Aluminum 6101B-T6
Temper · default condition
AA 6101B · EN AW-6101B, 3.3207
T6 = solution heat treated and artificially aged
Default busbar temper: best compromise when the conductor must carry bolt loads or span between supports while still meeting ~33 MS/m.
Values for the T6 condition
Other 6101B tempers and conditions
6101B is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at 6101B.
Compare all 3 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
As fabricated | Mill supply condition for stock that will be solution treated/aged or heavily formed by the customer; no guaranteed strength or conductivity. | 90 | 150 | 18 | 45 HB | 55 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and overaged (stabilized) | Pick when maximum conductivity, better bend formability and thermal stability at bolted joints matter more than strength. | 125 | 170 | 14 | 55 HB | 59 % IACS |
T6DefaultThis page Solution heat treated and artificially aged | Default busbar temper: best compromise when the conductor must carry bolt loads or span between supports while still meeting ~33 MS/m. | 165 | 205 | 10 | 70 HB | 57 % IACS |
What is 6101B-T6?
6101B-T6 is 6101B in the T6 temper — default busbar temper: best compromise when the conductor must carry bolt loads or span between supports while still meeting ~33 MS/m. 6101B-T6 has a yield strength of 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) — weaker than 58% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 69 GPa (10 Msi). 6101B-T6 has a density of 2.7 g/cm³ (0.0975 lb/in³), lighter than 59% of aluminum grades. It melts at 615°C (1,139 °F).
Advantages
- Conducts heat well — 220 W/m·K (127.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 94% of aluminum grades
- High electrical conductivity — 57 % IACS, better than 94% of aluminum grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 70/100, better than 87% of aluminum grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 70/100, better than 79% of aluminum grades
- Readily welded — 85/100, better than 79% of aluminum grades
6101B-T6 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 6101B-T6; 16 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 6101B reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
6101B-T6 has a density of 2.7 g/cm³ (0.0975 lb/in³), lighter than 59% of aluminum grades. It melts at 615°C (1,139 °F).
Mechanical11
6101B-T6 has a yield strength of 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) — weaker than 58% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 69 GPa (10 Msi).
Thermal6
6101B-T6 is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 220 W/m·K (127.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 94% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 23.5 µm/m·K (13.1 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
6101B-T6 conducts electricity at 57 % IACS, better than 94% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (70/100), better than 79% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 6101B-T6 takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 20%.
Manufacturability7
6101B-T6's machinability is fair (50/100, worse than 65% of aluminum grades); weldability excellent (85/100); formability good (55/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with 6101B-T6
Is 6101B easy to machine?
Machines easily but gummy in T7 — use sharp polished-flute carbide tools, high speed, generous rake and coolant/lubricant to avoid built-up edge on drilled/punched bolt holes.
Can 6101B be welded?
Readily GTAW/GMAW welded with 4043 or 5356 filler; the HAZ overages to near-T7 strength, so size joints on annealed properties and re-age or bolt where full T6 strength is needed.
Can 6101B be formed, bent or molded?
Extrudes very easily at low press pressure; bend busbar in T7 or immediately after solution treatment — T6 bars need generous radii (≥2t) to avoid cracking.
What surface finishes work on 6101B?
Anodizes clear or in colour with excellent uniformity; contact faces are usually tin- or silver-plated (or greased/brushed under bolt pressure) since the oxide film is insulating.
6101B 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 |
| Mg | 0.35 – 0.8 | 0.55 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.5 | — |
| Cumax, kept low for conductivity | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Mn | ≤ 0.03 | — |
| Cr | ≤ 0.03 | — |
| Zn | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Bboron addition ties up transition metals to raise conductivity | ≤ 0.06 | — |
| Others (each)total 0.10 max | ≤ 0.03 | — |
| Al | balance | — |
6101B-T6 — frequently asked
What is 6101B-T6 used for?
6101B-T6 is typically used for conductor bars, electrical connectors and transformer/switchgear parts. In short: conductivity-first conductor grade; softer than 6101A; easy-bending busbar alloy.
What is the yield strength of 6101B-T6?
6101B-T6 has a typical yield strength of 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) — weaker than 58% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is 6101B-T6 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (50/100, worse than 65% of aluminum grades). Machines easily but gummy in T7 — use sharp polished-flute carbide tools, high speed, generous rake and coolant/lubricant to avoid built-up edge on drilled/punched bolt holes.
Can 6101B-T6 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (85/100). Readily GTAW/GMAW welded with 4043 or 5356 filler; the HAZ overages to near-T7 strength, so size joints on annealed properties and re-age or bolt where full T6 strength is needed.
What surface finishes work on 6101B-T6?
Anodizes clear or in colour with excellent uniformity; contact faces are usually tin- or silver-plated (or greased/brushed under bolt pressure) since the oxide film is insulating.
Can 6101B-T6 be formed, bent or molded?
Extrudes very easily at low press pressure; bend busbar in T7 or immediately after solution treatment — T6 bars need generous radii (≥2t) to avoid cracking.
What is the maximum service temperature of 6101B-T6?
6101B-T6 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 6101B-T6 and 6101B-F?
T6 is the default condition — default busbar temper: best compromise when the conductor must carry bolt loads or span between supports while still meeting ~33 MS/m. F: mill supply condition for stock that will be solution treated/aged or heavily formed by the customer; no guaranteed strength or conductivity. Yield strength is 165 MPa in T6 versus 90 MPa in F.
Sources
- EN 573-3 — Aluminium and aluminium alloys, chemical composition of wrought products — CEN (2019)
- EN 755-2 — Extruded rod/bar, tube and profiles: mechanical properties — CEN (2016)
- EN 12392 / EN 13601 related busbar conductor requirements — CEN (2016)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- Aluminum Association Teal Sheets — Registration Record of Alloys — The Aluminum Association (2018)
- Electrical conductor (busbar) extrusion alloy datasheets, 6101/6101A/6101B — European extruders (e.g. Constellium/Hydro) (2022)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.