6101 Rod
AlMgSi0.5 — Heat-Treated Conductor Wire Rod
Overview
Combines high electrical conductivity (55% IACS) with significantly better strength than EC1350 through Mg₂Si precipitation hardening — ideal for self-supporting overhead conductors
Applications
Common Alloys
Properties
Manufacturing Process
Step 1
Billet Preparation
6101 aluminium billets preheated to 480–510 °C, optimised for Mg₂Si dissolution prior to extrusion or rolling.
Step 2
Continuous Casting & Rolling (CCR)
Molten metal cast via twin-belt caster and hot-rolled in-line; alloying elements remain in solid solution through rapid processing.
Step 3
Hot Rolling
Multi-stand rolling mill reduces diameter to 6–12 mm at 420–480 °C, maintaining a fine grain structure for optimum conductivity.
Step 4
Quench & Temper
Controlled water quench immediately after rolling locks Mg and Si in solid solution; T1 or T3 temper achieved.
Step 5
Artificial Aging (T6)
Aged at 160–175 °C to precipitate Mg₂Si particles, delivering the target balance of strength and electrical conductivity.
Step 6
Inspection & Dispatch
Conductivity, tensile strength, and elongation verified per coil. Coils labelled with heat number, temper, and conductivity data.
Step 1
Billet Preparation
6101 aluminium billets preheated to 480–510 °C, optimised for Mg₂Si dissolution prior to extrusion or rolling.
Step 2
Continuous Casting & Rolling (CCR)
Molten metal cast via twin-belt caster and hot-rolled in-line; alloying elements remain in solid solution through rapid processing.
Step 3
Hot Rolling
Multi-stand rolling mill reduces diameter to 6–12 mm at 420–480 °C, maintaining a fine grain structure for optimum conductivity.
Step 4
Quench & Temper
Controlled water quench immediately after rolling locks Mg and Si in solid solution; T1 or T3 temper achieved.
Step 5
Artificial Aging (T6)
Aged at 160–175 °C to precipitate Mg₂Si particles, delivering the target balance of strength and electrical conductivity.
Step 6
Inspection & Dispatch
Conductivity, tensile strength, and elongation verified per coil. Coils labelled with heat number, temper, and conductivity data.
Chemical Composition
EN 573-3 / AA
Max % unless range shown. Balance: Al.
| Alloy | Chem. Symbol | Si | Fe | Cu | Mn | Mg | Cr | Zn | Ti |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6101 | AlMgSi0.5 | 0.30–0.70 | 0.50 | 0.10 | 0.03 | 0.35–0.80 | 0.03 | 0.10 | — |
Standards Compliance
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| ASTM B230 | EC Aluminium Wire |
| ASTM B398 | Aluminium Alloy Wire |
| ASTM B399 | AAAC Conductors |
| ASTM B941 | Aluminium Alloy Wire |
| IEC 60889 | Hard Drawn Aluminium Wire |
Wire Size & Application
| Diameter | Common Application |
|---|---|
| 0.25 mm | Fine Mesh |
| 0.30 mm | Cable Shielding |
| 0.50 mm | Braiding |
| 0.80 mm | Weaving |
| 1.20 mm | Welding |
| 2.00 mm | Fasteners |
| 3.50 mm | General Engineering |
Temper / Hardness
| Temper | Description |
|---|---|
| O | Annealed (Soft) |
| H12 | Quarter Hard |
| H14 | Half Hard |
| H18 | Full Hard |
| H19 | Extra Hard |
Certification & Finish
Mill Test Certificate (MTC)
- Chemical Composition
- Mechanical Properties
- Heat Number
- Batch Number
- Dimensions
NABL / Government Lab Certificates
- UTS
- Yield Strength
- Conductivity
- Elongation
- Chemical Composition
- Hardness
Finish & Packaging
Surface Finish
Packaging Options