In the precision world of the aviation industry, every material choice matters to flight safety and performance. 6061 and 6063 aluminum alloys, with their unique mechanical properties and processing advantages, have become essential key materials in aircraft manufacturing.
6061 aluminum sheet holds a key position due to its exceptional comprehensive mechanical properties. Its tensile strength reaches 310 MPa and its yield strength is approximately 276 MPa. After T6 heat treatment, its hardness and corrosion resistance are significantly enhanced, making it an ideal choice for load-bearing aircraft components.
In the wing leading edge support structure, 6061 aluminium plates are stamped to create reinforcing ribs, which withstand airflow impact while reducing structural weight. Fuselage frame connectors utilize extensive 6061 forgings. Their excellent weldability ensures joint strength contributes over 80% of the overall structure, effectively reducing the risk of fatigue fracture.
In contrast, 6063 aluminum alloy sheets prioritizes forming precision and surface quality. With an elongation of up to 12%, it can be extruded into complex cross-sections with a surface roughness of less than Ra1.6. These characteristics make it particularly effective in aircraft interiors and non-load-bearing components.
For example, the cabin luggage rack rails are made of 6063 extruded profiles, whose precise dimensional tolerances ensure smooth sliding. The window frames, after anodizing, not only achieve a uniform silvery-white luster but also resist corrosion caused by cabin humidity fluctuations. Its lightweight properties also reduce the weight load by 30% compared to traditional steel.
These two alloys complement each other beautifully in aircraft manufacturing. While 6061 withstands the impact of takeoff and landing on the load-bearing hinges of the landing gear doors, 6063, with its excellent thermal conductivity, dissipates heat for the cabin air conditioning ducts.
In the sealing structure of the wing fuel tanks, the welded seals of 6061 and the molded seals of 6063 provide dual protection. This "rigid yet flexible" material combination not only meets the aviation industry's stringent strength requirements, but also achieves the core goal of weight reduction and efficiency through refined processing.
With the advancement of aviation technology, 6061 and 6063 aluminum alloys continue to evolve. New microalloying processes enable them to further reduce density while maintaining strength, while advanced surface treatments significantly enhance their corrosion resistance and service life. These improvements ensure that these two classic aluminum alloys maintain their irreplaceable position in the aviation industry, despite the rapid development of composite materials, and continue to contribute to flight safety and efficiency.
Original Source:https://www.aircraftaluminium.com/a/the-use-of-6061-6063-aluminum-sheets-in-airplanes.html
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