T6 (temper)

T6 (temperature, 6 months) refers to a specific heat treatment process used on aluminum alloys. After the alloy is cast or shaped, it is heated to a precise temperature, then rapidly cooled (quenched) to lock in a high level of strength. Following quenching, it undergoes artificial aging—maintaining it at a moderate temperature for about six months—to enhance its mechanical properties, particularly its strength and hardness. This process results in a material that is durable and reliable for structural applications, balancing strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance. T6 is commonly used in aerospace, automotive, and structural components.