Understanding the Differences Between 6060-T5 and 6060-T6 Aluminum Bars

When it comes to precision extrusion and architectural aluminum products, 6060 aluminum bars are among the most versatile and widely used materials in the industry. Known for their lightweight strength, corrosion resistance, and smooth surface finish, they are commonly used in construction, transportation, electronics, and industrial design.

However, within the 6060 alloy family, two temper grades often cause confusion — T5 and T6. Both are heat-treated tempers but offer distinct differences in mechanical strength, formability, and performance.

In this article, we’ll explain the differences between 6060-T5 and 6060-T6 aluminum bars, their mechanical characteristics, processing methods, and ideal applications. We’ll also show how sasaaluminum, a trusted global supplier, ensures precise temper control and consistent quality for every extrusion.

What Does Temper Designation Mean?

The temper of an aluminum alloy describes its thermal treatment and mechanical condition after manufacturing. In the case of 6060, which is part of the 6xxx series (Al-Mg-Si system), the temper defines how much strength and hardness are achieved through artificial aging.

For 6060 aluminum bars:

  • The “6060” denotes the chemical composition (Aluminum with Magnesium and Silicon).

  • The “T” temper designation refers to heat treatment applied after extrusion.

Therefore, 6060-T5 and 6060-T6 differ mainly in post-extrusion heat treatment and final mechanical strength.

The 6060 Aluminum Alloy Overview

6060 aluminum is a medium-strength alloy with excellent extrudability and superior surface finish. It is similar to 6063 but has slightly lower magnesium content, allowing for smoother extrusion and tighter dimensional tolerances.

Key Features of 6060 Aluminum Bars:

  • Excellent surface quality and anodizing performance

  • Moderate strength and good ductility

  • High corrosion resistance

  • Good thermal and electrical conductivity

  • Ideal for thin-walled, complex extrusions

These properties make it popular for applications such as architectural profiles, heat exchangers, furniture, and display systems.

Understanding 6060-T5 Aluminum Bars

6060-T5 is one of the most commonly used tempers in the 6060 family.

Heat Treatment Process:

  • The alloy is cooled from the extrusion temperature using air or water mist.

  • Then it is artificially aged at moderate temperatures to achieve stable mechanical properties.

Mechanical Properties:

Property 6060-T5
Tensile Strength (MPa) 160–195
Yield Strength (MPa) 110–140
Elongation (%) 8–10
Brinell Hardness (HB) 55–65
Density (g/cm³) 2.70

Characteristics:

  • Excellent balance of strength, ductility, and surface finish.

  • High extrudability and good dimensional stability.

  • Ideal for profiles requiring post-machining or decorative anodizing.

Typical Applications:

  • Window and door frames

  • Curtain wall systems

  • Handrails and trims

  • Furniture structures

  • Decorative extrusions

6060-T5 offers sufficient strength for most architectural applications while maintaining excellent workability and anodizing response.

Understanding 6060-T6 Aluminum Bars

6060-T6 is the high-strength variant of the 6060 alloy, produced through a more advanced heat treatment cycle.

Heat Treatment Process:

  • The alloy is solution heat-treated at high temperature to dissolve alloying elements.

  • It is then quenched rapidly and artificially aged to achieve maximum hardness and strength.

Mechanical Properties:

Property 6060-T6
Tensile Strength (MPa) 180–215
Yield Strength (MPa) 120–150
Elongation (%) 8–9
Brinell Hardness (HB) 60–70
Density (g/cm³) 2.70

Characteristics:

  • Higher tensile and yield strength than T5 temper.

  • Slightly reduced ductility and formability.

  • Excellent dimensional stability for precision machining.

  • Good surface finish and corrosion resistance.

Typical Applications:

  • Load-bearing architectural elements

  • Machine components and connectors

  • Heat exchangers and cooling systems

  • Automotive and transportation profiles

6060-T6 is ideal for situations that demand greater mechanical performance without compromising corrosion resistance or aesthetics.

Key Differences Between 6060-T5 and 6060-T6

Property 6060-T5 6060-T6
Heat Treatment Cooled from extrusion temperature, then aged Solution heat-treated, quenched, then aged
Strength Medium Higher
Formability Excellent Moderate
Surface Finish Excellent Very Good
Corrosion Resistance Excellent Excellent
Machinability Very Good Excellent
Typical Applications Architectural and decorative Structural and mechanical
Cost More economical Slightly higher due to added heat treatment

Summary:

  • 6060-T5: Best for applications emphasizing surface finish and formability.

  • 6060-T6: Best for applications requiring increased strength and dimensional precision.

Why Heat Treatment Makes a Difference

The difference in mechanical strength between 6060-T5 and 6060-T6 is due to how the alloy’s microstructure evolves during heat treatment.

In T5 temper, artificial aging produces moderate precipitation of magnesium silicide (Mg₂Si), providing good strength but maintaining ductility.

In T6 temper, solution heat treatment followed by aging fully precipitates Mg₂Si, locking dislocations and significantly improving hardness and tensile strength.

This controlled heat-treatment process gives 6060-T6 aluminum bars their enhanced load-bearing capacity.

Choosing the Right Temper for Your Application

Selecting between T5 and T6 depends on your project’s mechanical, aesthetic, and fabrication requirements.

Choose 6060-T5 When:

  • You need excellent surface finish and easy extrusion.

  • Components will undergo bending, forming, or post-machining.

  • Strength requirements are moderate.

  • Cost efficiency and anodizing appearance are top priorities.

Examples: Curtain walls, display systems, trims, and decorative extrusions.

Choose 6060-T6 When:

  • Components will face mechanical loads or high stress.

  • Dimensional stability is critical after machining.

  • Slightly reduced formability is acceptable.

  • Long-term durability and rigidity are important.

Examples: Structural supports, automotive frames, heat exchanger housings, and mechanical brackets.

Corrosion Resistance and Surface Finish

Both T5 and T6 tempers maintain excellent corrosion resistance, making them suitable for outdoor and marine applications.

However:

  • T5 is often preferred for anodizing because it achieves a more uniform, brighter finish.

  • T6 anodizes slightly darker but offers higher hardness, which improves surface durability.

This makes both tempers ideal for architectural projects, where aesthetics and longevity must go hand-in-hand.

Dimensional and Tolerance Control

6060-T6 bars generally have slightly better dimensional stability due to the additional solution heat treatment. This makes them preferred for precision machining and fitting applications, where tolerances must remain tight during assembly.

6060-T5, while slightly more ductile, can experience small deformations during complex machining or bending operations.

Standards and Certifications

Both 6060-T5 and 6060-T6 aluminum bars conform to international standards such as:

  • ASTM B221 – Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, and Shapes

  • EN 755-2 / EN 755-9 – Mechanical and dimensional properties of extruded aluminum products

  • ISO 6362-3 – Mechanical property requirements for extrusions

sasaaluminum strictly adheres to these standards, ensuring reliable performance and dimensional accuracy for every order.

How sasaaluminum Ensures Temper Quality

At sasaaluminum, precise temper control is achieved through advanced extrusion and aging technology.

Key Quality Control Steps:

  • Automated Aging Furnaces: Ensure even heat distribution and uniform tempering.

  • Temperature Monitoring Systems: Guarantee exact heat treatment profiles for T5 and T6 conditions.

  • Mechanical Testing: Confirms tensile, yield, and hardness values meet ASTM and EN requirements.

  • Surface Inspection: Ensures smoothness and consistency for anodizing or coating.

  • Dimensional Verification: Laser measurement ensures tolerances meet tight industrial standards.

Every batch of 6060 aluminum bars from sasaaluminum comes with a Mill Test Certificate (MTC) documenting the precise temper, chemical composition, and mechanical properties.

Future Applications and Market Trends

With the growing demand for lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant materials, both 6060-T5 and 6060-T6 aluminum bars are finding increased use in:

  • Green building architecture for energy-efficient structures.

  • Transportation systems where strength-to-weight ratio is crucial.

  • Renewable energy installations, such as solar frames and heat exchangers.

sasaaluminum continues to lead in extrusion technology, offering customers high-performance materials customized for next-generation applications.

Conclusion

The difference between 6060-T5 and 6060-T6 aluminum bars lies mainly in the heat-treatment process and resulting mechanical strength.

  • 6060-T5 offers excellent extrudability, surface finish, and formability, making it ideal for architectural and decorative applications.

  • 6060-T6 provides higher strength and dimensional stability, suitable for structural and mechanical components.

Both tempers maintain superior corrosion resistance and finish quality, making 6060 aluminum one of the most reliable materials for modern engineering and design.

By choosing sasaaluminum as your supplier, you can be confident that every 6060-T5 and 6060-T6 aluminum bar is manufactured with precision, certified to global standards, and optimized for performance and durability.

Post time: Nov-07-2025