6061 T4 aluminum age hardening 1

[Ripcord]

We currently manufacture a part from 6061-0 run thru the salt bath/quench, which renders the material in T42 condition for forming then age hardened to T62 in an oven at 350 degrees for eight hours.

Question:
We would like to form the parts in T4 condition, eliminating the salt bath and quench operations. Can mill run T4 material age harden to T62 via a 350 degree oven for eight hours?

 

[TVP]

What you have described is called the T8 temper: solution heat treated, cold worked, and artificially aged. This frequently done to cold forged/impact extruded 6061 parts, and results in higher strength than just a T6/T62 treatment because the strain from cold working induces more precipitation during the subsequent aging process. You can use the same process of 350 F for 8 hours.