What Is 6082 Aluminum?
6082 aluminum is a high-strength alloy in the 6000 series (aluminum-magnesium-silicon family). It is widely used in structural applications. The alloy offers excellent corrosion resistance, good weldability, and high mechanical strength.
6082 aluminum is also known as AW 6082 or AA 6082. It is one of the most popular structural aluminum alloys in Europe and is gaining popularity in North America.
6082 Aluminum Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of 6082 aluminum alloy is carefully controlled to deliver consistent mechanical properties.
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Silicon (Si) | 0.7 – 1.3 |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.6 – 1.2 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.4 – 1.0 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.50 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.10 |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤ 0.20 |
| Titanium (Ti) | ≤ 0.10 |
| Chromium (Cr) | ≤ 0.25 |
| Aluminum (Al) | Balance |
The higher manganese content is what distinguishes 6082 from other 6000-series alloys. It gives 6082 better strength compared to 6061.
6082 T6 Aluminum Properties
The most common temper for this alloy is 6082 T6. T6 means the alloy is solution heat-treated and artificially aged. This process maximizes strength.
6082 T6 Aluminum Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Aluminium 6082 T6 Ultimate Tensile Strength | 310 MPa (45,000 psi) |
| Aluminium 6082 T6 Yield Strength | 260 MPa (37,700 psi) |
| Elongation | 10% |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 95 HB |
| Fatigue Strength | 96 MPa |
| Shear Strength | 205 MPa |
6082 T6 Aluminum Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| 6082 T6 Aluminum Density | 2.71 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 555 – 650°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 170 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | 43% IACS |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 70 GPa |
Note: The density of 6082 aluminum is 2.71 g/cm³. This is nearly identical to other 6000-series alloys, making it a lightweight structural material.
6082 T6511 Aluminum
6082 T6511 is a specific temper variation. The “511” suffix means the material has been:
- Stress relieved by stretching
- Straightened
- Not further straightened after stretching
This temper is commonly used for 6082 aluminum bar and extruded profiles. It offers improved dimensional stability and is preferred for precision machined parts.
6082 Aluminum vs 6061: What Is the Difference?
This is one of the most common questions buyers ask. The difference between 6061 and 6082 aluminum comes down to strength, composition, and regional availability.
| Property | 6082 Aluminum | 6061 Aluminum |
|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Tensile Strength | 310 MPa | 290 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 260 MPa | 240 MPa |
| Manganese Content | 0.4 – 1.0% | 0.15% max |
| Machinability | Good | Excellent |
| Weldability | Good | Good |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Excellent |
| Common Region | Europe | North America |
Key Takeaways: 6061 vs 6082 Aluminum Properties
- 6082 is stronger than 6061 in tensile and yield strength
- 6061 machines more easily and is more widely available in the USA
- Both alloys have similar corrosion resistance and weldability
- 6082 is the European equivalent of 6061 in many structural uses
If you need higher strength for structural applications, choose 6082. If machinability and US availability are priorities, 6061 is a solid choice.
6082 vs 7075 Aluminum
Some buyers also compare 6082 vs 7075 aluminum. These two alloys serve different purposes.
| Property | 6082 Aluminum | 7075 Aluminum |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 310 MPa | 572 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 260 MPa | 503 MPa |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Moderate |
| Weldability | Good | Poor |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Weight | Light | Light |
7075 aluminum is much stronger than 6082. However, 7075 has poor weldability and lower corrosion resistance. It is also more expensive.
Choose 6082 for structural frames, transportation, and marine applications where weldability and corrosion resistance matter.
Choose 7075 for aerospace and high-stress mechanical parts where maximum strength is required.
Is 6082 Aluminum Weldable?
Yes. 6082 aluminum is weldable. It can be welded using:
- MIG welding (most common)
- TIG welding (for precision work)
Recommended filler alloys are 5356 and 4043. Note that welding reduces strength in the heat-affected zone. Post-weld heat treatment can partially restore strength.
6082 is commonly used in welded structural frameworks because of its good weld performance.
6082 Aluminum Equivalent Standards
Buyers often search for the 6082 aluminum equivalent in different standards. Here is a quick reference:
| Standard | Designation |
|---|---|
| ISO | AlSi1MgMn |
| European (EN) | EN AW-6082 |
| British (BS) | HE30 |
| German (DIN) | AlMgSi1 |
| USA (AA) | AA 6082 |
There is no exact ASTM equivalent for 6082 aluminum. The closest US alloy is 6061, but 6082 has higher manganese and slightly better strength.
6082 Aluminum Products Available
6082 aluminum is available in multiple product forms:
6082 Aluminum Plate
- Thickness: 6mm – 200mm
- Used in structural engineering, mold bases, and tooling plates
6082 Aluminum Sheet
- Thickness: 0.5mm – 6mm
- Used in transportation panels, enclosures, and cladding
6082 Aluminum Bar / Round Bar
- Available as flat bar, square bar, and 6082 T6 aluminum round bar
- Used in machined components, shafts, and structural members
6082 Aluminum Extrusions
- Custom profiles available
- Common in transportation, construction, and industrial frameworks
Common Applications of 6082 Aluminum
6082 aluminum alloy is trusted across many industries:
Structural Engineering
- Bridges
- Trusses
- Load-bearing frameworks
Transportation
- Truck bodies
- Rail car components
- Automotive structural parts
Marine
- Boat hulls
- Offshore platforms
- Marine superstructures
Industrial
- Machine frames
- Conveyor systems
- Cranes and lifting equipment
Construction
- Architectural facades
- Structural profiles
- Scaffolding
6082 Aluminum Price
The 6082 T6 aluminum price varies based on:
- Product form (sheet, plate, bar, extrusion)
- Temper (T6, T6511, etc.)
- Quantity ordered
- Market aluminum LME price
- Supplier location and shipping
Contact suppliers directly for accurate current pricing.
Where to Buy 6082 Aluminum / 6082 Aluminum Suppliers
6082 Aluminum Suppliers USA
6082 is less common in the US market than 6061. However, several suppliers stock it:
- Metals Depot
- OnlineMetals
- TW Metals
- Ryerson
- Specialty aluminum distributors
When searching for 6082 aluminum suppliers USA, confirm that stock is available before ordering. Lead times may be longer than for 6061.
Global 6082 Aluminum Suppliers
6082 is widely stocked in Europe and Asia. Major producing countries include:
- China
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- Italy
Many 6082 aluminum suppliers in China offer competitive pricing with export experience to the USA, Europe, and other markets.
Why Choose Us as Your 6082 Aluminum Supplier?
As a professional aluminum manufacturer and exporter, we offer:
✅ Full range of 6082 aluminum products (sheet, plate, bar, extrusion)
✅ T6, T6511, and other tempers available
✅ Mill test certificates (MTC) with every order
✅ Competitive factory pricing
✅ Fast lead times and reliable shipping
✅ Custom cutting and processing available
✅ Export experience to USA, Europe, Australia, and worldwide
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the density of 6082 aluminum?
A: The density of 6082 aluminum is 2.71 g/cm³.
Q: What is the yield strength of aluminium 6082 T6?
A: The yield strength of aluminium 6082 T6 is 260 MPa (37,700 psi).
Q: What is the ultimate tensile strength of aluminium 6082 T6?
A: The ultimate tensile strength of aluminium 6082 T6 is 310 MPa (45,000 psi).
Q: Is 6082 aluminum weldable?
A: Yes. 6082 aluminum has good weldability using MIG or TIG welding with 5356 or 4043 filler.
Q: What is the equivalent of 6082 aluminum in the USA?
A: The closest US equivalent is 6061 aluminum, although 6082 offers slightly higher strength.
Q: What is the difference between 6082 T6 and T6511?
A: T6511 is stress-relieved by stretching after heat treatment. It offers better dimensional stability for bar and extrusion products.
Conclusion
6082 aluminum is a high-strength, corrosion-resistant alloy ideal for structural and industrial applications. In T6 temper, it offers excellent tensile and yield strength values that exceed 6061 aluminum. It is weldable, lightweight, and available in sheet, plate, bar, and extrusion forms.
Whether you are comparing 6082 vs 6061, looking for 6082 aluminum suppliers, or need technical data on aluminium 6082 T6 properties, this guide covers everything you need.
Contact us today to request a quote or learn more about our 6082 aluminum products