Aluminum alloys have been applied in shipbuilding since 1891. After nearly a century of research and development, their use in the maritime industry has become increasingly widespread, making aluminum a highly promising material in ship construction.

In the 1930s, 6061-T6 marine aluminum alloy began to be used in ships, with hulls constructed by riveting. By the 1940s, researchers had developed weldable and corrosion-resistant aluminum-magnesium alloys, providing greater possibilities for ship structure design. In the 1950s, the introduction of TIG welding technology further improved the precision and reliability of aluminum hull manufacturing.

In the 1960s, the U.S. Navy developed 5086-H32 and 5456-H321 aluminum alloy plates, as well as 5086-H111 and 5456-H111 extrusion profiles, effectively eliminating the problem of grain-boundary precipitate films and solving issues of exfoliation and intergranular corrosion. These breakthroughs marked a significant advancement in marine aluminum alloys during the 1960s, laying a solid foundation for the lightweight and durable modern maritime vessels.

Overview of 6061 Aluminum Alloy

6061 aluminum belongs to the 6xxx series, primarily alloyed with magnesium (Mg) and silicon (Si). It has excellent mechanical properties and outstanding corrosion resistance. Through T6 heat treatment (solution treatment + artificial aging), its strength and hardness are significantly enhanced, making it suitable for marine environments and thus referred to as marine-grade aluminum.

Technical Advantages of 6061 T6 Marine Aluminum Plate

1. High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Strong yet lightweight, ideal for shipbuilding. Reduces hull weight, improves speed, and enhances fuel efficiency.

2. Good Corrosion Resistance: While not as resistant to seawater corrosion as 5xxx-series marine aluminum, it performs well in most marine and industrial environments. Corrosion resistance can be further enhanced through anodizing or coatings.

3. Excellent Weldability: Can be welded using MIG or TIG methods. Although weld zones may experience strength reduction, post-weld heat treatment can restore part of the strength.

4. Good Machinability: Easy to machine, drill, mill, and cut, suitable for manufacturing complex components.

5. Fatigue Resistance and Toughness: Provides good resistance to fatigue and toughness, able to withstand high-frequency vibrations and wave impacts, ensuring navigation safety.

Product Specifications

Mechanical Properties

Applications

Ship Structural Plates: Used in yachts, workboats, passenger ships, and military vessels for decks, hull sides, bulkheads, and other structural components, balancing strength and lightweight requirements to improve navigation performance.

Marine Platforms and Engineering Structures: Suitable for offshore platforms, floating equipment, and dock structures. Resistant to seawater corrosion, reducing maintenance frequency and improving long-term operational reliability.

Precision Component Manufacturing: Includes rudder supports, hatch frames, railings, and connectors. Aluminum’s machinability and durability meet the requirements for precision designs.

Differences Compared to 5083 Marine Aluminum Alloy

Corrosion Resistance: 5083 series contains higher magnesium (4-4.9%) and manganese (0.4-1.0%), offering superior seawater corrosion resistance. It is more suitable for hull panels directly exposed to seawater.

Strength: 6061 T6 achieves higher tensile strength after heat treatment, making it advantageous for high-strength structural components.

Post-Weld Performance: 6061 T6 loses significant strength in weld zones and requires re-heat treatment to regain strength, whereas 5xxx series maintains strength and is commonly used for large welded structures.

Typical Applications for 6061-T6: Best suited for ship superstructures, deck fittings, and instrument mounts, where exposure to direct seawater is limited. Benefits from its lightweight (2.7 g/cm³) and high strength (tensile strength 310 MPa).

Why Choose Us?

1. Professional Quality Assurance: Years of expertise in marine-grade aluminum research and production. Strict control over chemical composition and heat treatment ensures all 6061 T6 aluminum meets marine-grade standards.

2. Stable Supply and Customization Services: Offers a variety of specifications, thicknesses, and profiles, with support for custom processing to meet different shipbuilding and engineering project requirements.

3. Advanced Testing and Certification: All products undergo rigorous mechanical, corrosion, and chemical testing, with marine-grade certifications such as BV and ABS, providing reliable assurance.

4. Cost-Effective and Professional Service: Combining long-term supply advantages with comprehensive after-sales support, we provide high cost-performance solutions and assist in design optimization and material selection for worry-free procurement.