Aluminum 6060 Vs 2014: Properties And Differences

Aluminum is a versatile metal that can be found everywhere from skyscrapers to airplanes. Its durability and lightweight properties have made it a popular choice for construction and manufacturing projects alike. But did you know there are actually two kinds of aluminum, each with their own unique set of characteristics?

Aluminum 6060 vs 2014 are two types of aluminum alloy that have different physical properties and applications. In this article, we'll explore the differences between these two varieties and how they can affect your next project. We'll also look at their machinability, weldability, heat treatability, cost comparison and more - giving you all the information you need to make an informed decision when choosing which type of aluminum is right for you.

Chemical Composition

Don't let chemical composition stand in your way - pick the right metal for the job!

Aluminum 6060 and 2014 both have their own unique compositions that will each affect their properties. Aluminum 6060 is an alloy containing magnesium, silicon, and copper, while aluminum 2014 contains copper, zinc, and manganese. Each of these elements contributes to the strength of the metals as well as their malleability or ability to be formed into certain shapes.

In addition to this, aluminum 6060 has higher levels of magnesium, which increases its corrosion resistance. On the other hand, aluminum 2014 has higher levels of zinc, which gives it better weldability than aluminum 6060.

Knowing these differences can help you decide which metal is best suited for your project.

Physical Properties

You may be interested in understanding the physical properties of aluminum 6060 and 2014. These materials differ in key attributes such as strength, density, and corrosion resistance. Knowing these differences can help you make an informed decision about which one is best for your project.

Strength

When it comes to strength, 6060 aluminum offers greater resistance than 2014, making it the preferred choice for applications requiring durability.

With a tensile strength of 205-240 MPa and yield strength of 150-175 MPa, 6060 aluminum is able to withstand higher stresses and can be used in a variety of applications. This includes items such as window frames, furniture components, and machinery parts that need to endure extreme conditions.

On the other hand, 2014 aluminum has a tensile strength of 270-310 MPa and yield strength of 200-225 MPa - making it suitable for more lightweight applications like frames for doors or windows that don't require heavy duty performance.

In short, when you're looking for durable materials with superior strength capabilities, look no further than 6060 aluminum! It's the perfect choice for projects where long-lasting performance is key.

Density

You'll be amazed at how lightweight 6060 aluminum is compared to its 2014 counterpart - it's almost like you're carrying air! The density of 6060 aluminum is 2.7 g/cm³, while 2014 aluminum has a density of 2.8 g/cm³.

This slight difference makes a huge impact when it comes to weight and transportability:

• Weight:
  • 6060 aluminum weighs approximately 0.098 lbs per cubic inch
  • 2014 aluminum weighs approximately 0.104 lbs per cubic inch
• Transportability:
  • 6060 aluminum is much easier to carry than its bulkier counterpart, making it perfect for those on the go!
  • 2014 aluminum can be difficult to maneuver in small spaces, so it's not the ideal choice for someone who desires freedom and flexibility in their life.

The lightweight properties of 6060 aluminum make it an attractive option for anyone looking for something that is both strong and easy to transport. So if you're looking for a way to lighten your load without sacrificing strength, then this might be the ideal material choice for you!

Corrosion Resistance

Don't worry about corrosion ruining your project - 6060 aluminum offers great resistance to corrosion, making it perfect for outdoor use!

This alloy is excellent at resisting the effects of atmospheric oxidation and can be used in marine environments without fear of deterioration. Additionally, unlike other aluminum alloys, 6060 has superior stress-corrosion cracking resistance.

It's also less likely to suffer from pitting and crevice corrosion than other common aluminum grades such as 2014. The ability to withstand a wide range of corrosive elements makes this alloy a popular choice for many different projects that require durability and strength.

With its strong defense against corrosion, you can rest easy knowing that your project will last for years to come.

Machinability

Machining these two alloys requires a deft touch, as they don't always cooperate with the tools. Aluminum 6060 is an alloy composed primarily of magnesium and silicon, while aluminum 2014 contains copper in addition to magnesium and silicon.

Both materials are relatively soft and can be difficult to work with due to their malleability. To avoid damaging the material or compromising its structural integrity, machinists must use sharp cutting tools that are suited for working with softer metals like aluminum. Additionally, both materials require slow cutting speeds and plenty of lubricant to ensure smooth operation -- otherwise tool breakage may occur.

With the right approach and patience, however, machinists can successfully machine both alloys without too much hassle.

Weldability

Welding either of these alloys requires a certain level of expertise, as their malleability can make it challenging to achieve the desired results. When working with either aluminum 6060 or 2014, here are some key points to consider:

• Pre-heating the metal is highly recommended in order to reduce the risk of cracking and promote strong welds.
• The use of an inert gas shield is also essential in order to prevent oxidation and ensure clean welds.
• Proper amperage is necessary for achieving consistent results across different welding processes (e.g., MIG, TIG).
• Using a proper filler alloy will help maintain optimal strength and durability.

Overall, having a good understanding of these alloys' characteristics and taking into account the above tips will help you achieve successful welds with either aluminum 6060 or 2014.

Heat Treatability

Knowing how to heat treat aluminum 6060 or 2014 is key for achieving the desired strength and hardness. Heat treating these alloys requires a highly specialized process that must be carefully monitored to ensure that the correct temperature, time, and cooling rate are achieved.

Aluminum 6060 can be heat treated using several different processes including solution heat treatment, precipitation hardening, and aging. However, due to its higher properties of formability than 2014, it may require more intensive post-weld treatments in order to achieve full strength and hardness.

Aluminum 2014, on the other hand, can be hardened by both cold work and solutionizing treatments but will not typically gain as much strength as aluminum 6060 when subjected to the same treatments. With proper monitoring during heat treatment, you can get great results from either alloy. However, understanding the differences between them is vital for unlocking their full potential.

Applications

Now that you know all about the heat treatability of aluminum 6060 and 2014, let's explore their applications.

Aluminum 6060 is an excellent choice for a variety of uses, due to its ability to be machined into intricate shapes. It can be used in aircraft structures, as well as window frames and door frames.

On the other hand, 2014 aluminum has great strength-to-weight ratio and is often used to make parts for aerospace components like airframes and fuselages. It's also great for making sailboat masts and automotive structural components because it won't corrode easily.

So no matter what kind of project you're working on, one of these two kinds of aluminum can likely do the job!

Cost Comparison

Want to know which aluminum is more cost-effective? Check out this section to find out!

The cost of aluminum 6060 and 2014 varies depending on factors like shape, size, grade, temper, and quantity. Here are five key points to consider when comparing the two:

• Aluminum 6060 is often cheaper than 2014 due to its lower alloy content.
• Alloy 2014 is more expensive because of its higher alloy content.
• The temper of an aluminum alloy affects its price, with softer tempers being more costly.
• Since Aluminum 6060 has fewer applications, it may not be as costly as 2014 for certain projects.
• Bulk orders of either alloy will generally yield a lower unit cost than smaller orders.

No matter which aluminum you choose, understanding the differences in their properties and costs can help you make an informed decision about your project's budget. Make sure you take into account all aspects of each alloy to get the best deal possible!

Conclusion

You've made your decision: aluminum 6060 or 2014? Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to consider the project you're working on before making a choice.

Keep in mind that aluminum 6060 is more economical than 2014, but offers lower machinability ratings.

On the other hand, 2014 offers higher machinability and weldability ratings, as well as better heat treatability capabilities. Plus, with its greater strength-to-weight ratio, it can be used for a variety of applications.

One interesting statistic is that aluminum 6060 has twice the strength of 2024 at the same weight.

With all these factors to consider, you'll be able to make an informed decision when deciding between aluminum 6060 and 2014.