The effect of processing and Mn content on the T5 and T6 properties of AA6082 profiles

Among several alloys within the Al-Mg-Si system, AA6082 alloy is regarded as a high strength alloy and is used for sections requiring tensile strength exceeding 300 MPa in the automotive industries. This alloy needs to be processed in an optimum way in order to meet the everincreasing market demand for improved performance particularly with regard to its strength. Alloy chemistry and processing parameters have a big impact on the strength of the final product and thus need to be fine-tuned to ensure a uniform structure and uniform properties for high strength extruded profiles. The present work was carried out to investigate the effect of T5 and T6 processing as well as the effect of Mn content on the final properties of AA6082 hollow cylinder profiles used in the manufacture of bushings for vibration control in the automotive industry where high strength and dimensional stability is critical. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.