6101 Aluminium Bar
6101 Aluminium Bar Overview
6101 aluminium bar is a heat-treatable aluminium-magnesium-silicon alloy developed for electrical-conductor applications that require a balance of conductivity and mechanical strength. ASTM B317/B317M covers 6101 extruded bar, rod, tube, pipe and structural profiles in selected tempers for electrical use.
For a quotation, specify the required bar shape, temper, dimensions, tolerances, conductivity requirement, quantity and inspection documentation.
6101 Aluminium Bar Quick Information
Alloy: 6101 / UNS A96101
Temper: T6, T61, T63, T64, T65 and H111
Standard: ASTM B317/B317M
Product Form: Round, square, flat or rectangular aluminium bar
Common Size Range: Ø6-300 mm; square 6-200 mm; flat/rectangular 2-40 × 10-300 mm
Length: 1000-6000 mm or customized
Documentation: Material certificates and inspection documents available
6101 Aluminium Bar Specifications
| Alloy | 6101 / UNS A96101 |
|---|---|
| Product form | Extruded aluminium bar or rod; confirm round, square, flat or rectangular form with your RFQ |
| Commonly referenced standard | ASTM B317/B317M for 6101 electrical-conductor extrusions |
| Selected tempers covered by ASTM B317/B317M | T6, T61, T63, T64, T65 and H111, subject to product type and order requirements |
| Dimensions and tolerances | Common market sizes are listed below; tighter tolerances and custom dimensions can be supplied to the confirmed drawing or purchase order |
Common 6101 Aluminium Bar Size Range
| Bar form | Common supply range |
|---|---|
| Round bar / rod | Diameter: 6-300 mm |
| Square bar | Side length: 6-200 mm |
| Flat or rectangular bar | Thickness: 2-40 mm; width: 10-300 mm |
| Length | 1000-6000 mm; fixed length and cut-to-size service available |
| Custom size | Other dimensions and tolerances can be supplied according to the confirmed drawing or order requirements |
ASTM B317 Type B and Type C Bar
| Product designation | Scope | RFQ consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Type B | Hot-finished bar, rod and other listed extrusion forms with Type B tolerances | State the required cross-section, temper and dimensional tolerance |
| Type C | Hot-finished rectangular bar with Type C tolerances | State width, thickness, temper, edge requirements and any machining allowance |
The applicable type and acceptance criteria should be stated on the purchase order. Requirements for mechanical properties, bend testing, electrical resistivity and conductivity depend on the selected product type and temper under the governing specification.
6101 Aluminium Chemical Composition
| Element | Composition, wt.% |
|---|---|
| Silicon (Si) | 0.30-0.70 |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.50 max |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.10 max |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.03 max |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.35-0.80 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.03 max |
| Zinc (Zn) | 0.10 max |
| Boron (B) | 0.06 max |
| Other elements | 0.03 max each; 0.10 max total |
| Aluminium (Al) | Remainder |
The composition above follows the published Hydro Alloy 6101 data sheet. Final material acceptance must follow the specification and revision stated on the purchase order.
Temper Selection
6101 bar temper selection depends on the required combination of strength, forming response and electrical conductivity. ASTM B317/B317M includes several tempers for electrical-conductor extrusions, including T6, T61, T63, T64, T65 and H111. Do not select or substitute a temper from conductivity alone; confirm the applicable tensile, bend, resistivity, conductivity and dimensional requirements for the finished component.
Typical Applications
6101 aluminium bar is commonly selected for electrical components that require a practical balance of conductivity, moderate strength, corrosion resistance and fabrication performance.
| Busbar Systems Electrical power-distribution bus conductors |
Switchgear Conductive bars and components for switchgear assemblies |
Power Transmission Electrical connection and distribution components |
| Substation Equipment Conductive components for power-station equipment |
Industrial Electrical Parts Machined conductive parts, terminals and connectors |
Conductive Profiles Structural profiles requiring conductivity and strength |
Suitability for a specific electrical assembly must be determined from the design current, joint design, operating temperature, environment and governing project specification.
Certificates and Product Quality Inspection
Material certificates can be supplied with the order. Product quality inspection services are also available according to the agreed specification and purchase-order requirements. The inspection scope may include dimensional checks, surface and appearance inspection, chemical-composition verification, mechanical-property testing and electrical-conductivity or resistivity testing. Third-party inspection can be coordinated when it is specified in the RFQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 6101 aluminium bar used for?
6101 aluminium bar is primarily used for electrical busbars, conductors, switchgear parts, power-distribution components and other conductive parts requiring moderate strength and good electrical conductivity.
Is 6101 aluminium suitable for electrical busbars?
Yes. 6101 is widely associated with electrical busbar and conductor applications. The final temper, dimensions and acceptance criteria should be selected according to the required conductivity, mechanical strength, joint design and governing project specification.
What is the difference between 6101-T6 and 6101-T61?
T6 and T61 are heat-treated tempers with different specified property balances. T6 is generally selected where higher mechanical strength is important, while the required conductivity and mechanical values for T61 should be confirmed against the applicable specification and purchase order.
What standard covers 6101 aluminium bar?
ASTM B317/B317M is commonly specified for 6101 aluminium-alloy extruded bar, rod, tube, pipe and structural profiles used for electrical purposes. The required revision, product type, temper and acceptance criteria should be stated on the order.
What 6101 aluminium bar sizes can be supplied?
Common supply ranges include round bar from 6-300 mm diameter, square bar from 6-200 mm, flat or rectangular bar from 2-40 mm thickness and 10-300 mm width, and lengths from 1000-6000 mm. Custom dimensions can be reviewed against the drawing and order requirements.
Can material certificates and inspection reports be supplied?
Yes. Material certificates and agreed inspection reports can be supplied with the order. Dimensional, surface, chemical-composition, mechanical-property and electrical-conductivity inspection requirements should be stated in the RFQ.
