Chromium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Silicon, Titanium and Zinc
Different grades such as 2014 and 6082 etc are formed in a similar way through varying amounts of different elements combined with aluminium, they can change it’s properties such as tensile strength, shear strength and resistance to corrosion.
The preceding reference (for example T6) indicates that the material has gone through a “Temper” process. The T6 process consists of the alloy being subjected to heat treatment, water quenching and air-cooling. Different proceeding numbers such as T4, T561 indicate different temper processes depending on the alloys end use.
Alloys used in the bike industry range from medium strength (such as 6082) through to high strength and super high strength (such as 2014 and 7075). 6000 series such as 6061 – T6 is widely used in bike frame manufacturing as it is easily welded and maintains a good level of strength around welds. 2014 and 7075 are the choice for high specification components being well suited to the demands and stresses placed on them by challenging riders, they are exceptionally strong yet lightweight and can be CNC machined with excellent results.
Hopefully with the above brief introduction to alloys, the next time someone talks about their new component made from 6082 – T6 you’ll know what they are on about – even if they don’t!
Interesting facts about Aluminium Alloys:
- 2014 aluminium alloy is very high strength and has good machining characteristics; it’s used by aerospace for components and fittings due to its high strength.
- 6082 aluminium alloy is a medium strength alloy with excellent corrosion resistance. 6082 is the highest strength alloy of the 6000 series alloys.
- 7075 – T6 alloy has a tensile strength higher than many mild steels. 7075 – T6 is widely used in aerospace and motorsport in the most critical of applications. 7075 has superior strength properties and offers good machining characteristics.