Microstructure and Properties of 6 Series Aluminum Alloy Under Different Aging Treatment Systems

Abstract

In the present study, an investigation is conducted into the effect of different aging treatments on the hardening properties of the 6151 aluminum alloy sheet. According to the research results, the artificial aging hardening response of the pre-aging sheet is significantly stronger compared to natural aging after the solution treatment. In the stage of artificial aging, 120 oC pre-aging treatment produces a more significant strengthening effect than 80 oC and 100 oC pre-aging treatment. The longer the artificial time, the higher the hardness value. When the artificial aging temperature reaches 200 oC, the time taken to achieve peak aging is the shortest, and the occurrence of softening is evident in the over-aged state. When the artificial aging temperature is 200 oC, the softening effect becomes more significant. Natural aging can inhibit the strengthening effect of artificial aging. With the extension of natural aging, the hardening effect of artificial aging diminishes gradually.