Aluminum 6A02-O (Annealed)
Temper
GB 6A02
Pick the softest, most ductile state for deep cold forming and bending, or as intermediate stock before re-heat-treatment; strength is limited to 60 MPa yield / 125 MPa tensile.
Values for the O condition
Other 6A02 tempers and conditions
6A02 is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at 6A02.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
OThis page Annealed | Pick the softest, most ductile state for deep cold forming and bending, or as intermediate stock before re-heat-treatment; strength is limited to 60 MPa yield / 125 MPa tensile. | 60 | 125 | 25 | 32 HB | 49 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and naturally aged | Choose solution heat treated and naturally aged stock when 20% elongation must accompany 215 MPa tensile, for parts formed first and then artificially aged to full strength. | 120 | 215 | 20 | 65 HB | 40 % IACS |
Cooled from hot working and artificially aged | Use profiles cooled from hot working and artificially aged for low-cost, low-distortion extrusions at 215 MPa yield, where only moderate strength is required. | 215 | 270 | 12 | 82 HB | 45 % IACS |
T6, heat treated by the user | Choose when O- or F-temper blanks are solution treated and artificially aged by the user after forming or forging, giving T6-level 245 MPa yield and 315 MPa tensile in the finished part. | 245 | 315 | 12 | 93 HB | 43 % IACS |
T6Default Solution heat treated and artificially aged | Pick the most commonly stocked state for peak strength (250 MPa yield, 320 MPa tensile) and good machinability in extruded bar, profiles and die-forged structural parts after solution treatment and artificial ageing. | 250 | 320 | 12 | 95 HB | 43 % IACS |
What is 6A02-O?
6A02-O is 6A02 in the O temper — pick the softest, most ductile state for deep cold forming and bending, or as intermediate stock before re-heat-treatment; strength is limited to 60 MPa yield / 125 MPa tensile. 6A02-O has a yield strength of 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) — weaker than 93% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi). 6A02-O has a density of 2.7 g/cm³ (0.0975 lb/in³), lighter than 59% of aluminum grades. It melts at 585°C (1,085 °F). T6 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; O is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 25%, better than 94% of aluminum grades
- Forms and bends easily — 90/100, better than 93% of aluminum grades
- High service temperature — 200°C (392 °F), better than 90% of aluminum grades
- High electrical conductivity — 49 % IACS, better than 89% of aluminum grades
- Conducts heat well — 185 W/m·K (106.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 87% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 60 MPa (8.7 ksi), worse than 93% of aluminum grades
- Difficult to machine — 40/100, worse than 81% of aluminum grades
6A02-O properties
Typical room-temperature values for 6A02-O; 13 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 6A02 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
6A02-O has a density of 2.7 g/cm³ (0.0975 lb/in³), lighter than 59% of aluminum grades. It melts at 585°C (1,085 °F).
Mechanical16
6A02-O has a yield strength of 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) — weaker than 93% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi).
Thermal6
6A02-O is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 185 W/m·K (106.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 87% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 23.4 µm/m·K (13 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
6A02-O conducts electricity at 49 % IACS, better than 89% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (62/100), better than 67% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 6A02-O takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability8
6A02-O's machinability is fair (40/100, worse than 81% of aluminum grades); weldability very good (78/100); formability excellent (90/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with 6A02-O
Is 6A02 easy to machine?
Cuts well in T6 with sharp, high-rake tooling, high spindle speed and ample coolant or lubricant to prevent adhesion and built-up edge. The annealed condition smears and gives poor surface finish.
Can 6A02 be welded?
TIG and MIG welding are practical with ER4043 (Si-based) or ER5356 (Mg-based) filler. Heat-affected-zone strength drops clearly, so load-bearing weldments should be re-solution treated and aged after welding.
Can 6A02 be formed, bent or molded?
Hot workability is good, suiting die forging and extrusion of complex sections. Carry out cold forming in O or T4; in T6 increase bend radii to avoid cracking.
What surface finishes work on 6A02?
Responds well to conventional and hard anodizing with uniform films; conversion coating, painting and polishing also work. The copper content shifts decorative anodized colour slightly grey.
6A02 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 | 0.5 – 1.2 | 0.85 |
| Mg | 0.45 – 0.9 | 0.68 |
| Cu | 0.2 – 0.6 | 0.4 |
| MnMn+Cr sum or either held to 0.15–0.35 per standard | 0.15 – 0.35 | 0.25 |
| Crcan substitute for part of the Mn | ≤ 0.35 | — |
| Feimpurity | ≤ 0.5 | — |
| Znimpurity | ≤ 0.2 | — |
| Tigrain refiner | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Others (each)each other element | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Others (total)total of other elements | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Al | balance | — |
6A02-O — frequently asked
What is 6A02-O used for?
6A02-O is typically used for structural parts, machined fittings and pipes and rods. In short: 6061-class GB grade; copper-bearing 6000-series alloy; good hard-anodizing response.
What is the yield strength of 6A02-O?
6A02-O has a typical yield strength of 60 MPa (8.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) — weaker than 93% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is 6A02-O easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (40/100, worse than 81% of aluminum grades). Cuts well in T6 with sharp, high-rake tooling, high spindle speed and ample coolant or lubricant to prevent adhesion and built-up edge. The annealed condition smears and gives poor surface finish.
Can 6A02-O be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (78/100). TIG and MIG welding are practical with ER4043 (Si-based) or ER5356 (Mg-based) filler. Heat-affected-zone strength drops clearly, so load-bearing weldments should be re-solution treated and aged after welding.
What surface finishes work on 6A02-O?
Responds well to conventional and hard anodizing with uniform films; conversion coating, painting and polishing also work. The copper content shifts decorative anodized colour slightly grey.
Can 6A02-O be formed, bent or molded?
Hot workability is good, suiting die forging and extrusion of complex sections. Carry out cold forming in O or T4; in T6 increase bend radii to avoid cracking.
What is the maximum service temperature of 6A02-O?
6A02-O 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 6A02-T6 and 6A02-O?
T6 is the default condition — pick the most commonly stocked state for peak strength (250 MPa yield, 320 MPa tensile) and good machinability in extruded bar, profiles and die-forged structural parts after solution treatment and artificial ageing. O: pick the softest, most ductile state for deep cold forming and bending, or as intermediate stock before re-heat-treatment; strength is limited to 60 MPa yield / 125 MPa tensile. Yield strength is 250 MPa in T6 versus 60 MPa in O.
Sources
- ASM Handbook Vol.2: Properties and Selection — Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
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.