Aluminum 6101B-T7
Temper
AA 6101B · EN AW-6101B, 3.3207
T7 = solution heat treated and overaged (stabilized)
Pick when maximum conductivity, better bend formability and thermal stability at bolted joints matter more than strength.
Values for the T7 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 |
T7This page 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 |
T6Default 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-T7?
6101B-T7 is 6101B in the T7 temper — pick when maximum conductivity, better bend formability and thermal stability at bolted joints matter more than strength. 6101B-T7 has a yield strength of 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) — weaker than 75% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 14% and the elastic modulus is 69 GPa (10 Msi). 6101B-T7 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). T6 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; T7 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Conducts heat well — 230 W/m·K (132.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 96% of aluminum grades
- High electrical conductivity — 59 % IACS, better than 95% of aluminum grades
- High service temperature — 200°C (392 °F), better than 90% of aluminum grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 70/100, better than 87% of aluminum grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 72/100, better than 83% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 125 MPa (18.1 ksi), worse than 75% of aluminum grades
6101B-T7 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 6101B-T7; 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-T7 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-T7 has a yield strength of 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) — weaker than 75% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 14% and the elastic modulus is 69 GPa (10 Msi).
Thermal6
6101B-T7 is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 230 W/m·K (132.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 96% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 23.5 µm/m·K (13.1 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
6101B-T7 conducts electricity at 59 % IACS, better than 95% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (72/100), better than 83% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 6101B-T7 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-T7's machinability is fair (45/100, worse than 72% of aluminum grades); weldability excellent (85/100); formability very good (70/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with 6101B-T7
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-T7 — frequently asked
What is 6101B-T7 used for?
6101B-T7 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-T7?
6101B-T7 has a typical yield strength of 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) — weaker than 75% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is 6101B-T7 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (45/100, worse than 72% 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-T7 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-T7?
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-T7 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-T7?
6101B-T7 is rated for continuous use to about 200°C (392 °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.