Introducing 6013: A Cutting-Edge Aerospace Alloy

6013 is an innovative medium-strength aerospace alloy engineered to offer enhanced corrosion resistance and formability, making it an ideal choice for various aerospace applications, particularly primary aircraft structures. This aluminum-magnesium-silicon-copper alloy boasts a remarkable 12% higher yield strength compared to alclad 2024-T3. Moreover, it exhibits exceptional resistance to exfoliation and stress corrosion cracking.

Notably, industry experience has highlighted that 6013, in its T4 condition, surpasses other aerospace aluminum alloys in terms of stretch forming capabilities. Parts can be efficiently formed in the T4 condition and subsequently aged to the T6 condition without the need for costly heat-treating or annealing processes. In essence, it is a heat-treatable alloy that streamlines aerospace manufacturing.

Mechanical Properties of Metals
Tensile (Bending) Strength Measured in PSI

Tensile Strengths of Stainless Steel Measured in PSI:

Tensile Strengths of Aluminum Measured in PSI:

6013 boasts superior strength when compared to stainless steel and is twice as strong as any other aluminum flagpole available! Additionally, its wall thickness nearly doubles that of other flagpoles. 

Applications
6013 finds extensive utility in primary structural roles, including fuselage panels, leading and trailing edges, as well as engine cowlings. Lockheed has adopted 6013-T6 for the fuselage construction of the Navy's P-7A aircraft, while Canadair has specified 6013-T6 for the leading edges of the Regional Jet.

Questair, for instance, has exclusively utilized 6013 in the production of Questair kit aircraft since 1986. Notably, major jet aircraft manufacturers are currently exploring the incorporation of 6013 in various applications for large commercial aircraft.
 

The versatility of Alloy 6013 has made it a sought-after choice for new programs, capitalizing on its improved formability, lower density, and superior corrosion resistance.

When assessing the strength of our poles in comparison to those of our competitors, the strength of our aluminum tubes is determined by several factors:

• Material Strength: 6013 aluminum nearly doubles the strength.
• Wall Thickness: Our poles feature a robust 12-gauge wall thickness, while many competitors often employ a thinner 16-gauge wall thickness.
• Assembly: Our telescoping flagpoles employ an interlocking mechanism with four sections, eliminating the need for push pins.