What is T6 Heat Treatment?

(...and why you need to make sure your Aluminium camlock couplings have it)!

T6 Heat Treatment is a two-phase process which is applied to Aluminium, Copper, or Silicon alloys to increase the strength of the alloy by as much as 30%.

Phase One – Quenching

The alloy is heated to 500⁰C for 9-10 hours which causes the copper to dissolve in the aluminium and form the Single Phase Alloy. This is achieved by cooling the alloy rapidly with water which supersaturates the aluminium with copper.

Phase Two – Ageing Phase

The alloy is heated to 180⁰C for 9-10 hours then cooled by air allowing precipitation hardening. This forms copper aluminium crystalline structures, the size of which will dictate the strength. In general the smaller the crystals, the stronger the alloy becomes.

Thanks for the Science Lesson but how does this Effect Camlock Couplings in my Hose Assembly?

The reason for T6 is imperative if you are fixing camlock couplings into hose assemblies, particularly if they are swaged or crimped into the hose.

The majority of assembly failures are a direct result of using untreated, lower grade camlock couplings. Often these unbranded fittings result in a major cost increase during the assembly process.

All of the Aluminium Camlocks in our Snaplock range are treated to international standard T6 Heat Treatment processes, thus ensuring that the couplings can withstand the rigours of swaging.

Need to Know More?

Our Technical Sales Team can help you on +44(0)1235 512500 or you can provide us with your details for a call back here or email sales@actionsealtite.com