Aluminum 6A02-T4
Temper
GB 6A02
T4 = 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.
Values for the T4 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
T4This page 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-T4?
6A02-T4 is 6A02 in the T4 temper — 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. 6A02-T4 has a yield strength of 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 215 MPa (31.2 ksi) — weaker than 77% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 20% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi). 6A02-T4 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; T4 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 20%, better than 89% of aluminum grades
- Forms and bends easily — 70/100, better than 83% of aluminum grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 65/100, better than 82% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 100°C (212 °F), worse than 91% of aluminum grades
- Low strength — 120 MPa (17.4 ksi), worse than 77% of aluminum grades
6A02-T4 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 6A02-T4; 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-T4 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-T4 has a yield strength of 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 215 MPa (31.2 ksi) — weaker than 77% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 20% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi).
Thermal6
6A02-T4 is rated for continuous service to 100°C (212 °F). It conducts heat at 155 W/m·K (89.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 71% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 23.4 µm/m·K (13 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
6A02-T4 conducts electricity at 40 % IACS, better than 72% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (55/100), worse than 51% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 6A02-T4 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-T4's machinability is fair (52/100, worse than 63% of aluminum grades); weldability very good (75/100); formability very good (70/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with 6A02-T4
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-T4 — frequently asked
What is 6A02-T4 used for?
6A02-T4 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-T4?
6A02-T4 has a typical yield strength of 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 215 MPa (31.2 ksi) — weaker than 77% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is 6A02-T4 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (52/100, worse than 63% 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-T4 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (75/100). 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-T4?
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-T4 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-T4?
6A02-T4 is rated for continuous use to about 100°C (212 °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.