Aluminum 6162-T6511
Temper
AA 6162 · UNS A96162 · EN AW-6162, AW 6162
T6511 = t6, stress relieved by stretching, minor straightening
Same as T6510 but allowing minor straightening — the usual aerospace/precision extruded bar order code.
Values for the T6511 condition
Other 6162 tempers and conditions
6162 is listed in 9 conditions; see the grade overview at 6162.
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 |
T6511This page 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-T6511?
6162-T6511 is 6162 in the T6511 temper — same as T6510 but allowing minor straightening — the usual aerospace/precision extruded bar order code. 6162-T6511 has a yield strength of 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) — stronger than 69% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 11% and the elastic modulus is 69 GPa (10 Msi). 6162-T6511 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 — 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-T6511 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 6162-T6511; 21 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 6162 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
6162-T6511 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-T6511 has a yield strength of 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) — stronger than 69% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 11% and the elastic modulus is 69 GPa (10 Msi).
Thermal6
6162-T6511 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-T6511 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-T6511 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-T6511's machinability is very good (70/100, better than 72% of aluminum grades); weldability very good (80/100); formability poor (30/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with 6162-T6511
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.
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.
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 | — |
6162-T6511 — frequently asked
What is 6162-T6511 used for?
6162-T6511 is typically used for auto fittings, hydraulic manifolds and connectors. In short: free-machining variant.
What is the yield strength of 6162-T6511?
6162-T6511 has a typical yield strength of 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) — stronger than 69% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 9 listed tempers.
Is 6162-T6511 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (70/100, better than 72% 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-T6511 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-T6511?
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-T6511 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-T6511?
6162-T6511 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.
Can FabDigit make parts in 6162-T6511?
Yes — 6162-T6511 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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.