This heat treatable alloy’s enhanced machining capabilities are primarily the result of adding bismuth (Bi) and lead (Pb) to the alloy. It is a free-machining alloy, ideal for screw-machine stock and CNC machining purposes, and is available in many rod, bar and hex sizes. Smooth finishes can be obtained with either high-speed or carbide tooling. Light cutting can be done dry, but heavy cutting may require the use of an oil lubricant.
Alloy 6262 is produced by Hydro Extrusion, the world’s leading soft alloy aluminum extruder and part of the world's largest aluminum profile company. We provide a comprehensive suite of services for clients in all industrial, commercial and consumer markets, and are committed to supplying machine shops with product that features consistent grain structure, tighter dimensions and higher mechanical properties.
Standard and Special Tempers
Hydro Extrusion produces the 6262 alloy with a variety of standard and special tempers. Standard tempers include:
- T6
Solution heat treated and artificially aged - T6511
Solution heat treated, stress-relieved by stretching and artificially aged
Hydro Extrusion also offers special unregistered temper designations that are not recognized by the Aluminum Association. They are intended to provide customers with information about unique processing, material or end use application characteristics:
- T6S4
Applies to extrusions requiring maximum hardness for strength and good machinability. Same minimum tensile and yield strengths as standard -T6, but with lower minimum elongation of 6%. The guaranteed property limits for this special temper will not conform to Military, Federal, ASTM, ASME, AMS specifications. - T6H, T6511H
The “H” temper is offered for special applications requiring improved machinability and higher minimum mechanical properties than the standard tempers. Minimum properties of 42 ksi tensile, 38 ksi yield and 10.0% elongation are guaranteed. Hydro Extrusion’s “H” temper is available for rod, bar and certain solid shapes with a principle thickness of .500” or greater
How 6262 Alloy is Used
Alloy 6262 is commonly used in applications such as automotive and truck brake components, hydraulic valve blocks, air conditioning components, manifolds, electrical and cable components, screw machine products, marine fittings, oil line fittings, and hardware and fasteners.
Alloy 6262 Properties
- Corrosion Resistance
Alloy 6262 is one of the most corrosion-resistant alloys to atmospheric conditions and seawater. An important consideration, however, is that two metals or alloys with different corrosion potentials can cause galvanic corrosion. - Finishing
Enhancing its resistance to corrosion and wear, this alloy achieves good finishing characteristics and easily accepts all types of anodic coatings (clear, clear and dye, hardcoat, etc.) - Joining
Alloy 6262’s joining characteristics are an improvement over alloy 2011, although not as good as alloy 6061. Alloy 6262 is readily weldable by all gas, arc and resistance methods and can also be brazed. Since it’s a heat-treatable alloy, strength in its -T6 condition can be reduced by heat from welding or brazing. Selection of an appropriate filler alloy will depend on the desired weld characteristics.
Choosing the appropriate alloy is an important step because some alloys extrude at a faster rate, some are easier to bend, and some are more easily machined than others. Hydro Extrusion recommends 6262 aluminum alloy when higher corrosion resistance and better anodizing response is required.