Month: February 2024

In the dynamic realm of aerospace engineering, the choice of materials plays a pivotal role in achieving optimal performance. One such material that has garnered significant attention is 6061-T651 aluminum. Renowned for its high strength, strong corrosion resistance, and excellent weldability, this aerospace-grade aluminum alloy has become a cornerstone in various aerospace applications. At Howard Precision Metals, we are your premier source for 6061-T651 aluminum plates to meet your aerospace application needs.

6061-T651 Key Characteristics

High Strength: 6061-T651 aluminum possesses a remarkable tensile strength of 310 MPa and a yield strength of 276 MPa, making it a robust material for applications involving high stresses.

Weldability: Recognized for its excellent weldability, this alloy is a preferred option for applications that require seamless joining or welding processes.

Corrosion Resistance: With solid corrosion resistance, 6061-T651 aluminum plates function with resilience in harsh environmental conditions, reflecting their durability over time.

Machinability: The superior machinability of 6061-T651 enables easy shaping and the production of complex designs, making it a adaptable choice for aerospace components.

Aerospace Applications

Aircraft Structures

6061-T651 aluminum plays a key role in the construction of aircraft structures. Its high strength-to-weight ratio is particularly beneficial, providing structural integrity while falling within stringent weight limitations.

Fuselage Frames

As the core structure of an aircraft, the fuselage requires materials that can withstand varying stress levels. 6061-T651 aluminum plates are an effective choice for building fuselage frames due to the optimal balance they possess between weight and strength.

Wing Skins and Spars

In the aerospace industry, where every ounce matters, 6061-T651 finds application in the manufacture of spars and wing skins. Due to its significant strength and lightweight nature, it is highly viable as a contributor to the efficient functioning of aircraft wings.

Helicopter Rotor Hubs

Helicopter rotor hubs require materials having exceptional durability and strength. 6061-T651, with its high tensile strength, is key in ensuring the consistency of these crucial components.

Missile Components

In the realm of aerospace and defense, reliability and precision are of premier importance. 6061-T651 aluminum finds application in the manufacture of missile components, with its corrosion resistance and high strength being critical factors that benefit this application.

Structural Components

Across various aerospace applications, structural components such as braces, beams, and connectors benefit from the mechanical capabilities of 6061-T651 aluminum plates. The capacity of this alloy to withstand stress makes it a preferred option for preserving structural integrity.

What Sets 6061-T651 Aluminum Apart?

Exceptional Strength and Durability

The 6061-T651 extruded aluminum alloy is known for its strength, comparable to many steels. With a yield strength of 40,000 psi and a tensile strength of 45,000 psi, it proves suitable for structural applications in the aerospace industry.

Corrosion Resistance

Corrosion can be a formidable opponent in aerospace environments. 6061-T651 aluminum excels in this regard, developing a protective oxide layer on its surface that ensures long-term service even in marine or harsh outdoor settings.

Machinability

6061-T651 aluminum plates offer the significant advantage of easy machining, which allows for smoother drilling, cutting, and forming into various shapes. This property is especially beneficial for manufacturers in the automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics sectors.

Weldability

6061-T651 aluminum lends itself well to various welding methods, including MIG and TIG welding. Proper filler material selection and preparation are vital for successful welds, and post-weld heat treatment can restore the strength of the material.

Heat Treatment

The T6 tempering process which involves solution heat treatment, aging, and quenching significantly increases the hardness, strength, hardness, and deformation resistance of the alloy. This makes 6061-T651 aluminum a strong choice for aerospace applications.

Formability

6061 aluminum plate is easily formed, drilled, and bent, allowing for the production of various spacecraft structures and shapes.

Joining Capabilities: This alloy is easily joined utilizing various welding methods, enhancing the sealing performance of aerospace spacecraft.

Reduced Weight: With lower density compared to many other metals, 6061 aluminum plate contributes to reducing the weight of spacecraft, a critical factor in aerospace design.

Good Electrical Conductivity: Possessing good electrical conductivity, 6061-T651 aluminum finds application in aircraft conductive equipment.

Varied Forms for Diverse Aerospace Needs

6061-T651 Aluminum Sheet Plate

This is the stress-release version of T6 temper, offering enhanced stress corrosion resistance. It is commonly used for aerospace fuel tanks, airframe casings, and hydraulic systems.

6061-T6 Aluminum Sheet Plate

This is the most common temper, featuring hardness and high strength. It is utilized in wings, fuselage structures, landing gears, engine components, and parts that require rigidity and high strength.

6061-O Aluminum Sheet Plate

This is the annealed temper with lower strength and hardness. It is commonly used for lightweight aerospace internal components, assemblies, and bulkheads.

6061-T4 Aluminum Sheet Plate

This is the heat-treated temper with moderate hardness and strength. It is ideal for aerospace applications that require moderate strength, such as cabin components and containers.

The aerospace industry’s demanding requirements find a reliable solution in 6061-T651 aluminum plates. Their exceptional strength, solid corrosion resistance, weldability, and machinability, make them a versatile choice for a wide array of applications. As aerospace technology continues to advance, the significance of materials such as 6061-T651 aluminum else ensure performance, reliability, and efficiency.

Are you ready to explore the benefits of 6061-T651 aluminum for your aerospace applications? Give us a call today at 866.602.3788 or request a quote through our website. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the aluminum alloys that help you achieve optimum quality for your aerospace component needs.

In the realm of precision machining and tooling, aluminum cast tool & jig plate stands out as a versatile and reliable choice. Commonly known by trade names such as MIC 6, ATP-5, Alca 5, and K-100S, these plates, particularly MIC 6, ATP-5, and Alca 5, offer a unique set of advantages in various applications. Let’s look into the distinctive features and benefits that make cast aluminum tool and aluminum jig plate the preferred option for numerous industries.

Types of Aluminum Cast Tool & Jig Plate

Within the realm of aluminum cast tool and jig plates, various manufacturers tout their products as the epitome of quality and precision. Formerly Alcoa, Arconic specializes in MIC 6® cast tool and jig plate, while Alpase, based in California, is known for its K-100S® cast aluminum tooling plate. Precision Cast Plate (PCP) in Canada proudly produces Alca 5® precision cast plate, and across the Atlantic in Germany, Bikar offers Formodal®, which they describe as “precision milled cast plates.” Adding to the mix, Vista Metals provides ATP-5 precision tooling plate. Despite differences in names and production mills, these products feature more similarities than distinctions.

In the production of these cast tool and jig plates, each manufacturer employs similar methodologies with the goal of mitigating internal stresses within the aluminum plates. The overarching objective is to achieve significant internal stability, minimizing any potential movement during machining. Consistency is achieved as each of these CT&J products is subjected to machining in order to attain a flat surface finish of 32 micro-inches or better on both the top and bottom surfaces. Further protecting this finish, every mill applies a protective PVC coating to each surface, ensuring quality of the product is retained during transport to distributors. In a market saturated with diverse cast aluminum plate products, pinpointing the ideal fit and become a challenge due to the numerous options available.

Precision Machining and Stability

One of the standout features of aluminum cast tool & jig plate is its composition consisting of fine-grain aluminum alloy, which ensures internal stability. This characteristic minimizes movement during machining operations, enabling outcomes that are accurate and precise. Machined to a surface finish equal to 32 micro-inches or better on both sides, these plates are known for their dimensional stability and flat surfaces.

Lightweight and Corrosion Resistance

The lightweight nature of aluminum tool and jig plates, approximately one-third the weight of steel plates, provides a significant advantage in terms of the ease of handling operations and installation. This characteristic reduces the requirement for heavy equipment, minimizing the load required on machinery components. In addition, aluminum’s inherent resistance to corrosion eliminates the need for protective treatments, making it a low maintenance, durable option.

Superior Dimensional Control and Tolerance

Often referred to as CT&J Plate, these machined products provide flatness and tight dimensional control, making them ideal for applications that require precision. Through the use of proper aluminum machining methods, tolerances in the thousandths can be achieved and maintained. The CT&J plate is the top choice when strict dimensional control and flatness tolerances are of primary importance, ensuring the rescission and reliability required in critical applications.

Versatility in Applications

Cast Aluminum Tool & Jig Plate finds its usefulness in a wide array of applications, including welding fixtures, assembly jigs and fixtures, templates, drill jigs, hydro press form blocks, index tables, vacuum chucks, and more. Its usage covers multiple industries, including aerospace, medical instrumentation, plastics, and automotive, attesting to its reliability and versatility.

Types of Aluminum Tooling and Jig Plate

There are three main types of aluminum tooling and jig plate: casted aluminum tooling plate, molded aluminum tooling plate, and rolled aluminum tooling plate. Each type of CT&J plate caters to specific needs based on its properties and manufacturing process.

Cast Aluminum Tooling Plate: Continuous casting and thermal stress relief characterize cast aluminum tooling plates. With maximum stability and the best thickness tolerance, these plates, often available in the thickness range of 6mm to 50mm, are well-suited for precision applications that require dimensional accuracy.

Molded Aluminum Tooling Plate: Molded aluminum tooling plates, typically rolled, provide a balance between service life and stability. While not possessing the same stability as cast tooling plates, they are utilized with highly processed components, particularly injection molds. This type is commonly employed in the 100 mm to 250 mm thickness range.

Rolled Aluminum Tooling Plate: Made from 5000 series alloys, rolled aluminum tooling plates are subjected to annealing to enhance ductility. Precision machining produces dimensions having minimum tolerances. This type of aluminum tooling plate is often chosen for strength applications in engineering, manufacturing, and construction.

Howard Precision Metals: Your Trusted Partner

For over 90 years, Howard Precision Metals has been a stalwart in the aluminum service center business, delivering state-of-the-art solutions to meet various aluminum alloy product needs. Recognized for tight cutting tolerances and a dedication to excellence, our offerings include the highly effective MIC-6 aluminum cast tool & jig plate. You can trust our team to provide you with the best aluminum alloy product for your application every time.

Are you ready to experience the advantages of cast aluminum tooling plate & jig plate for your duster application? Give us a call today at 866.602.3788 or request a quote through our website. Discover how we can enhance your project results with exceptional aluminum solutions.