5754 and 6101 Aluminium Alloys in Automotive Industry

In the process of continuous development of the automobile industry, lightweight technology is like a shining star, and aluminum alloys are the core force driving this technology forward. With its excellent specific strength, good corrosion resistance and convenient processing performance, the application of aluminum alloy in the automotive field has been very mature, bringing great changes to the performance improvement and energy consumption reduction of automobiles.

5754 aluminum alloy: ideal for lightweight car body

5754 aluminum alloy belongs to the 5000 series alloy, with magnesium as the main alloying element, and has the following significant advantages:

1. Excellent corrosion resistance

5754 aluminum alloy performs well in marine environments and chloride-containing environments, and is very suitable for parts of automobiles that are susceptible to corrosion, such as wheel covers and door sill beams.

2. Good welding performance

Al 5754 h111 can be welded using a variety of welding processes, such as MIG and laser welding, and the joint performance after welding is stable, which enables it to be flexibly spliced and assembled in car body manufacturing.

3. Excellent comprehensive mechanical properties

Its yield strength is between 145-220MPa, and its elongation is greater than 12%, which can meet the strength requirements of body panels and structural parts.

Typical application

In terms of body covering parts, 5754 aluminum alloy can be used to manufacture door inner panels, hood inner panels, etc.; in terms of structural parts, it can be used to manufacture battery tray frames, subframes, etc. Take a certain electric SUV as an example. Its battery tray uses 5754-H321 aluminum alloy, which reduces weight by 25%, while meeting the IP67 waterproof level and impact resistance requirements.

6101 aluminum alloy

6101 aluminum alloy is a typical alloy in the 6000 series, with magnesium and silicon as the main alloying elements, and has the following characteristics:

1. Good extrusion formability

This alloy is suitable for high-speed extrusion process and can produce profiles with complex cross-sections, such as anti-collision beams, door sill beams, etc.

2. High balance of strength and toughness

The yield strength in the T6 state is greater than 270MPa, and the elongation is about 12%, which can meet the dynamic load-bearing requirements of automobiles.

3. Excellent welding performance

6101 aluminum alloy can achieve high-quality connection through friction stir welding (FSW), which makes it have great advantages in the manufacture of body frames.

Typical applications

Compared with traditional conductive materials, 6101 aluminum bus bar has significant advantages: compared with pure aluminum (such as 1350 alloy), its strength is increased by about 30%; compared with 6063 alloy, its conductivity is increased by about 10%. This comprehensive performance makes it irreplaceable in the high-voltage power distribution system of new energy vehicles.