Ordliste
T6 temper — definition
A temper with full solution treatment, quenching and artificial ageing — the treatment that gives the highest strength in an aluminium casting.
The part is held at high temperature until the strengthening elements dissolve, quenched to lock them in solution, and then aged.
T6 gives the largest strength gain of the tempers, and it is this treatment that lets a gravity cast bracket compete with a forging on strength.
The cost is three things: process time, energy, and the risk of distortion during the quench. The part can move, and critical dimensions may have to be machined afterwards.
And again: this presupposes the part survives the heating. A high pressure die casting normally does not.