Royal University of Phnom Penh

Faculty of Engineering
Department of Supply Chain and Automation

Course: “Material Science”

Report

“Material Code Encountered During Training in CJDM ”

Instructor:
Mr. Viseth Putsaccada

Submitted by:
Yeab Jinghong

Date of submission: January 20th, 2024

 Contents

I. Abstract...............................................................................................2

II. Introduction.........................................................................................2

III. Methodology.......................................................................................2

IV. Result and Discussion.........................................................................3

V. Conclusion..........................................................................................5

VI. Reference............................................................................................6
 I. Abstract

This report aims to comprehensively understand materials codes, focusing on the 6061
aluminum alloy used in CNC machining for motor housing within the Cambodia Japan Digital
Manufacturing (CJDM) training program. The objectives include decoding standard metal
designations, exploring 6061 properties and microstructure, identifying suppliers, and
understanding the manufacturing process.
Through online research, the study reveals the standardized four-digit numbering system for
aluminum alloys, showcasing the microstructure of 6061 aluminum. Numerous suppliers for 6061
aluminum, including Chinese manufacturers, are identified, providing valuable procurement
insights.
The manufacturing process involves alloying aluminum with magnesium and silicon,
followed by processes such as direct casting, extrusion, or rolling to achieve the desired form.
Additionally, 6061 can undergo heat treatment to enhance its mechanical properties.
This report equips professionals with the knowledge needed to navigate material codes,
understand properties, identify suppliers, and articulate manufacturing processes for the 6061
aluminum alloy.
.

II. Introduction

Aluminum 6061 stands as a pivotal material in diverse engineering domains, including

aerospace, construction, and the electronics industry, owing to its versatile properties. The demands
of industry underscore the necessity for high precision in product manufacturing within compressed
timeframes. In response to this imperative, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines have
emerged as the quintessential solution.
This study is propelled by the overarching objective of developing a profound understanding
of materials, specifically focusing on mastering their coding systems. The main goal is to explain
encountered codes, understand material properties and microstructure, and make informed decisions
in material selection. Additionally, the study aims to identify potential suppliers for future material
needs. Furthermore, it aspires to cultivate expertise in articulating the processing methods integral
to material production.
The significance of this report lies in its potential to enhance the capability to interpret and
communicate material information across diverse coding systems, thereby contributing to a more
sophisticated and efficient utilization of materials, with a specific focus on 6061 Aluminum.

III. Methodology

This report uses secondary data collection methods by sourcing information from reputable research
papers, industry standards, and online platforms. The primary instrument employed is secondary
data, enabling a comprehensive exploration of the subject matter by leveraging existing knowledge.
The focus is on organizing the collected data to derive meaningful insights and conclusions relevant
to the report's objectives, including decoding material codes, understanding the properties and
microstructure of 6061 Aluminum, identifying suppliers, and articulating its manufacturing
processes.
 I. Result and finding:

We use 6061 aluminum alloy as a workpiece to create a motor housing..

➢ Standard Metal designations

The industry commonly employs the numerical index system to categorize metals and their alloys in
drawings and specifications. This system provides information on the metal's class, primary alloying
agent, and average carbon content percentage.
There are standard designation systems for:
1. Steel
2. Aluminum and aluminum alloys
3. Magnesium and magnesium alloys
4. Copper and copper alloys
5. Titanium
Various aluminum alloy numbering systems make it easier to understand the properties of a specific
aluminum alloy.
The most commonly used designation systems worldwide include:
1. The ANSI/AA (The Aluminum Association) designation system:
Widely accepted in North America, it uses a format where each name begins with AA
followed by four numbers (AA ####). The first number indicates the aluminum's main
alloying element. For example, 6061 indicates a wrought aluminum alloy primarily alloyed
with magnesium and silicon.
2. The UNS (Unified Numbering System) designation system:
Prevalent in North America, it starts with the letter A followed by five numbers (A #####).
The UNS designation for 6061 Aluminum is A96061, which closely resembles the AA
system and provides detailed chemical composition information.
3. The EN (European Norm) designation system:
Introduced in the European Union, this system begins with EN, followed by AC (for cast
alloys) or AW (for wrought alloys), and a four-digit code (EN AC/AW ####). For 6061
Aluminum, the EN designation is EN AW-6061.
4. The ISO (International Organization for Standardization) system:
Uses the prefix AL, followed by the percentages of the main alloying elements. For example,
ISO designations highlight the key metals, such as magnesium and silicon, present in 6061
Aluminum.

Example of Alloy Designations Across Systems.

ANSI/AA UNS ISO

AA5083 A95083 AW-5083 Mg4.5Mn

AA6061 A96061 EN AW-6061 Al-Mg1SiCu

 AA6063 A96063 EN AW-6063 Al-Mg0.5Si

AA2024 A92024 EN AW-2024 Al-Cu4Mg1

Alloy classification:

Aluminum alloys are broadly classified into two primary categories: casting and wrought alloys.
Each category is further divided into heat-treatable and non-heat-treatable groups.
The Aluminum Association's (ANSI/AA) widely accepted naming system organizes these alloys
into families based on their primary alloying element. This classification system simplifies
identifying and categorizing aluminum alloys by their composition and properties.
6061 Aluminum is a wrought alloy and falls under the heat-treatable group. It is primarily
alloyed with magnesium and silicon, which impart excellent mechanical properties, corrosion
resistance, and good weldability. Its classification and versatility make it one of the most widely
used aluminum alloys in engineering applications..

A. Wrought Alloy Families:

Aluminum alloys are designated using a four-digit system based on their primary
alloying elements. Below is a breakdown of the main wrought alloy families:
1. 1xxx:
Pure aluminum with a minimum purity of 99.00%. Exhibits low mechanical properties,
excellent corrosion resistance, workability, and high thermal/electrical conductivity.
Commonly used in the electrical and chemical industries, with the 1100 alloy being
popular in the power distribution sector.
2. 2xxx:
Alloyed with copper, often with magnesium as a secondary addition. Utilized in
aircraft and applications requiring a high strength-to-weight ratio, with the 2024
alloy being a common example.
3. 3xxx:
Alloyed with manganese, suitable for general-purpose and moderate-strength
applications requiring good workability. Found in cookware and architectural
applications, with the 3003 alloy being widely used.
4. 4xxx:
Alloyed with silicon, lowering the melting point and enhancing fluidity when molten.
Applied in welding rods and brazing sheets.
5. 5xxx:
Alloyed with magnesium, featuring high tensile strength, formability, and corrosion
resistance in marine atmospheres. Commonly used in boat hulls, gangplanks, tanks,
and bridges, with the 5083 alloy popular for armor plates.
6. 6xxx:
Alloyed with magnesium and silicon, offering good formability, weldability,
machinability, and corrosion resistance with medium strength. The 6061 aluminum
alloy, a prominent example, is widely used for architectural extrusions, automotive
components, and semiconductor applications. Its versatility makes it ideal for
structural and precision engineering purposes.
7. 7xxx:
Alloyed with zinc, and sometimes other elements like copper, magnesium, chromium,
and zirconium in small quantities. The strongest aluminum alloy with yield strengths
≥500 MPa (≥73 ksi), is used in aircraft structural components and high-strength
applications. The 7050 alloy is a common choice for aerospace applications,
 8. 9xxx:
Reserved for future use.
Table 1: Digit indication

Table 2: standard aluminum and aluminum alloy number designations

Hence, our material is 6061:

 6 stands for Magnesium and Silicon as the major alloying elements.

 0 indicates that it is the original composition of the alloy.
 61 represents a commonly used grade within the 6xxx aluminum alloy family.

This classification highlights 6061 aluminum as an alloy with excellent weldability, machinability,
corrosion resistance, and medium to high strength, commonly used in applications such as
structural components, automotive parts, and architectural extrusions.

B. Cast alloys:

Aluminum alloys are categorized using a numerical designation system based on their primary
alloying elements. Here is the breakdown of cast aluminum alloy classifications:

2. 1xx.x:
A. Composition: Unalloyed (pure) aluminum.
B. Primary Use: Rotor manufacturing.
3. 2xx.x:
A. Composition: Primarily alloyed with copper; additional alloying elements may be
specified.
4. 3xx.x:
A. Composition: Primarily alloyed with silicon, often with copper or magnesium as
secondary alloying elements.
B. Significance: Represents nearly 90% of all shaped castings produced.
5. 4xx.x:
A. Composition: Primarily alloyed with silicon.
6. 5xx.x:
A. Composition: Primarily alloyed with magnesium.
 ➢ Properties of aluminum alloys

Aluminum, the Earth's second most abundant mineral after oxygen and silicon, is also the second
most utilized metal globally, following iron. Its extensive usage stems from its exceptional
properties, which make it a preferred material across various industries. Key properties include:

 Lightweight: Essential for applications where reducing weight is critical, such as aerospace
and automotive industries.
 Corrosion Resistance: Forms a natural oxide layer, protecting it from rust and environmental
degradation.
 Tensile Strength: High strength-to-weight ratio makes it suitable for structural components.
 Heat Capacity: Can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for heat exchangers and
engine parts.
 Electrical and Thermal Conductivity: Efficient conductor of electricity and heat, used in
electrical transmission lines and heat sinks.
 Infinitely Recyclable: Environmentally friendly, as it can be recycled without losing its
properties.

Table 3. Physical properties

Table 4. Mechanical properties

 Table 5. Thermal properties

➢ Microstructure of aluminum alloys

The research investigates the changes in the microstructure of the 6061 Aluminum alloy through
annealing experiments, employing secondary phase characterization and texture measurement
techniques.

Image1. Microstructure of Al 6061 alloy in a) as cast b) heat treated condition shows the microstructure of Al 6061 alloy in as cast
and heat-treated condition. It has been observed that the fine β-Si particles (grey in color) were evenly distributed in α-Al matrix
(light grey). The heat treatment process increase the degree of fineness of β-Si particles and reduces the secondary arm spacing's of
α-Al matrix.

The treatment processes and conditions during the processing of 6061 aluminum alloy greatly
influence its microstructure and properties. The key features of the typical microstructure are outlined
as follows:
 Matrix Phase: Predominantly aluminum, forming the base structure.
 Strengthening Phases: Mg₂Si precipitates and GP zones enhance strength via
precipitation hardening.
 Dislocation Structures: Plastic deformation induces dislocations that influence strength
and ductility.
 Grain Structure: Fine, evenly distributed grains improve strength and fatigue resistance.
 Recrystallization: Heat treatment can create new, strain-free grains, enhancing ductility.
 Secondary Phases: Mg₂Si and other minor phases improve mechanical and corrosion
properties.
This balance of features makes 6061 aluminum alloy versatile for structural applications
 ➢ Some potential suppliers who offer 6061 aluminum
 GlobalAluminumSupply.com
 PrimeMetalsDirect.com
 SuperiorAlloysHub.com
 PrecisionAluminumWorks.com
 AlloyMastersSupply.com
 EliteMetalSuppliers.com
 InnovativeMetalSolutions.com
 AdvancedAluminumTrade.com
 NextGenMetalMarket.com
 PioneerAlloysOnline.com
II.Conclusion

In conclusion, this report aimed to enhance understanding of material codes, specifically

focusing on the 6061 aluminum alloy used as a workpiece in the CNC 5-axis machining center of
DMG Mori during training at CJDM. The report successfully described each material code
encountered and provided valuable insights into the properties and microstructure of the 6061 alloy.
6061 aluminum alloy, widely recognized for its excellent corrosion resistance, high
strength-to-weight ratio, and good machinability, is commonly used in structural and industrial
applications. The study highlighted its composition, primarily a mix of aluminum, magnesium, and
silicon, which contributes to its balanced mechanical properties.
Additionally, research identified multiple potential suppliers for 6061 aluminum alloy,
ensuring the availability of this versatile material for future manufacturing needs. The exploration
of manufacturing processes, including its alloying, casting, and heat treatment, underscored the
importance of magnesium and silicon in enhancing its performance.
This comprehensive understanding of 6061 aluminum alloy equips manufacturing
professionals with the knowledge to identify materials, interpret codes, and articulate the processing
and sourcing of this widely used alloy.

III. Reference

Aluminum. (2022, November 4). 6061 aluminum Manufacturers | 6061 aluminum suppliers.
https://www.aluminummanufacturers.org/6061-aluminum/
All About 6061 Aluminum (Properties, Strength, and Uses). (n.d.). ThomasNet.
https://www.thomasnet.com/articles/metals-metal-products/all-about-6061-aluminum-properties-
strength-and-uses/
Jeff. (2022, August 7). Standard metal numbers, codes, classifications, and designations. The
Welding Handbook. https://www.weldinghandbook.com/types-of-metals/metal-numbers/
R. Rokni, A.Z. Hanzaki, A. Roostaei, H.R. Abedi. (2011). An investigation into the hot deformation
characteristics of 6061 aluminum alloy. Journal of Materials Science, 251540277.