Difference Between Aluminium 6082 and 6061

As we know, in our truss field, commonly used aluminum profiles are 6061 T6 and 6082 T6, which are both well known for their strength and durability. In the market, there are aluminum 6061 T6, aluminum 6061 T5, aluminum 6082 T6 and aluminum 6082 T5, do you know the difference and how to identify ? I am not a senior experter, but I am happy to share the information I know. If there is something wrong, please send me a letter to correct.

The main difference between 6082 and 6061 aluminium is in their composition. 6082 aluminium contains 97.6% aluminium, 2% magnesium, and 0.4% silicon, while 6061 aluminium contains 96.9% aluminium, 1% magnesium, 0.6% silicon, and 0.35% copper. 6082 aluminium is known for its high strength and good weldability, while 6061 aluminium is known for its good corrosion resistance and weldability.

Below table from Fonnovaluminum.com

Difference:

• Aluminium 6082 is a heat-treatable alloy with good formability and weldability.

• Aluminium 6061 is a heat-treatable alloy that is also corrosion-resistant.

• Aluminium 6082 has higher strength than 6061.

• Aluminium 6082 is more expensive than 6061.

• Aluminium 6082 is better suited for applications that require high strength

There are two round tube here, one is aluminum 6061 T6, the other one is aluminum 6082 T6, do you know which one is aluminum 6082 T6 by eyes, no , we can not identify it by eyes, The only way is to send it to an authoritative third-party organization for testing. Many countries have different standards. You have to check the testing standard according to   European, American, Australian or Chinese standards.