There are several very good reasons for 6061 aluminum plate to be in such high demand in a variety of different industries. It is found in the manufacturing and construction industries, in the development of medical equipment and components as well as the aerospace and automotive industries.
In general 6061 aluminum plate is considered to be durable and strong while also retaining its lightweight characteristics. It is corrosion resistant and is a good option for marine types of environments even when exposed to salt spray and salt water.
A Brief History
The first 6061 aluminum plate was made in 1935 and was originally known as Alloy 61S. It contained and still contains magnesium and silicon in the alloy along with aluminum, which is found at levels of 95.85 to 98.56 percent of the total composition.
Other elements found in the alloy include copper, manganese, chromium and possibility zinc and titanium. The types of material in the alloy will determine the suitability of the specific application.
The Making of Aluminum Plate
When it comes to 6061 aluminum plate, it is the first step in the production of both sheet and foil. Plate is the thickest option and goes through the heating and cooling possesses to create high strength alloys.
This process also uses multiple stretching and rolling options to create perfectly uniform and straight pieces of 6061 aluminum plate. They are also age hardened to increase corrosion resistance as well as strength.
This 6061 aluminum plate can be used on military vehicles as a plate and can also formed to create corrosion resistant storage tanks. Since it is so durable and doesn’t become brittle when supercooled, it can even be used in labs and processing involving the storage of cryogenic materials.
Recycling Options
Another reason to consider 6061 aluminum plate in any type of construction or manufacturing is the recycling options available with this material. According to The Aluminum Association, both plate and sheet can be continually recycled without any compromise or degrading of the properties in the alloy.
This means aluminum plate or sheeting is essentially a continually reused material which assists in lowering the energy required for the production of new aluminum by about 90% through the recycling rather than primary production.
With all these factors in its favor, it is not difficult to see why 6061 aluminum plate is always in high demand. For a wide variety of uses in different industries the need for this material is only going to increase in the future.
For more information on the manufacturing, cutting and applications of 6061 aluminum plate visit our website at www.howardprecision.com.
