Aluminum 6016 · temper
Aluminum 6016-O
Properties of the O condition, compared with the other 6016 tempers.
Softest state, maximum drawability for severe forming or intermediate processing before solution treatment.
What is 6016-O?
6016-O is 6016 in the O temper — softest state, maximum drawability for severe forming or intermediate processing before solution treatment. 6016-O has a yield strength of 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) and a tensile strength of 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) — weaker than 94% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 29% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi). 6016-O has a density of 2.7 g/cm³ (0.0975 lb/in³), lighter than 60% of aluminum grades. It melts at 585°C (1,085 °F). T4 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; O is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 29%, better than 96% of aluminum grades
- Forms and bends easily — 95/100, better than 96% of aluminum grades
- Conducts heat well — 200 W/m·K (115.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 91% of aluminum grades
- High electrical conductivity — 50 % IACS, better than 90% of aluminum grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 70/100, better than 87% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 55 MPa (7.98 ksi), worse than 94% of aluminum grades
- Difficult to machine — 40/100, worse than 80% of aluminum grades
6016-O properties
Typical room-temperature values for 6016-O — 10 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every 6016 temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the aluminum grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
6016-O has a density of 2.7 g/cm³ (0.0975 lb/in³), lighter than 60% of aluminum grades. It melts at 585°C (1,085 °F).
Mechanical11
6016-O has a yield strength of 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) and a tensile strength of 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) — weaker than 94% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 29% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi).
Thermal6
6016-O is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 200 W/m·K (115.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 91% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 23.4 µm/m·K (13 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
6016-O conducts electricity at 50 % IACS, better than 90% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (70/100), better than 79% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 6016-O takes about 210 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — more than 88% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability7
6016-O's machinability is fair (40/100, worse than 80% of aluminum grades); weldability very good (75/100); formability excellent (95/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other 6016 tempers and conditions
6016 is also supplied in 2 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the 6016 overview.
- T4DefaultStandard delivery condition for automotive body sheet: low yield strength for stamping plus strong bake-hardening response.115 MPa yield · 60 HB
- T6Pick when full strength is needed in service — reached either by mill T6 ageing or by the paint-bake cycle after forming from T4.260 MPa yield · 95 HB
- OSoftest state, maximum drawability for severe forming or intermediate processing before solution treatment.55 MPa yield · 33 HB
Working with 6016-O
Is 6016 easy to machine?
Soft and gummy in T4 — use polished high-rake carbide, high speed and flood coolant/lubricant to avoid built-up edge; chips break better after T6 ageing.
Can 6016 be welded?
Good with pulsed MIG/laser and resistance spot welding (5356 or 4043 filler); HAZ softens to near-T4 levels and needs joint design allowance.
Can 6016 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent room-temperature stretch and draw formability in T4; form promptly after delivery since natural ageing raises yield strength and reduces stretch limits.
What surface finishes work on 6016?
Ideal for zirconium/Ti conversion coating + e-coat paint systems; clear and colour anodizing are acceptable but the high Si can dull bright-decorative finishes.
6016 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Si | 1 – 1.5 | 1.2 |
| Mg | 0.25 – 0.6 | 0.4 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.5 | 0.2 |
| Mn | ≤ 0.2 | 0.08 |
| Cukept low for corrosion and paint adhesion | ≤ 0.2 | 0.05 |
| Cr | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Zn | ≤ 0.2 | — |
| Ti | ≤ 0.15 | 0.02 |
| Others (each)total 0.15 max | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Al | balance | — |
6016-O — frequently asked
What is 6016-O used for?
6016-O is typically used for automotive outer body panels, door skins, hood and roof outer skins, fenders and quarter panels, tailgate and trunk lid outers and painted appliance and enclosure panels. In short: automotive body sheet; bake-hardenable.
What is the yield strength of 6016-O?
6016-O has a typical yield strength of 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) and a tensile strength of 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) — weaker than 94% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.
Is 6016-O easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (40/100, worse than 80% of aluminum grades). Soft and gummy in T4 — use polished high-rake carbide, high speed and flood coolant/lubricant to avoid built-up edge; chips break better after T6 ageing.
Can 6016-O be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (75/100). Good with pulsed MIG/laser and resistance spot welding (5356 or 4043 filler); HAZ softens to near-T4 levels and needs joint design allowance.
What surface finishes work on 6016-O?
Ideal for zirconium/Ti conversion coating + e-coat paint systems; clear and colour anodizing are acceptable but the high Si can dull bright-decorative finishes.
Can 6016-O be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent room-temperature stretch and draw formability in T4; form promptly after delivery since natural ageing raises yield strength and reduces stretch limits.
What is the maximum service temperature of 6016-O?
6016-O is rated for continuous use to about 150°C (302 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between 6016-T4 and 6016-T6?
T4 is the default condition — standard delivery condition for automotive body sheet: low yield strength for stamping plus strong bake-hardening response. T6: pick when full strength is needed in service — reached either by mill T6 ageing or by the paint-bake cycle after forming from T4. Yield strength is 115 MPa in T4 versus 260 MPa in T6.
Can FabDigit make parts in 6016-O?
Yes — 6016-O is available for sheet metal with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- EN 573-3 Aluminium and aluminium alloys — chemical composition of wrought products — CEN (2019)
- EN 485-2 Aluminium and aluminium alloys — sheet, strip and plate: mechanical properties — CEN (2016)
- International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum (Teal Sheets) — The Aluminum Association (2018)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- Automotive body sheet alloy datasheets (6016/6014/6022 class) — Constellium / Novelis (2022)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.