Shorter and efficient heat treatment parameters for 6061/6063 aluminium alloys

This work reported news and more efficient parameters (time and temperature) in an artificial heat treatment in the (Mg2Si) series aluminium alloy, through which it is achieved an increase in its fundamental mechanical property (hardness) and a region of greater thermal stability. Two aluminium-Mg2Si alloys conforming to AA 6061/6063 were solutionised in the temperature range 475-625 degrees C for periods of 30, 60 and 90 min. After water quenching, the alloys were artificially aged in the temperature range 160-215 degrees C for 3, 6 and 8 h. Mechanical properties achieved peak values during ageing at solubilisation at 550 degrees C for 1 h followed by ageing at 200 degrees C for 3 h. The hardness value reached was 63 HRB. Microstructural analysis revealed a refinement of ASTM grain size No. from 7 to 8 after heat treatment.