Aluminum 6005A
AA 6005A · EN AW-6005A, 3.3210
6005A is a heat-treatable Al–Mg–Si (6000 series) extrusion alloy with a composition between 6005 and 6082; wider Mn and Cr ranges give higher strength and better hardenability than 6063 and 6005 while keeping good extrudability, weldability and anodizing response.
6005A tempers and conditions
6005A is supplied in 8 conditions, soft to hard.
Compare all 8 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cooled from hot working and naturally aged | Lowest-strength controlled temper; pick it when the profile must be bent, swaged or roll-formed after extrusion. | 100 | 180 | 18 | 52 HB | 50 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and naturally aged | Soft, formable condition for profiles that are bent or hydroformed and then artificially aged to T6 in service or after assembly. | 110 | 205 | 18 | 60 HB | 43 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and specially under-aged for maximum formability | Choose when high elongation and energy absorption (crash boxes, tight bends) matter more than proof strength. | 175 | 240 | 15 | 78 HB | 47 % IACS |
T6 variant, underaged | Under-aged variant of T6 giving somewhat lower proof strength but better ductility for profiles that are bent after ageing. | 220 | 265 | 13 | 90 HB | 47 % IACS |
Cooled from hot working and artificially aged | Press-quench + oven age; near-T6 strength on thin sections at lower cost and with less distortion, used for architectural and frame profiles. | 225 | 265 | 10 | 90 HB | 50 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and artificially aged | Standard fully-hardened structural condition — the default stock temper for rail-car, scaffold and frame profiles. | 235 | 275 | 11 | 95 HB | 49 % IACS |
T6, stress relieved by stretching, minor straightening | Stretch-straightened T6 for long precision bars/profiles that must stay straight through heavy machining. | 240 | 275 | 10 | 95 HB | 49 % IACS |
T6 with improved mechanical properties | Tightly controlled ageing for higher guaranteed strength than T6, used where profile section must be minimised. | 250 | 290 | 9 | 100 HB | 49 % IACS |
What is 6005A?
6005A is a heat-treatable Al–Mg–Si (6000 series) extrusion alloy with a composition between 6005 and 6082; wider Mn and Cr ranges give higher strength and better hardenability than 6063 and 6005 while keeping good extrudability, weldability and anodizing response. It is used for rail vehicle body profiles, structural frames, scaffolding, solar mounting rails and bicycle or automotive structural parts. It is an extrusion alloy only, cold bending in T6 is restricted, welded joints lose about 30–40 % of strength in the HAZ, and stress-corrosion and intergranular corrosion resistance are below low-copper 6060/6063. 6005A has a density of 2.7 g/cm³ (0.0975 lb/in³), lighter than 59% of aluminum grades. It melts at 607°C (1,125 °F). 6005A has a yield strength of 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) — stronger than 61% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 11% and the elastic modulus is 69.5 GPa (10.1 Msi).
What is 6005A used for?
- Rail vehicle body profiles
- Structural frames and machine framing
- Bicycle frames
- Solar mounting rails
- Scaffolding tubes and planks
- Automotive structural extrusions
- General extruded shapes and hollows
Advantages
- Conducts heat well — 190 W/m·K (109.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 89% of aluminum grades
- High electrical conductivity — 49 % IACS, better than 89% of aluminum grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 70/100, better than 87% of aluminum grades
- Readily welded — 85/100, better than 79% of aluminum grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 68/100, better than 75% of aluminum grades
6005A properties
Typical room-temperature values; bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
6005A has a density of 2.7 g/cm³ (0.0975 lb/in³), lighter than 59% of aluminum grades. It melts at 607°C (1,125 °F).
Mechanical14
6005A has a yield strength of 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) — stronger than 61% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 11% and the elastic modulus is 69.5 GPa (10.1 Msi).
Thermal6
6005A is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 190 W/m·K (109.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 89% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 23 µm/m·K (12.8 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
6005A conducts electricity at 49 % IACS, better than 89% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (68/100), better than 75% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 6005A takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability8
6005A's machinability is good (62/100, better than 55% of aluminum grades); weldability excellent (85/100); formability fair (40/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the aluminum family
Yield strength against density for every aluminum grade FabDigit runs. 6005A is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 6005A
Is 6005A easy to machine?
Machines easily in T5/T6 with sharp polished-flute carbide tools, high speed and flood or mist lubricant; softer T1/T4 tempers tend to gum and build up on edges.
Can 6005A be welded?
Readily MIG/TIG or friction-stir welded with 5356 (strength/ductility) or 4043 (crack resistance) filler; design for a 30–40 % HAZ strength drop unless the joint is re-aged.
Can 6005A be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent extrudability (thin walls, hollows); bend in T1/T4/T64 where possible — T6 tolerates only generous radii and is prone to orange-peel and cracking on tight bends.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit applies to 6005A. Every 6005A part is priced by an engineer; design inside these and the quote comes back without a redesign loop.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Better62 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | N.1 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 350 / 420 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.5 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 8× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 0.8 / — |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
Sheet metal
| Formability | Better40 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Better85 / 100 |
6005A chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Si | 0.5 – 0.9 | 0.7 |
| Mg | 0.4 – 0.7 | 0.55 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.35 | 0.2 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.3 | 0.05 |
| MnMn+Cr must total 0.12–0.50 | ≤ 0.5 | 0.15 |
| CrMn+Cr must total 0.12–0.50 | ≤ 0.3 | 0.05 |
| Zn | ≤ 0.2 | 0.05 |
| Ti | ≤ 0.1 | 0.02 |
| Others (each)total others max 0.15 | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Al | balance |
What surface finishes work on 6005A?
Takes clear and coloured anodizing, powder coating and chromate/chrome-free pretreatment well; anodized colour is slightly greyer than 6060/6063, so match lots for architectural work.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on aluminum parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Passivation
Conversion Coating
PVD Coating
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Aluminum 6005A in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- AW-6005A3.3210
How much does 6005A cost?
6005A is a budget-cost aluminum ($), cheaper than about 82% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
6005A — frequently asked
What is 6005A used for?
6005A is typically used for rail vehicle body profiles, structural frames and machine framing, bicycle frames, solar mounting rails, scaffolding tubes and planks and automotive structural extrusions. In short: extrusion-friendly 6000 series.
What is the yield strength of 6005A?
6005A has a typical yield strength of 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) — stronger than 61% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 8 listed tempers.
Is 6005A easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (62/100, better than 55% of aluminum grades). Machines easily in T5/T6 with sharp polished-flute carbide tools, high speed and flood or mist lubricant; softer T1/T4 tempers tend to gum and build up on edges.
Can 6005A be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (85/100). Readily MIG/TIG or friction-stir welded with 5356 (strength/ductility) or 4043 (crack resistance) filler; design for a 30–40 % HAZ strength drop unless the joint is re-aged.
What surface finishes work on 6005A?
Takes clear and coloured anodizing, powder coating and chromate/chrome-free pretreatment well; anodized colour is slightly greyer than 6060/6063, so match lots for architectural work.
Can 6005A be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent extrudability (thin walls, hollows); bend in T1/T4/T64 where possible — T6 tolerates only generous radii and is prone to orange-peel and cracking on tight bends.
What is the maximum service temperature of 6005A?
6005A is rated for continuous use to about 150°C (302 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does 6005A cost?
6005A is a budget-cost aluminum ($), cheaper than about 82% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in 6005A?
Yes — 6005A is available for CNC machining and sheet metal; every part is priced by an engineer rather than instantly. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- EN 755-2 Aluminium and aluminium alloys — Extruded rod/bar, tube and profiles: mechanical properties — CEN (2016)
- EN 573-3 Chemical composition of wrought aluminium alloys — CEN (2019)
- EN 1999-1-1 Eurocode 9: Design of aluminium structures — CEN (2007)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 13B — Corrosion: Materials — ASM International (2005)
- 6005A extrusion alloy datasheet — Constellium / Hydro Extrusion (2022)
- Aluminum Association Teal Sheets — International Alloy Designations — The Aluminum Association (2018)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.