Quench rates & methods 6061 Aluminum Tube

[stegs]

Hi there,
I am new to these forums. I am working on an R&D project and have what I think is a simple question but I CANNOT seem to find anything clear. I am forming aluminum tubes and need to determine the quench rate and method (water - ambient, boiling, etc, molten salt, air, etc) to give the best possible tensile strength for that grade. Can anyone help me? The tube is 100 mm OD, 970 mm long, T=3.7 mm
The purpose of the project is to change the material grade from 5052 to a 6xxx series (to reduce cost). I am thinking a 6061 or 6063.
Thank you!

 

[CastMetal]

If all you are looking for is tensile strength 6061-T6 can match 5052. In general for quenching aluminum, a quicker quench yields higher strength. This is generally done with room temperature water. Then followed by an aging heat treatment. The time the material spends below solution temperature and the quench is important. There are other factors to consider but this may get you started.
Good free references would be Mil-Hdbk-5J and Mil-H-6088G which can both be found here Link

 

[stegs]

Thank you, CastMetal! I will have a look. I am just downloading now.

 

[TVP]

Aluminum tubes and thin-wall extrusions are often quenched using spray, mist, or even directed air quench systems, rather than complete immersion into water. Here are some references:

http://www.aec.org/assets/pdfs/webinars/aec_thermaltreatmentswebinarsept2010revised.pdf

http://metaljournal.com.ua/assets/Uploads/attachments/Danchenko355.pdf

https://engineering.purdue.edu/BTPFL/BTPFL Publications/66.pdf