Jan. 11, 2025
6066-T42 focuses more on high strength and fatigue performance, while 6082-T42 offers advantages in lightweight, thermal conductivity, and ductility. The choice between the two depends on specific performance requirements and the application environment.
6066-T42 and 6082-T42 are both aluminum alloys, sharing up to 98% of their alloying components. Both undergo the T42 temper (solution heat-treated followed by natural aging), but they show significant differences in mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties, as well as in their composition ratios.
6066-T42 is the preferred alloy for high-demand, high-stress environments, whereas 6082-T42 is better suited for applications prioritizing lightweight, ductility, and heat dissipation. The selection should align with the specific application requirements, balancing strength, weight, and thermal performance.
| Aspect | 6066-T42 Aluminum | 6082-T42 Aluminum |
| Mechanical Properties | Higher strength and fatigue resistance. Superior tensile and shear strength. Ideal for high load-bearing applications. | Better ductility, facilitating forming and machining. Suitable for dynamic loads but with lower fatigue strength. |
| Thermal Properties | Excellent thermal shock resistance. Performs well under thermal conditions. | Slightly better thermal conductivity and higher solidus temperature. Efficient heat dissipation. |
| Electrical Properties | Good electrical conductivity. | Slightly better electrical conductivity, suitable for applications requiring efficient electrical performance. |
| Weight and Density | Slightly heavier due to lower aluminum content. | Lighter due to higher aluminum content, providing better strength-to-weight efficiency for lightweight structures. |
| Alloy Composition | Higher concentrations of copper, magnesium, and silicon for enhanced strength and fatigue resistance. | Higher aluminum content for better corrosion resistance and improved workability. |
| Application Recommendations | Ideal for high-performance applications requiring strength and durability, such as aerospace components, bicycle frames, and heavy machinery. | Suitable for structural applications requiring moderate strength, high ductility, and better thermal/electrical properties, like transportation, marine, and architectural parts. |
6066-T42 Aluminum Applications
More suitable for structural components requiring high strength and parts subjected to significant fatigue loads, such as aerospace components, bicycle frames, and high-strength mechanical parts.
Performs better under high-pressure or dynamic load conditions.
6082-T42 Aluminum Applications
Ideal for scenarios requiring medium strength but higher ductility and machinability, such as building structures, transportation equipment, and marine components.
Better suited for environments where high thermal conductivity and lightweight properties are essential.
6066-T42 has a higher concentration of alloying elements such as copper, magnesium, and silicon, giving it superior strength and fatigue resistance. 6082-T42’s higher aluminum content makes it lighter and more ductile.
| Element | 6066-T42 (%) | 6082-T42 (%) | Analysis |
| Aluminum (Al) | 93.0-97.0 | 95.2-98.3 | 6082-T42 has higher aluminum content |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0-0.4 | 0-0.25 | 6066-T42 contains more chromium |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.7-1.2 | 0-0.1 | 6066-T42 has much higher copper |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.8-1.4 | 0.6-1.2 | 6066-T42 has slightly more magnesium |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.6-1.1 | 0.4-1.0 | 6066-T42 has slightly more manganese |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.9-1.8 | 0.7-1.3 | 6066-T42 has slightly more silicon |
6066-T42 offers superior strength and fatigue resistance, making it suitable for high-stress applications. On the other hand, 6082-T42 excels in ductility, allowing easier forming and machining.
| Property | 6066-T42 | 6082-T42 | Analysis |
| Elastic Modulus (GPa) | 70 | 69 | 6066-T42 is slightly stiffer |
| Elongation at Break (%) | 13 | 15 | 6082-T42 is more ductile |
| Fatigue Strength (MPa) | 94 | 55 | 6066-T42 has superior fatigue |
| Poisson's Ratio | 0.33 | 0.33 | Identical |
| Shear Modulus (GPa) | 26 | 26 | No significant difference |
| Shear Strength (MPa) | 190 | 140 | 6066-T42 is much stronger |
| Tensile Strength: Ultimate (MPa) | 310 | 230 | 6066-T42 has greater tensile strength |
| Tensile Strength: Yield (MPa) | 190 | 110 | 6066-T42 has higher yield strength |
Both alloys perform similarly in thermal conditions, but 6082-T42 offers marginally better thermal conductivity and higher solidus temperature, making it preferable in heat-critical environments.
| Property | 6066-T42 | 6082-T42 | Analysis |
| Heat of Fusion (J/g) | 410 | 410 | Identical |
| Max Service Temperature (°C) | 170 | 170 | Identical |
| Liquidus Temperature (°C) | 650 | 650 | No difference |
| Solidus Temperature (°C) | 560 | 580 | 6082-T42 is more heat-resistant |
| Specific Heat Capacity (J/kg-K) | 890 | 900 | 6082-T42 has a slight edge |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m-K) | 150 | 160 | 6082-T42 is slightly better |
| Thermal Expansion (µm/m-K) | 23 | 23 | Identical |
6082-T42 has superior electrical conductivity, making it a better choice for applications where electrical performance is crucial.
| Property | 6066-T42 | 6082-T42 | Analysis |
| Electrical Conductivity (Vol. % IACS) | 40 | 42 | 6082-T42 is slightly better |
| Electrical Conductivity (Mass % IACS) | 130 | 140 | 6082-T42 has better conductivity |
6066-T42 is better suited for high-strength and high-stress applications, while 6082-T42 is preferable in lightweight and thermally demanding environments.
| Property | 6066-T42 | 6082-T42 | Analysis |
| Density (g/cm³) | 2.8 | 2.7 | 6082-T42 is lighter |
| Strength-to-Weight Ratio | 31 | 24 | 6066-T42 excels in strength |
| Thermal Diffusivity (mm²/s) | 61 | 67 | 6082-T42 is better |
| Thermal Shock Resistance | 13 | 10 | 6066-T42 is superior |
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