6101 is a 6xxx alloy formulated for electrical conductivity. Iron and silicon are controlled and the temper is chosen so the alloy carries current efficiently while keeping enough mechanical strength to be used as structural bus bar.
Typical conductivity runs around 55 to 57 percent IACS depending on temper, which is why it is the standard bus bar and conductor profile material in switchgear and power distribution.
We supply 6101 bus bar and custom conductive extrusions from your die print in T6, T61 and T63.
Sizes and stock
- Bar and rod 0.250" through 16" diameter
- Plate 0.250" through 12", sheet from 0.016"
- Standard and custom extruded profiles to your die print
- Tube, pipe and coil in common tempers
Processing capabilities
- Custom extrusions and profiles from your die print
- Solution treat, age and anneal to T-temper
- Waterjet, saw and CNC machined blanks
- Anodizing, chemical milling and surface finishing
Specifications
Material is released to the applicable specification with mill test reports and, on request, independent lab verification.
Why engineers specify 6101
- High electrical conductivity with usable mechanical strength
- Standard material for bus bar and conductor profiles
- Extrudes into custom conductive shapes
- Lighter and lower cost per ampere than copper
Nominal chemistry
Percent by weight, nominal composition per the governing specification. The mill test report for your heat is the controlling document.
Typical mechanical properties
| Condition | Tensile strength | Yield strength | Elongation | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T6 | ~29 ksi | ~25 ksi | ~8% | - |
| T61 | ~20 ksi | ~15 ksi | ~12% | - |
Typical published values for reference only, not for design. Properties vary with section size, product form and processing. Order to the specification and condition your drawing requires.
Typical applications
- Electrical bus bar
- Switchgear conductors
- Custom conductive extrusions
- Power distribution hardware
Fabrication notes
Machining
Machines rapidly with sharp, polished, high rake tooling and high surface speeds. Heat treatable alloys cut cleanest in the T temper. Thick plate benefits from stress relieved tempers to limit movement when large volumes of material are removed.
Welding
Weldability varies by series. The 5xxx and 6xxx alloys weld readily with 4043 or 5356 filler; the 2xxx and 7xxx aerospace alloys are normally joined mechanically or by friction stir and specialized processes rather than fusion welding.
Forming
Form in the annealed or freshly solution treated condition where the temper allows, then age to final strength. Bend radii should follow the temper and thickness in the governing specification.
6101 compared with similar grades
6061
Higher strength, noticeably lower electrical conductivity.
1350
Higher conductivity pure aluminum conductor with very low strength.
Designations and cross reference
- Material family
- Aluminum Alloys
- UNS number
- A96101
Working from an obsolete, foreign or superseded designation? Send it over and we will cross reference it to a current grade and specification.
Quality, testing and traceability
Supplied with mill test reports, temper verification, and ultrasonic inspection, conductivity, hardness and mechanical testing available on request.
We are AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 registered. If our stock does not already carry the inspection your specification requires, we can quote the material with that work performed. More on our quality system
Available forms
6101 frequently asked questions
What is 6101?
6101 is a 6xxx alloy formulated for electrical conductivity. Iron and silicon are controlled and the temper is chosen so the alloy carries current efficiently while keeping enough mechanical strength to be used as structural bus bar.
What forms is 6101 available in?
We supply 6101 in bar, coil, extrusion, plate, profile, rod, sheet, tube. Custom sizes are converted from billet, and we can provide saw cut, waterjet or near net blanks so material arrives closer to your finished part.
What is the UNS or equivalent designation for 6101?
6101 is designated UNS A96101. If your drawing calls out an obsolete or foreign designation we can cross reference it and confirm the equivalent before you order.
What specifications can 6101 be supplied to?
Commonly ordered specifications include ASTM B317, UNS A96101. Material is released to the specification and condition on your purchase order, with mill test reports supplied as standard.
What conditions can 6101 be ordered in?
We can supply T6, T61. If our stock is not already in the condition you need, we can quote it with the heat treatment performed before shipment.
Can you cut 6101 to size?
Yes. Saw cutting, waterjet, laser and shearing are available, along with trepanning, gun drilling, lathe turning and CNC machining, so you can order blanks or rough machined pieces rather than full lengths.
Do you provide test reports and additional testing on 6101?
Every order ships with mill test reports and heat traceability. If your print calls for ultrasonic inspection, penetrant dye, magnetic particle, chemical assay, micrography, hardness or mechanical testing and our stock does not already carry it, we can quote the material with that work performed.
Can 6101 be supplied to DFARS domestic melt requirements?
Tell us at quote stage if the order is DFARS or domestic melt restricted and we will confirm availability against that requirement before you commit.
What do you need to quote 6101?
Grade, form, dimensions, quantity, specification and condition, plus any testing or certification requirements and the date you need it. Send a drawing if you have one. Quotes are typically ready within 24 hours.
How does 6101 compare with 6061?
Higher strength, noticeably lower electrical conductivity.