T6
Separate solution heat treatment, quench and artificial ageing. Gives the highest strength and is the usual condition for machined parts and finished components.
High-strength 6xxx bar
6110A Aluminium Bar and Rod
6110A (EN AW-6110A, AlMg0.9Si0.9MnCu) is a high-strength Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloy that reaches strengths well above 6082 while keeping the extrudability and corrosion behaviour of the 6xxx family. Metline supplies 6110A extruded, cold-drawn and forged bar in T4, T5 and T6 to EN 755, mainly for forged and machined automotive chassis and structural parts, to customers worldwide.
- Alloy
- EN AW-6110A (Al-Mg-Si-Cu-Mn)
- Tempers
- T4, T5, T6
- Diameter
- Approx. 6 – 800 mm by route
- Standards
- EN 573-3 · EN 755-2 · EN 754-2
What is 6110A aluminium bar?
6110A is a European-registered 6xxx alloy designed for parts that need more strength than 6082-T6 without moving to the cost and corrosion sensitivity of 2xxx or 7xxx grades. Higher magnesium, silicon and copper levels raise the amount of strengthening precipitate formed during ageing, while manganese, chromium and zirconium hold a fine, unrecrystallised grain structure in the extruded bar.
That grain control matters for bar. Many 6xxx alloys form a ring of coarse, recrystallised grains near the surface of an extruded rod (the peripheral coarse grain, or PCG, layer). PCG lowers fatigue strength and can cause orange-peel or cracking when the bar is later forged. 6110A, with its dispersoid-forming additions and careful extrusion practice, can be produced with a very thin PCG layer, which is why buyers of forging stock often specify a maximum coarse-grain ring depth, typically 0.5 mm or less, on the order.
The Aluminum Association registers a closely related alloy, 6110 (UNS A96110). The European variant 6110A has somewhat different limits, including a tighter iron maximum and an optional zirconium addition, so the two should not be treated as interchangeable without checking the governing specification.
6110A chemical composition (wt %)
Limits follow EN 573-3 for EN AW-6110A. The actual analysis of each cast is reported on the mill test certificate.
| Element | Minimum | Maximum | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicon (Si) | 0.70 | 1.10 | Forms Mg2Si with magnesium; excess Si adds further strength |
| Iron (Fe) | — | 0.50 | Impurity; kept low for toughness |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.30 | 0.80 | Raises age-hardening response and strength |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.30 | 0.90 | Dispersoid former; controls recrystallisation |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.70 | 1.10 | Main strengthening element with Si |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.05 | 0.25 | Grain control, helps resist stress corrosion |
| Zinc (Zn) | — | 0.20 | Impurity |
| Titanium (Ti) | — | 0.20 | Grain refiner |
| Zirconium (Zr) | — | 0.20 | Optional; suppresses recrystallisation |
| Others, each / total | — | 0.05 / 0.15 | |
| Aluminium (Al) | Remainder |
Some specifications set a combined Zr + Ti limit. Check the edition named on your drawing.
Mechanical properties of 6110A bar
6110A is chosen for strength, but published figures vary widely with product form, section size and process route. Producer and database values for T6 bar sit roughly in the range shown below; the binding values are the minimums in EN 755-2 (extruded) or EN 754-2 (drawn) for your diameter band, which are printed on the certificate.
| Temper | Condition | Tensile strength | Yield strength (0.2 %) | Elongation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T4 | Solution treated, naturally aged | Lower; good formability | Well below T6 | High |
| T5 | Cooled from extrusion, artificially aged | Approx. 320 – 400 MPa | Approx. 280 – 360 MPa | 8 – 12 % |
| T6 | Solution treated, artificially aged | Approx. 400 – 470 MPa | Approx. 360 – 430 MPa | 8 – 11 % |
Indicative ranges compiled from producer data and materials databases, not guaranteed minimums. Ask for the specified minimums for your size when you enquire.
Typical physical properties (T6)
- Density
- About 2.71 g/cm³
- Modulus of elasticity
- About 70 GPa
- Thermal conductivity
- About 160 W/m·K
- Electrical conductivity
- About 42 % IACS
- Coefficient of thermal expansion
- About 23 µm/m·°C
- Melting range
- About 600 – 650 °C
Choosing a 6110A temper
T5
Press-quenched straight from the extrusion press and then aged. Lower cost than T6 and adequate where the full T6 strength is not needed.
T4
Solution treated and naturally aged. Softer and more ductile; used when parts are bent or formed before a final ageing step.
F / forging stock
As-extruded or as-cast bar bought for hot forging. The forging is then solution treated and aged to T6, so bar temper matters less than grain structure and PCG depth.
T651 / T6511
Stress-relieved by stretching after quench where straightness and low residual stress are critical for machining. Confirm availability by size.
Over-aged (T7x)
Occasionally specified to improve resistance to intergranular or stress corrosion at some cost to strength.
6110A standards and related designations
| System | Designation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| European (EN) | EN AW-6110A / EN AW-AlMg0.9Si0.9MnCu | Composition EN 573-3 |
| Extruded bar (EN) | EN 755-1, -2, -3, -4 | Delivery conditions, properties, round and square bar tolerances |
| Drawn bar (EN) | EN 754-1, -2, -3 | Cold-drawn rod and bar |
| Forging stock | EN 603-1, -2 | Wrought forging stock |
| Aluminum Association | 6110 (UNS A96110) | Related but not identical; check limits before substituting |
There is no exact ASTM, JIS or GB equivalent of 6110A. If your drawing calls for an ASTM bar alloy, 6061-T6 or 6066-T6 are the usual alternatives; for European high-strength bar, compare with 6082.
6110A bar sizes and weights
Supply range
- Extruded round bar
- Approx. 8 – 120 mm diameter for low-PCG forging stock; larger diameters on request
- Extruded square and hexagonal bar
- Approx. 10 – 100 mm across flats
- Cold-drawn bar
- Approx. 6 – 100 mm, closer tolerances and bright surface
- Forged round bar
- Approx. 200 – 800 mm diameter for heavy parts
- Lengths
- Mill lengths of about 2.5 – 6 m, or cut to length
- Surface
- Mill finish, bright drawn, peeled or turned; anodising on request
A round bar of 6110A weighs about 0.00213 × d² kg per metre (d in mm). The table gives quick references; use the bar weight calculator for any size.
| Diameter (mm) | kg per metre | kg per 3 m bar |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 0.213 | 0.64 |
| 12 | 0.306 | 0.92 |
| 16 | 0.545 | 1.63 |
| 20 | 0.851 | 2.55 |
| 25 | 1.330 | 3.99 |
| 30 | 1.916 | 5.75 |
| 35 | 2.607 | 7.82 |
| 40 | 3.405 | 10.22 |
| 50 | 5.321 | 15.96 |
| 60 | 7.662 | 22.99 |
| 70 | 10.43 | 31.29 |
| 80 | 13.62 | 40.87 |
| 100 | 21.28 | 63.85 |
| 120 | 30.65 | 91.95 |
Tolerances, grain structure and inspection
Quality points to agree on the order
- Diameter tolerance
- EN 755-3 (extruded round bar) or EN 754-3 (drawn round bar); tighter on request
- Straightness
- Per EN 755-3 or to drawing
- Coarse-grain ring
- Maximum depth stated on order (often ≤ 0.5 mm), checked by macro-etch
- Ultrasonic testing
- To EN 10308 or a customer procedure for forging stock and safety parts
- Mechanical tests
- Tensile test per lot; hardness or conductivity checks on request
- Certification
- EN 10204 3.1 mill certificate with cast analysis and test results
For automotive safety parts, buyers commonly add requirements for hydrogen content, inclusion rating and macro-etch of a slice from each lot. State these at the enquiry stage, because they affect how the bar is produced and tested, not only how it is checked at dispatch.
Forging, machining, welding and finishing
Hot forging
6110A forges well in the usual 6xxx temperature window (roughly 430 – 500 °C). A fine-grained, low-PCG bar reduces the risk of abnormal grain growth during solution treatment of the forging.
Machining
In T6 it machines cleanly with short chips, comparable to 6061-T6. Use sharp carbide tools with positive rake and flood coolant.
Welding
MIG and TIG weldable, typically with 4043 or 5356 filler. As with all 6xxx alloys, the heat-affected zone loses much of its T6 strength unless the part is re-heat-treated.
Heat treatment
Solution treat, quench rapidly and age artificially. Quench rate is important because the higher solute content makes 6110A more quench-sensitive than 6060 or 6063.
Corrosion
Good atmospheric resistance. Copper makes it slightly more sensitive to intergranular attack than copper-free 6xxx grades; painting, e-coating or anodising is normal for exposed chassis parts.
Surface finishing
Takes anodic and conversion coatings, e-coat and powder coat. Surface appearance after anodising is functional rather than decorative.
Where 6110A bar is used
- Automotive chassis: forged control arms, knuckles, links and suspension brackets
- Powertrain and mounts: engine and gearbox mounts, brackets and housings machined from bar
- Body structure: high-strength crash and structural members where extrusion is followed by machining
- Commercial vehicles: fittings, couplings and brake components
- Machinery: shafts, conveyor parts and frames needing more strength than 6082
- Sports and leisure: bicycle and motorcycle components machined or forged from bar
6110A compared with 6082, 6061 and 2014
| Property | 6110A-T6 | 6082-T6 | 6061-T6 | 2014-T6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical tensile strength | 400 – 470 MPa | 310 – 340 MPa | 310 MPa | 480 MPa |
| Typical yield strength | 360 – 430 MPa | 260 – 300 MPa | 276 MPa | 415 MPa |
| Corrosion resistance | Good | Very good | Very good | Fair |
| Weldability (arc) | Good | Good | Good | Poor |
| Forgeability | Very good | Very good | Very good | Good |
| Availability | Specialist | Wide (Europe) | Wide (global) | Moderate |
In short: choose 6082 or 6061 when standard structural strength is enough and stock availability matters; move to 6110A when the part must be lighter at the same load and still welded, anodised or exposed to weather; consider 2014 or 7075 only where the extra strength outweighs their poorer corrosion resistance.
How to order 6110A bar
- SpecifyAlloy and temper, diameter or section, length, quantity, and the governing standard (EN 755-2, EN 754-2 or your own material specification). Attach a drawing if the material will be cut or machined to shape.
- QuoteWe confirm availability, tolerances, certification and delivery terms (EXW, FOB, CIF or DAP) for your destination.
- ProcessMaterial is cut to length or size on request, marked for traceability and inspected for dimensions and surface.
- DocumentEach lot ships with a mill test certificate to EN 10204 3.1 showing chemistry and mechanical results; third-party inspection can be arranged.
- ShipExport packing in seaworthy wooden cases or on pallets with moisture protection, by sea or air to your port or door.
References and standards
- EN 573-3 – Aluminium and aluminium alloys: chemical composition and form of wrought products
- EN 755-2 – Extruded rod/bar, tube and profiles: mechanical properties
- EN 754-2 – Cold drawn rod/bar and tube: mechanical properties
- EN 515 – Aluminium and aluminium alloys: temper designations
- The Aluminum Association – International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits (Teal Sheets)
6110A aluminium (aluminum) bar: frequently asked questions
Is 6110A the same as 6110?
No. They are closely related Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloys, but 6110 is registered by the Aluminum Association and 6110A is the European variant with different limits, including a lower iron maximum and an optional zirconium addition. Substitute only after checking both specifications.
How strong is 6110A-T6 compared with 6082-T6?
Typical T6 values for 6110A bar are roughly 400 – 470 MPa tensile and 360 – 430 MPa yield, against about 310 – 340 MPa and 260 – 300 MPa for 6082-T6. Design to the specified minimums for your size, not to typical values.
What is a coarse-grain ring and why does it matter?
It is a layer of large recrystallised grains near the surface of extruded bar. It lowers fatigue strength and can crack or roughen during forging, so forging-stock orders usually limit its depth, often to 0.5 mm or less.
Can 6110A be welded?
Yes, by MIG or TIG with 4043 or 5356 filler. The heat-affected zone softens significantly, so welded designs either use reduced allowable stresses or re-heat-treat the assembly.
Which standard covers 6110A bar?
Chemistry is in EN 573-3; extruded bar properties and tolerances are in EN 755-2 and EN 755-3; drawn bar is covered by EN 754. Many automotive buyers add their own specification on top.
Do you export 6110A bar?
Yes. Metline supplies 6110A bar worldwide from Mumbai with EN 10204 3.1 certificates, cut-to-length service and export packing.
Need 6110A bar for forging or machining?
Send diameter, length, temper, quantity, grain-structure requirements and destination. We will reply with availability and a delivered price.
