6005
The sweet spot between strength and extrudability, nearly matching 6061 with better surface finish.
6005 offers properties between 6063 and 6061, often used interchangeably with either. Less quench-sensitive than 6061, it allows more complex shape production. In T5 temper, it matches 6061-T6 minimum strength.
International Nomenclature
| Standard | Designation |
|---|---|
| AA (USA) | 6005 / 6005A |
| EN (Europa) | EN AW-6005A · AlSiMg(A) |
| DIN (Alemania) | AlMgSi0.7 / 3.3210 |
Chemical Composition
| Element | Symbol | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Al | Balance |
| Silicon | Si | 0.50–0.90% |
| Magnesium | Mg | 0.40–0.70% |
| Manganese | Mn | ≤0.50% |
| Iron | Fe | ≤0.35% |
| Copper | Cu | ≤0.30% |
| Chromium | Cr | ≤0.30% |
| Zinc | Zn | ≤0.20% |
| Titanium | Ti | ≤0.10% |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ |
| Melting Range | 610–650 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 188 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | ~46% IACS |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (UTS) | 270–310 MPa (T6) |
| Yield Strength | 225–260 MPa (T6) |
| Elongation | 8–11% |
| Hardness | ~95 HB |
Key Characteristics
- Heat-treatable alloy with medium-to-high strength
- Better extrusion surface finish compared to 6061
- Less quench-sensitive than 6061, allowing more complex shapes
- T5 temper matches 6061-T6 minimum strength
- 6005A variant is widely used in European rail applications
Industries & Applications
Transportation
Railway car structures, bus body profiles, truck trailer components
Construction
Pylons, platforms, pipelines, structural building sections
Industrial
Portable ladders, scaffolding, conveyor systems
Special Notes
6005 is the "sweet spot" alloy: offering nearly the strength of 6061 with the extrusion ease of 6063. The 6005A variant is widely used in European rail and transport applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is alloy 6005 and what is it used for?
6005 is a medium-to-high-strength extrudable aluminum alloy of the 6xxx series (Al-Mg-Si), designated AA 6005/6005A and EN AW-6005A (AlSiMg). It is the "sweet spot" alloy, with properties between 6063 and 6061. It is used in transportation structures (railway cars, bus body profiles, truck-trailer components), construction (pylons, platforms, structural sections), and industrial uses (portable ladders, scaffolding, conveyor systems).
What are the alloying elements of 6005 and what do they do?
6005 is an aluminum-magnesium-silicon system: silicon 0.50–0.90% and magnesium 0.40–0.70% form the strengthening Mg₂Si precipitate that delivers strength after heat treatment. Manganese (≤0.50%) aids grain control, while copper (≤0.30%), iron (≤0.35%), chromium, zinc, and titanium are kept low to preserve extrudability and corrosion resistance.
Is 6005 heat-treatable? What tempers and strengths does it offer?
Yes, 6005 is heat-treatable. In T6 temper it reaches a tensile strength (UTS) of 270–310 MPa, a yield strength of 225–260 MPa, 8–11% elongation, and a hardness of about 95 HB. In T5 temper it matches the minimum strength of 6061-T6, making it often interchangeable with that alloy.
Why is 6005 preferred over 6061 in extrusion?
6005 is less quench-sensitive than 6061, which allows the production of more complex shapes and sections with less risk of distortion during cooling. It also delivers a better surface finish in extrusion. Because its T5 temper matches 6061-T6 minimum strength, it provides nearly the same strength with better extrudability and finish.
How does 6005 differ from 6063, and what is the 6005A variant for?
6005 offers intermediate properties: it combines nearly the strength of 6061 with the extrusion ease of 6063, so it replaces 6063 when greater structural strength is needed. The 6005A variant (EN AW-6005A) is widely used in European rail and transport applications, where medium-strength structural profiles with good extrudability are required.
Does Transformación Puebla make 6005 from recycled wheel scrap?
6005 is a wrought extrusion alloy (6xxx series), not a casting alloy, so it requires low-impurity primary aluminum billet to meet its composition. It is not produced from recycled wheel scrap: car wheels are A356.2 casting alloy whose silicon content (~7%) far exceeds the 6005 range (0.50–0.90% Si). Recycled wheels are the feedstock for our casting alloys, not for 6005.
Need 6005?
We manufacture this alloy in ingots, donuts, and bars to your exact specifications.