In the world of high-performance aluminum alloys, few materials offer the proven balance of strength, versatility, and manufacturability as 6061. When this alloy is further enhanced through the forging process and stabilized to the T652 or H112 temper, it transforms into a premium product engineered for the most demanding structural and precision applications. This technical deep-dive explores the specifications, properties, and superior value proposition of our 6061 T652/H112 Forged Aluminum Plate, designed to be the foundational material for your critical projects.

1. Analyzing the material specifications

Understanding the nomenclature is key to unlocking the material’s capabilities. 6061 is an Al-Mg-Si alloy, renowned for its excellent all-around characteristics. The “T652″ and “H112″ tempers specify its thermal-mechanical treatment.

· Chemical Composition (Typical):

· Aluminum (Al): Balance     · Magnesium (Mg): 0.8 – 1.2%

· Silicon (Si): 0.4 – 0.8%     · Copper (Cu): 0.15 – 0.40%

· Chromium (Cr): 0.04 – 0.35%     · Iron (Fe): ≤ 0.7%

· Manganese (Mn): ≤ 0.15%     · Zinc (Zn): ≤ 0.25%     · Titanium (Ti): ≤ 0.15%

· The Forging & Tempering Advantage:

· Forging: Unlike cast plate, forged plate undergoes significant plastic deformation under high pressure. This process refines the original ingot’s coarse grain structure, resulting in a continuous, directional grain flow that follows the plate’s contours. This eliminates porosity, enhances internal integrity, and dramatically improves mechanical properties, particularly toughness and fatigue resistance.

· T652 Temper: This indicates a solution heat-treated, stress-relieved by stretching, and then artificially aged condition. A key benefit is its exceptional dimensional stability after machining. The stretching process minimizes residual stress, which significantly reduces the risk of warping or distortion during heavy machining operations.

· H112 Temper: This designation signifies that the plate has been hot-worked (forging) and has achieved specific mechanical properties without subsequent heat treatment. It offers a excellent combination of strength and formability.

2. Superior Mechanical & Physical Properties

The synergy between the 6061 chemistry and the forging process yields a material with a robust and reliable property profile.

Mechanical Properties (Minimum Values, T652):

· Tensile Strength: 45 kpsi (310 MPa)

· Yield Strength (0.2% Offset): 40 ksi (276 MPa)

· Elongation: 10% in 2 inches

· Hardness (Brinell): 95 HB

Key Performance Characteristics:

· High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: This remains a hallmark of 6061. It provides structural capability comparable to many steels at roughly one-third the weight, enabling lightweight design without sacrificing performance.

· Excellent Fatigue Strength: The refined, unbroken grain structure from forging gives 6061 T652/H112 plate outstanding resistance to cyclic loading, making it ideal for dynamic components.

· Good Machinability: In the T6-type tempers, 6061 machines exceptionally well. It produces clean chips and allows for high-quality surface finishes, which is crucial for precision components.

· Superior Stress-Corrosion Cracking Resistance: The specific aging of the T652 temper enhances its resistance to stress-corrosion cracking, a critical factor for safety-critical applications in harsh environments.

· Excellent Welding Characteristics: 6061 is readily weldable using all common techniques, including TIG and MIG. While post-weld heat treatment is ideal to restore full strength in the heat-affected zone (HAZ), it performs well in the as-welded condition for many applications.

· Superb Anodizing Response: The alloy is renowned for its ability to accept a high-quality, durable anodized finish. This enhances both corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal.

3. Application Spectrum: Where Performance is Non-Negotiable

Our 6061 T652/H112 Forged Aluminum Plate is the material of choice for engineers and designers across a multitude of high-stakes industries.

· Aerospace & Defense:

· Aircraft Wing Ribs & Spars: Where high strength and fatigue resistance are paramount.

· Fuselage Frames & Seat Tracks: Leveraging its lightweight and structural integrity.

· Missile Components & Armor Plating: Utilizing its toughness and ballistic properties.

· Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Structures.

· Transportation & Automotive:

· Chassis Components for High-Performance Vehicles.

· Commercial Vehicle Frame Members.

· Bogie Beams & Railcar Structures.

· Custom Motorcycle Frames and Swingarms.

· High-End Industrial & Marine:

· Precision Machine Bases & Gantries: Its stability minimizes vibration and ensures accuracy.

· Robotic Arms & Automation Equipment.

· Marine Fittings & Hull Plates: Especially when a marine-grade anodized finish is applied.

· Cryogenic Vessels: Retaining good toughness at low temperatures.

Why Our 6061 T652/H112 Forged Aluminum Plate is Your Optimal Choice

We go beyond simply supplying metal. We provide a certified, high-performance solution backed by deep technical expertise.

· Guaranteed Traceability & Certification: Every plate is supplied with a full Material Test Report (MTR) certifying compliance with standards like AMS-QQ-A-225/9 and ASTM B209, ensuring material integrity for your most critical projects.

· Optimized Forging Process: Our sourced forgings are produced under strict controls to ensure a uniform, fine-grained microstructure, delivering consistent and superior mechanical properties throughout the entire plate.

· Integrated Machining Capabilities: As a full-service provider, we can deliver the plate as a raw material or provide value-added machining to your specifications, saving you time and streamlining your supply chain.

Contact our metallurgical specialists today to request a detailed data sheet, discuss your application requirements, or get a competitive quote on our 6061 T652/H112 Forged Aluminum Plate. Let us help you build a stronger, lighter, and more efficient product.