The optimized mechanical properties of the new aluminum alloy AA 6069

AA 6069, a new aluminum alloy, has been developed for application in hot and cold extrusion and forging. It contains ~2Mg + Si, ~1% Cu, 0.2% Cr, and 0.1% V. Nominal T6 properties of the ingot without hot or cold deformation are 415 MPa (60 ksi) ultimate tensile strength (UTS), 380 MPa (55 ksi) yield strength, and 12 % elongation. Properties after hot and cold extrusion in the T6 condition range from 380 to 490 MPa (55 to 71 ksi) UTS, 345 to 450 MPa (50 to 65 ksi) yield strength, and 10 to 22 % elongation. This alloy also has favorable fatigue and corrosion- fatigue properties due to a combination of composition, high solidification rate, controlled homogenization, thermal and mechanical processing, and T6 practice. Current developmental applications include cold- impact air- bag components, high- pressure cylinders, and automotive suspension and drive- train parts. Unlike alloys 2024- T3 and 7129- T6, of comparable strength, diluted 6069 is scrap compatible with many other 5xxx and 6xxx alloys.