
Elongation (A50mm): 8–12%
Hardness: approx. 95–100 HB
(2)Physical Properties:
Density: ~2.7 g/cm³
Melting Range: ~580–650°C
Thermal Conductivity: ~160–180 W/(m·K)
Electrical Conductivity: ~50–55% IACS
(3)Corrosion Resistance:
EN AW-6951 performs well in typical atmospheric and marine environments, though slightly below 5xxx series (Al-Mg) alloys. Anodizing and other surface treatments can significantly enhance its corrosion resistance.
(4)Workability:
Excellent cold and hot workability—well-suited for extrusion, rolling, and forging. Good weldability using MIG/TIG methods.
4. Heat Treatment Process
Solution Treatment (T4 Condition):
Heated to ~530°C and rapidly quenched to form a supersaturated solid solution.
Artificial Aging (T6 Condition):
Aged at 160–180°C for 8–12 hours to precipitate Mg₂Si phase, enhancing strength.
Annealing (O Condition):
Slow cooling from ~415°C to soften the material and improve formability for deep drawing or further processing.
5. Typical Applications
EN AW-6951 is ideal for applications requiring medium strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and good formability:
Transportation:
Automotive body panels, bumpers, radiator components
Architecture:
Window frames, curtain wall profiles
Industrial Components:
Tubing, containers, mechanical parts
Electronics:
Heat sinks, conductive housings
6. Comparison with Other 6xxx Alloys
(1)EN AW-6061:
Tensile Strength:Slightly lower
Corrosion Resistance:Better
Workability:Excellent
Typical Use:General-purpose structures
(2)EN AW-6082:
Tensile Strength:Slightly higher
Corrosion Resistance:Moderate
Workability:Moderate
Typical Use:Load-bearing structures
(3)EN AW-6951:
Tensile Strength:Balanced
Corrosion Resistance:Good
Workability:Excellent
Typical Use:Multi-purpose engineering
7. Key Considerations
Storage & Processing:
Avoid direct contact with dissimilar metals like steel or copper to prevent galvanic corrosion.
Surface Finishing:
Anodizing is recommended to improve both corrosion resistance and surface aesthetics.
8.Conclusion
With its well-balanced mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and processability, EN AW-6951 proves to be a highly versatile material solution. It offers reliable support in a variety of applications—from automotive and architectural structures to electronics and precision components. As the demand for lightweight, multi-functional materials continues to rise, EN AW-6951 is poised to play an increasingly important role in advanced manufacturing sectors.
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