6016 t4 Aluminum VS 6016 t6 Aluminum

As a representative of Al-Mg-Si-Cu aluminum alloys, 6016 aluminum sheet demonstrates outstanding advantages in light weight and performance balance due to its unique composition design (silicon content 0.4-0.9%, magnesium 0.6-1.2%). Its density is only 2.7g/cm³, and its specific strength is more than 3 times that of ordinary steel. It also has excellent corrosion resistance and recyclability (recycling energy consumption is only 5% of original aluminum).

These characteristics make it a key material for new energy vehicles to achieve a breakthrough in endurance. For example, 6016 aluminum alloy accounts for 45% of the body panels of Tesla Model Y.

Heat treatment process

6016 t4 aluminum (solution treatment + natural aging):

Process path: 560℃ solution treatment → water cooling quenching → room temperature natural aging for 96 hours

Microstructure: Nano-scale β'' phase (size about 2-5nm) precipitates from the supersaturated solid solution

Performance characteristics: tensile strength 220-250MPa, yield strength 120-140MPa, elongation 18-24%, Brinell hardness 75-85HB

Typical applications: complex curved outer panels (such as engine hoods, doors), battery pack shells.
6016 t6 aluminum (solution treatment + artificial aging):

Process path: 560℃ solution treatment → water cooling quenching → 180℃ artificial aging for 8 hours

Microstructure: densely distributed β' phase (size about 10-20nm)

Performance characteristics: tensile strength 290-320MPa, yield strength 240-270MPa, elongation 8-12%, Brinell hardness 95-105HB

Typical applications: anti-collision beams, seat frames, suspension system components

Typical applications

6016-t4 aluminum

Complex curved exterior panels: In the manufacturing of the hexagonal doors of Tesla Cybertruck, 6016 T4 successfully achieved deep drawing with an R angle of 3mm with a surface roughness of Ra≤0.8μm, meeting the requirements of Class A curved surfaces with an elongation of 24%.

Battery pack shell: CATL Kirin Battery uses 6016 T4 sheet and manufactures an integrated shell through a hydraulic forming process, which is 42% lighter than steel parts and meets the IP68 waterproof rating.

Interior structural parts: The center console frame of the BMW iX uses 6016 T4, which uses its excellent paint hardening effect (BH value 55MPa) to increase its strength by 25% during the 180℃ paint baking process.

6016-t6 aluminum

Anti-collision system: The front anti-collision beam of NIO ET7 is made of 6016 T6 aluminum, which is manufactured by hot stamping process. The dynamic yield strength reaches 320MPa, and the collision energy absorption efficiency is 30% higher than that of traditional steel.

Suspension system: The multi-link suspension arm of BYD Han EV uses 6016 T6 extruded profiles, with a fatigue life of more than 1 million cycles and a weight reduction of 15% compared with aluminum alloy castings.

Body frame: The white body of Zeekr 001 uses 6016 T6 reinforcements, which are connected by laser welding technology, and the torsional stiffness is increased to 34000N・m/deg, reaching the standard of luxury cars.