Forming
Bend and flare in O or T4. Copper-bearing 6xxx alloys age at room temperature, so form T4 material promptly.
Automotive extrusions
6011 Aluminium Profiles for Automotive
6011 is a heat-treatable Al-Mg-Si alloy with relatively generous limits on copper, iron and zinc. That makes it tolerant of recycled scrap while still reaching structural strength after ageing. Metline supplies 6011 extruded tubes, trim and custom profiles in T4, T5 and T6 to drawing, with mill certificates, to automotive and transport manufacturers worldwide.
- Alloy
- 6011 (Al-Mg-Si-Cu)
- Tempers
- O, T4, T5, T6
- Forms
- Tubes, trim, custom profiles
- Standard
- Aluminum Association registered
What 6011 aluminium is
Most 6xxx extrusion alloys keep copper, iron and zinc low. 6011 is different: its registration allows copper of 0.40 – 0.9 %, iron up to 1.0 % and zinc up to 1.5 %. The copper adds strength and speeds age hardening, while the wide impurity limits let the alloy absorb mixed scrap. It is therefore a practical choice where recycled content matters and the part is painted or otherwise protected.
In automotive use, 6011 appears in tubes, trim profiles and secondary structural sections. It is less common than 6063, 6005A or 6082, so it is normally specified where a design, a regional standard or a recycling target calls for it. Because copper and zinc lower corrosion resistance compared with lean 6xxx alloys, parts are usually painted, e-coated or used in protected locations.
Many published data sheets for 6011 show a lean, copper-free chemistry. That is not the registered alloy. If your drawing simply says "6011", it should be supplied to the registered limits below; if your customer actually expects a lean alloy, 6063 or 6060 may be what is wanted, and it is worth confirming before ordering.
6011 chemical composition (wt %)
Registered limits per the Aluminum Association (Teal Sheets). The mill certificate reports the actual analysis of each lot. Check the current Teal Sheet or your OEM specification for any regional variant.
| Element | Minimum | Maximum | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicon (Si) | 0.6 | 1.2 | Forms Mg2Si |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.6 | 1.2 | Main strengthening element |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.40 | 0.9 | Adds strength and ageing response |
| Iron (Fe) | — | 1.0 | Wide limit, scrap tolerant |
| Manganese (Mn) | — | 0.8 | Grain control |
| Chromium (Cr) | — | 0.30 | |
| Nickel (Ni) | — | 0.20 | |
| Zinc (Zn) | — | 1.5 | Wide limit, scrap tolerant |
| Titanium (Ti) | — | 0.20 | |
| Others, each / total | — | 0.05 / 0.15 | |
| Aluminium (Al) | Remainder |
A certified reference material for 6011 (NIST SRM 1258) analyses at roughly 0.84 % Cu and 1.0 % Zn, consistent with these limits.
Properties and tempers
6011 is not covered by the common property tables in EN 755-2, so mechanical properties are set by the order or OEM specification and verified by tensile tests on each lot. As a guide, T6 strength sits in the structural 6xxx class, above 6063 and comparable to medium-strength alloys, while T4 and O are used for forming.
| Temper | Condition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| O | Annealed, softest | Severe bending, flaring and end forming |
| T4 | Solution treated, naturally aged | Forming followed by ageing |
| T5 | Press-quenched and aged | Thin-walled trim and tubes at lower cost |
| T6 | Solution treated and aged | Highest strength for load-bearing sections |
Physical properties (approximate)
- Density
- about 2.72 – 2.75 g/cm³ (higher Cu and Zn than 6063)
- Modulus of elasticity
- about 69 GPa
- Thermal conductivity
- lower than 6063 because of Cu, Fe and Zn
Ask for minimum tensile, yield and elongation values to be stated on the purchase order. We test and report them on the EN 10204 3.1 certificate.
6011 profile sizes
6011 profile supply range
- Sections
- Custom open, semi-hollow and hollow (multi-cavity) profiles to drawing
- Standard shapes
- Round, square and rectangular tube, angle, channel, T and flat bar
- Size
- Circumscribing circle from small trim sections up to large structural profiles; wall typically 1.5 mm and up
- Length
- Usually cut 3 – 6 m, or precision cut to part length
- Tempers
- O, T4, T5, T6
- Surface
- Mill finish, anodised, e-coated or powder coated on request
- Processing
- Precision sawing, CNC machining, punching, bending and stretch-bending on request
The achievable section depends on the die and the alloy's extrudability; send a drawing so we can confirm wall, tolerance and length.
| Profile | Outer size guide (mm) | Wall guide (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Square tube | about 10 × 10 to 150 × 150 | about 0.8 – 5 |
| Round tube | about 10 – 250 OD | about 0.8 – 5 |
| Rectangular tube | about 10 × 20 to 200 × 300 | about 0.8 – 5 |
| T profile | about 30 × 30 to 120 × 120 | about 3 – 8 |
| U profile | about 10 × 10 to 100 × 200 | to drawing |
Working with 6011
Welding
MIG and TIG with ER4043 filler is the safer choice; copper raises hot-cracking sensitivity compared with lean 6xxx alloys.
Finishing
Painting, powder coating and e-coating are preferred. Anodising works but gives a duller, slightly yellowish film.
Corrosion
Lower bare corrosion resistance than 6063 or 6005A. Protect parts exposed to road salt.
Machining
Machines well in T6; copper improves chip breaking.
Recycling
Wide impurity limits allow use of mixed post-consumer scrap; keep it separate from bright-trim scrap.
Automotive uses of 6011
- Interior and exterior trim profiles that are painted or covered
- Seat and cargo-management tubes
- Roof-rack and luggage-rail sections with paint or powder coat
- Brackets and secondary structural sections
- Truck body and trailer profiles where recycled content is valued
- Heat-exchanger mounting and support sections
6011 compared with 6063, 6005A and 6061
| Property | 6011 | 6063 | 6005A | 6061 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper | 0.40 – 0.9 % | 0.10 % max | 0.30 % max | 0.15 – 0.40 % |
| Zinc limit | 1.5 % | 0.10 % | 0.20 % | 0.25 % |
| Scrap tolerance | High | Low | Medium | Medium |
| Bare corrosion resistance | Fair | Very good | Good | Good |
| Anodised appearance | Fair | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Availability | Specialist | Very wide | Wide | Very wide |
Pick 6011 when the specification or recycled-content target calls for it. For bright or anodised trim, use 6063 or 6463; for structural profiles with good corrosion resistance, 6005A or 6061 are easier to source.
How to order 6011
- SpecifyAlloy 6011, temper, section drawing, length, minimum mechanical properties, surface finish and annual volume.
- Confirm the standardASTM B221 with the registered 6011 chemistry, or the vehicle maker's specification.
- QuoteWe confirm availability, tolerances, certification and delivery terms (EXW, FOB, CIF or DAP) for your plant or port.
- Process and inspectProfiles are cut, tested for the agreed properties, checked for dimensions and packed with separators.
- Document and shipEach lot ships with an EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificate, lot traceability and a packing list, in seaworthy export packing. Third-party inspection can be arranged on request.
References and standards
- The Aluminum Association – International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits (Teal Sheets)
- ASTM B221 – Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and Tubes
- NIST SRM 1258 – Aluminum Alloy 6011 certified reference material
- ASM Handbook, Vol. 2 – Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials
6011 automotive aluminium: frequently asked questions
What is special about 6011 aluminium?
It allows much more copper (0.40 – 0.9 %), iron (up to 1.0 %) and zinc (up to 1.5 %) than most 6xxx alloys. That adds strength and makes it tolerant of recycled scrap.
Is 6011 corrosion resistant?
Less so than lean alloys such as 6063 or 6005A because of its copper and zinc. Painted, powder-coated or e-coated parts perform well.
Some data sheets show 6011 with almost no copper. Which is right?
The registered 6011 chemistry contains 0.40 – 0.9 % copper. Copper-free tables are incorrect; confirm the intended alloy before ordering.
What tempers are available for 6011 aluminum profiles?
O, T4, T5 and T6. O and T4 are for forming; T5 and T6 for finished parts.
What properties will be guaranteed?
The minimum tensile, yield and elongation values stated on your order or OEM specification, verified by tensile tests and shown on the EN 10204 3.1 certificate.
Need 6011 profiles?
Send the drawing, temper and required properties. Our team will reply with feasibility and a delivered price.
