Heat treating non-ferous materials

[PJBurr]

I’m interested in using 6160T-6 aluminum for machined components in a location devise. My concern is long-term wear. I understand heat-treating is an option. I am not too familiar with non-ferrous heat-treating.

What wear properties can I expect to achieve through heat-treating? With component dimensions of approximately 0.75”x6.0”x12.0,” what range / scale would allow increase wear without creating a brittle plate?

Any assistance or links to assistance is appreciated.

 

[NickE]

With aluminium you are still going to have significant wear even in the relatively hard T6 condition. Esp. if the mating component is much harder.

Hard anodizing might help.

 

[jimbo]

PJBurr

Devise is a verb--device is an object. You may mean device, so your inquiry is more understandable.
jimbo

Buy a dictionary, keep it nearby and USE it. Webster's New World Dictionary of American English is recommended, and Webster's Collegiate Dictionary.

 

[PJBurr]

Thanks jimbo, you are correct.
I should probably work on my typing skills too.

 

[TVP]

I agree with NickE-- investigate hard anodizing for aluminum if the application involves wear. By the way, alloy 6061-T6 is already in the heat-treated condition. The -T6 indicates that it is solution treated and artificially aged.