Aluminum 6101A
AA 6101A · EN AW-6101A
6101A (EN AW-6101A, AlMgSi(A)) is a lean Al-Mg-Si extrusion alloy from the 6000-series family, balanced for 57% IACS electrical conductivity and 218 W/m·K thermal conductivity rather than maximum strength.
Reference datasheet — 6101A is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the T6 condition
6101A tempers and conditions
6101A is supplied in 9 conditions, soft to hard. T6 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 9 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Annealed | Softest condition for severe bending/forming of conductor sections before ageing; highest conductivity, lowest strength. | 40 | 90 | 30 | 25 HB | 60 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and under-aged for maximum formability and… | Softest heat-treated conductor temper — used where bar is bent tightly on site and current density governs. | 76 | 124 | 20 | 38 HB | 59.5 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and naturally aged | Intermediate temper used when profiles must be formed after solution treatment and later artificially aged; conductivity is at its lowest because solute is still in solution. | 85 | 150 | 22 | 45 HB | 50 % IACS |
T6 variant, underaged | Choose when the bar must be bent or formed after ageing and conductivity matters more than strength. | 103 | 152 | 15 | 48 HB | 59 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and overaged (stabilized) | Over-aged EN temper for maximum electrical conductivity and thermal stability at the cost of strength. | 115 | 160 | 15 | 52 HB | 59 % IACS |
Cooled from hot working and artificially aged | Press-quenched economy temper for thin busbar profiles where full T6 strength is not required. | 150 | 180 | 12 | 62 HB | 56 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and artificially aged | Mid-way temper for busbar that needs more strength than T61 but slightly better conductivity than T6. | 152 | 186 | 12 | 62 HB | 58 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and artificially aged to near-peak strength | High-strength conductor temper close to T6, specified for long spans and higher mechanical loading. | 172 | 200 | 12 | 67 HB | 58 % IACS |
T6Default Solution heat treated and artificially aged | The standard stocked busbar temper: best strength/conductivity compromise for bolted joints and long unsupported bar spans. | 195 | 220 | 14 | 71 HB | 57 % IACS |
What is 6101A?
6101A (EN AW-6101A, AlMgSi(A)) is a lean Al-Mg-Si extrusion alloy from the 6000-series family, balanced for 57% IACS electrical conductivity and 218 W/m·K thermal conductivity rather than maximum strength. In the aged condition it provides 195 MPa yield, 220 MPa tensile, 14% elongation and 71 HB, enough for self-supporting busbar, conductor rail and switchgear extrusions. Service temperature is limited to about 150 °C, and welding softens the heat-affected zone and changes local conductivity, so busbar joints are normally bolted. Use 6101B where conductivity is prioritized over mechanical strength. 6101A has a density of 2.7 g/cm³ (0.0975 lb/in³), lighter than 59% of aluminum grades. It melts at 621°C (1,150 °F). 6101A has a yield strength of 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) — stronger than 51% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 14% and the elastic modulus is 69 GPa (10 Msi).
What is 6101A used for?
- busbars
- electrical conductor rail
- switchgear
- current-carrying extrusions
Advantages
- High electrical conductivity — 57 % IACS, better than 94% of aluminum grades
- Conducts heat well — 218 W/m·K (126 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 93% of aluminum grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 72/100, better than 83% of aluminum grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 65/100, better than 82% of aluminum grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 14%, better than 81% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Difficult to machine — 40/100, worse than 81% of aluminum grades
6101A properties
Typical room-temperature values for 6101A-T6; bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
6101A has a density of 2.7 g/cm³ (0.0975 lb/in³), lighter than 59% of aluminum grades. It melts at 621°C (1,150 °F).
Mechanical11
6101A has a yield strength of 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) — stronger than 51% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 14% and the elastic modulus is 69 GPa (10 Msi).
Thermal6
6101A is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 218 W/m·K (126 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 93% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 23.4 µm/m·K (13 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
6101A conducts electricity at 57 % IACS, better than 94% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (72/100), better than 83% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 6101A takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability7
6101A's machinability is fair (40/100, worse than 81% of aluminum grades); weldability excellent (85/100); formability good (55/100).
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. 6101A is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 6101A
Is 6101A easy to machine?
Easy to cut but gummy — use polished high-rake carbide, high surface speed and flood or MQL lubricant to avoid built-up edge on sheared/punched joint faces.
Can 6101A be welded?
Readily MIG/TIG welded with 4043 (or 5356 where colour match matters); the HAZ softens to near-T4/annealed strength and local conductivity changes, so joints are usually bolted rather than welded in busbar systems.
Can 6101A be formed, bent or molded?
Extrudes very easily at high speed with fine surface; bend radii of 1–2 t are normal in T6, tighter in T61/T64 — heavier sections should be bent in the softer aged tempers.
6101A 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 | 0.3 – 0.7 | 0.5 |
| Feimpurity limit | ≤ 0.5 | 0.25 |
| Cukept low to protect conductivity | ≤ 0.05 | 0.02 |
| Mn | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Mg | 0.4 – 0.9 | 0.6 |
| Zn | ≤ 0.1 | |
| Bboron treatment removes Ti/V/Zr from solution to raise conductivity | ≤ 0.06 | |
| Others (each) | ≤ 0.03 | |
| Others (total) | ≤ 0.1 | |
| Al | balance |
What surface finishes work on 6101A?
Takes clear sulphuric anodizing well for insulation and oxidation control; bolted contact faces are cleaned, wire-brushed with joint compound, or tin/silver plated to keep contact resistance low.
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).
Organic Coating
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Aluminum 6101A in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- AW-6101A
- Also called
- 6101
How much does 6101A cost?
6101A is a standard-cost aluminum ($$), cheaper than about 71% 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.
6101A — frequently asked
What is 6101A used for?
6101A is typically used for busbars, electrical conductor rail, switchgear and current-carrying extrusions. In short: high-conductivity busbar alloy; 57% IACS extrusion grade; stronger than 1350 conductor.
What is the yield strength of 6101A?
6101A has a typical yield strength of 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) — stronger than 51% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 9 listed tempers.
Is 6101A easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (40/100, worse than 81% of aluminum grades). Easy to cut but gummy — use polished high-rake carbide, high surface speed and flood or MQL lubricant to avoid built-up edge on sheared/punched joint faces.
Can 6101A be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (85/100). Readily MIG/TIG welded with 4043 (or 5356 where colour match matters); the HAZ softens to near-T4/annealed strength and local conductivity changes, so joints are usually bolted rather than welded in busbar systems.
What surface finishes work on 6101A?
Takes clear sulphuric anodizing well for insulation and oxidation control; bolted contact faces are cleaned, wire-brushed with joint compound, or tin/silver plated to keep contact resistance low.
Can 6101A be formed, bent or molded?
Extrudes very easily at high speed with fine surface; bend radii of 1–2 t are normal in T6, tighter in T61/T64 — heavier sections should be bent in the softer aged tempers.
What is the maximum service temperature of 6101A?
6101A 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.
What is the difference between 6101A-T6 and 6101A-O?
T6 is the default condition — the standard stocked busbar temper: best strength/conductivity compromise for bolted joints and long unsupported bar spans. O: softest condition for severe bending/forming of conductor sections before ageing; highest conductivity, lowest strength. Yield strength is 195 MPa in T6 versus 40 MPa in O.
How much does 6101A cost?
6101A is a standard-cost aluminum ($$), cheaper than about 71% 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.
Sources
- EN 573-3 Aluminium and aluminium alloys — chemical composition of wrought products — CEN (2019)
- EN 755-2 Aluminium and aluminium alloys — extruded rod/bar, tube and profiles: mechanical properties — CEN (2016)
- International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum (Teal Sheets) — The Aluminum Association (2018)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASTM B317 — Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bar, Rod, Tube, Pipe, Structural Profiles for Electrical Purposes (Bus Conductor) — ASTM (2019)
- Aluminium busbar profile datasheets (EN AW-6101A/6101B) — European extruders (2022)
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.