May 13 - 16, 2008
Gaylord Palms
Orlando, Florida USA

Billet Process and Equipment

097 BP
Wednesday, May 14 - 10:30am

The Future of 6xxx Medium Strength Structural Applications

Jonathan Pangborn, Eskild Hoff, Richard Dickson -- Hydro Aluminum Technology Center, USA;
Oddvin Rieso – Hydro Aluminium R&D Technology, Norway;
Chris Devadas – Hydro Aluminum Commercial Products, USA

In medium-strength structural sections, alloy 6005A obtains AA6061 T6 minimum properties in the T5 temper condition, with less quench sensitivity. Alloy tests compare corrosion, toughness, welding, formability, machinability, and fatigue resistance. Alloy 6005A achieves these properties with lower critical quench rates at the press, enabling tighter tolerances and more uniform properties across the section. Benefits of 6005A over 6061 are presented.