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6101
Aluminum 6101 – Electrical Bus Alloy Busbar
6101-T61 / 6101-T65
Overview
Aluminum 6101 is specifically designed for electrical bus conductor applications, offering the best combination of electrical conductivity and mechanical strength among the 6xxx series alloys. With 59% IACS conductivity in T61 temper (vs. 43% for 6061), it is the premium choice for aluminum busbar and bus pipe in power distribution systems. Similar to 6063 in chemistry but with minor adjustments to maximize conductivity, 6101 is typically used in bus bar and bus pipe where efficiency matters most.
Chemical Composition
| Element | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | Balance (~98%) | — |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.35% | 0.80% |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.30% | 0.70% |
| Iron (Fe) | — | 0.50% |
| Copper (Cu) | — | 0.10% |
| Boron (B) | — | 0.06% |
Alloy Designations
UNSA96101
ASTMB317
Common NameElectrical Bus Alloy
Mechanical Properties
Tensile Strength (T61)18 ksi (124 MPa)
Tensile Strength (T65)25 ksi (172 MPa)
Yield Strength (T61)11 ksi (76 MPa)
Yield Strength (T65)20 ksi (138 MPa)
Elongation (T61)10%
HardnessB34 / 71 HB
Physical Properties
Density2.70 g/cm³ (0.098 lb/in³)
Melting Point621–654°C (1,150–1,210°F)
Electrical Conductivity (T61)59% IACS
Electrical Conductivity (T65)58% IACS
Thermal Conductivity218 W/m·K
Modulus of Elasticity68.3 GPa (9,900 ksi)
Typical Applications
- Aluminum bus bar — electrical grade
- Bus pipe for power substations
- Power distribution switchgear
- Electrical connectors and fittings
- Transformer bus connections
Fabrication & Joining
- Designed specifically for electrical conductivity
- Good extrusion characteristics
- Weldable with 4043 filler
- Lower strength than 6061 — use for electrical, not seamless
- Available in rectangular bar and pipe