Influence of Heat Treatment on the Mechanical Properties of Aluminium Alloys (6xxx Series): A Literature Review

Abstract

This paper shows the literature survey on influence of heat treatment on mechanical properties of most widely used heat treatable aluminium alloy of 6xxx series also known as aluminium-magnesium-silicon (Al−Mg−Si) alloys. Aluminium alloys are among the easiest of all materials to form and machine. The mechanical properties are enhanced by alloying different elements or precipitation hardening or strain hardening by cold working. Alloys in the 6xxx series contain silicon and magnesium approximately in the proportions required for formation of magnesium silicate (Mg2Si), thus making them heat treatable. 6xxx series alloys have good formability, weldability, and machinability. These are used in manufacturing of pipes, railings, furniture, architectural executions, automotive parts and medical equipments. Some commonly used aluminium alloys of 6xxx series are 6005, 6061, 6063, 6082 alloy. The parameters of heat treatment which significantly affect the mechanical properties of aluminium alloy are investigated through literature survey in this paper.