Aluminum 6162
AA 6162 · UNS A96162 · EN AW-6162, AW 6162
6162 is a medium-strength heat-treatable Al-Mg-Si (6000-series) extrusion alloy with a lean Mg₂Si balance and low Cu, giving strength close to 6061/6082 but with better extrudability, higher thermal/electrical conductivity and very good corrosion resistance.
6162 tempers and conditions
6162 is supplied in 9 conditions, soft to hard.
Compare all 9 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Annealed | Pick when maximum ductility for bending/forming is needed and the part will be re-heat-treated afterwards. | 60 | 125 | 28 | 32 HB | 53 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and naturally aged | Choose for parts that must be bent/formed after heat treatment and can be artificially aged (to T6) later. | 110 | 205 | 22 | 60 HB | 42 % IACS |
Cooled from hot working, artificially aged, stress-relieved by… | 6162 extrusion aged directly from the press (T5) then stretched to relieve residual stress, with no subsequent straightening — dimensionally stable bar/profile at near-T5 strength. | 235 | 260 | 10 | 80 HB | 45 % IACS |
Cooled from hot working, artificially aged, stress-relieved by… | Same as 6162-T5510 but a minor straightening pass after stretching is permitted, giving tighter straightness tolerances at essentially identical mechanical properties. | 240 | 262 | 10 | 82 HB | 45 % IACS |
Cooled from hot working and artificially aged | Most economical aged temper for press-quenched profiles where T6 strength is not required and distortion must be minimal. | 240 | 265 | 11 | 85 HB | 49 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and artificially aged | Standard stocked condition: peak-strength temper for structural profiles, tube and machined parts. | 262 | 290 | 12 | 95 HB | 47 % IACS |
T6, stress relieved by stretching | Use when low residual stress and dimensional stability during heavy machining are required at T6 strength. | 265 | 290 | 11 | 95 HB | 47 % IACS |
Stress-relieved by stretching, aged, no further straightening | Extruded profile temper for straight, low-stress bar and shapes machined on all sides. | 265 | 290 | 11 | 95 HB | 47 % IACS |
T6, stress relieved by stretching, minor straightening | Same as T6510 but allowing minor straightening — the usual aerospace/precision extruded bar order code. | 265 | 290 | 11 | 95 HB | 47 % IACS |
What is 6162?
6162 is a medium-strength heat-treatable Al-Mg-Si (6000-series) extrusion alloy with a lean Mg₂Si balance and low Cu, giving strength close to 6061/6082 but with better extrudability, higher thermal/electrical conductivity and very good corrosion resistance. It is chosen for structural and heat-transfer profiles, rails, tubing and machined extruded parts where a good strength/conductivity/anodizing combination is wanted. Limits are the modest absolute strength, loss of properties above ~150 °C, and strength reduction in the HAZ after fusion welding. 6162 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). 6162 has a yield strength of 262 MPa (38 ksi) and a tensile strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) — stronger than 68% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 69 GPa (10 Msi).
What is 6162 used for?
- Auto fittings
- Hydraulic manifolds
- Connectors
Advantages
- Conducts heat well — 190 W/m·K (109.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 89% of aluminum grades
- High electrical conductivity — 47 % IACS, better than 88% of aluminum grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 65/100, better than 82% of aluminum grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 68/100, better than 75% of aluminum grades
6162 properties
Typical room-temperature values; bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
6162 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).
Mechanical13
6162 has a yield strength of 262 MPa (38 ksi) and a tensile strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) — stronger than 68% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 69 GPa (10 Msi).
Thermal6
6162 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 23.4 µm/m·K (13 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
6162 conducts electricity at 47 % IACS, better than 88% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (68/100), better than 75% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 6162 takes about 210 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — more than 88% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability8
6162's machinability is good (65/100, better than 62% of aluminum grades); weldability very good (80/100); formability fair (45/100).
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. 6162 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 6162
Is 6162 easy to machine?
Machines well in T5/T6 with sharp polished tools, high speed and generous coolant; gummy and prone to built-up edge in O/T4 — use high rake and chip-breaking geometry.
Can 6162 be welded?
Readily GTAW/GMAW welded with 4043 (crack resistance) or 5356 (strength/colour match); HAZ drops to near-T4 strength unless re-solution treated and aged.
Can 6162 be formed, bent or molded?
Extrudes easily and can be press-quenched to T5; bend and roll-form in O or T4 and age afterwards, since T6 has limited cold bend radii.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit applies to 6162. Every 6162 part is priced by an engineer; design inside these and the quote comes back without a redesign loop.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Excellent65 / 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 | Better45 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Better80 / 100 |
6162 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 | 0.4 – 0.8 | 0.6 |
| Feimpurity limit | ≤ 0.5 | 0.2 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.2 | 0.05 |
| Mn | ≤ 0.1 | 0.03 |
| Mg | 0.7 – 1.1 | 0.9 |
| Cr | ≤ 0.1 | 0.02 |
| Zn | ≤ 0.25 | 0.05 |
| Ti | ≤ 0.1 | 0.02 |
| Others (each)others total 0.15 max | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Al | balance |
What surface finishes work on 6162?
Takes clear, hard and coloured anodizing well, plus conversion coating, powder paint and mechanical polishing; degrease and etch before anodizing to avoid Mg-rich streaks.
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 6162 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- A96162
- Aluminum Association
- AA6162
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- AW-6162AW 6162
How much does 6162 cost?
6162 is a standard-cost aluminum ($$), cheaper than about 81% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
6162 — frequently asked
What is 6162 used for?
6162 is typically used for auto fittings, hydraulic manifolds and connectors. In short: free-machining variant.
What is the yield strength of 6162?
6162 has a typical yield strength of 262 MPa (38 ksi) and a tensile strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) — stronger than 68% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 9 listed tempers.
Is 6162 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (65/100, better than 62% of aluminum grades). Machines well in T5/T6 with sharp polished tools, high speed and generous coolant; gummy and prone to built-up edge in O/T4 — use high rake and chip-breaking geometry.
Can 6162 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (80/100). Readily GTAW/GMAW welded with 4043 (crack resistance) or 5356 (strength/colour match); HAZ drops to near-T4 strength unless re-solution treated and aged.
What surface finishes work on 6162?
Takes clear, hard and coloured anodizing well, plus conversion coating, powder paint and mechanical polishing; degrease and etch before anodizing to avoid Mg-rich streaks.
Can 6162 be formed, bent or molded?
Extrudes easily and can be press-quenched to T5; bend and roll-form in O or T4 and age afterwards, since T6 has limited cold bend radii.
What is the maximum service temperature of 6162?
6162 is rated for continuous use to about 150°C (302 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does 6162 cost?
6162 is a standard-cost aluminum ($$), cheaper than about 81% 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 6162?
Yes — 6162 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
- Aluminum Standards and Data / Registration Record of International Alloy Designations (Teal Sheets) — The Aluminum Association (2018)
- EN 573-3 Aluminium and aluminium alloys — Chemical composition and form of wrought products — CEN (2019)
- EN 755-2 Aluminium and aluminium alloys — Extruded rod/bar, tube and profiles — Mechanical properties — CEN (2016)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.13B — Corrosion: Materials — ASM International (2005)
- Aluminium extrusion alloy property tables (6000 series) — MatWeb / producer datasheets (2023)
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.