China’s independent research and development of 6B05 automotive aluminum plate breaks through technological barriers and promotes dual upgrading of industry safety and recycling

Against the backdrop of global demand for automotive lightweighting and safety performance, China Aluminum Industry Group High end Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Chinalco High end”) announced that its independently developed 6B05 automotive aluminum plate has been certified by the National Nonferrous Metals Standardization Technical Committee, becoming the first domestically produced and installed aluminum alloy grade for automotive bodies. This breakthrough marks a new stage in the research and development of high-end aluminum alloy materials and the construction of standard systems in China.

 
For a long time, the aluminum alloy materials for the inner panels of car engine covers, doors, and other coverings in China have relied on European and American standard systems, and core technologies and brand certifications are subject to human control. With the official implementation of the national standard “Collision Protection of Pedestrians by Vehicles” (GB 24550-2024) in January 2025, pedestrian protection performance has been upgraded from a recommended requirement to a mandatory requirement, forcing domestic material technology innovation. The high-end R&D team of Chinalco has developed the 6B05 alloy with independent intellectual property rights through full process innovation such as digital positive design, laboratory verification, and industrial trial production, filling the domestic gap.

Compared to traditional materials such as 6016 and 5182, 6B05 alloy exhibits superior pedestrian protection performance. Its low strain rate sensitivity coefficient can effectively reduce the risk of pedestrian injury during collisions, meeting the strict requirements of the new national standard for safety performance. In addition, this alloy belongs to the 6 series alloy series with strong compatibility with the engine hood outer panel, greatly improving the recycling efficiency and providing support for the low-carbon transformation of the industry.

 
At present, 6B05 alloy has achieved mass production in Southwest Aluminum and China Aluminum Ruimin, which are high-end subsidiaries of China Aluminum, and has completed certification and vehicle testing for multiple domestic and foreign car companies. Its technological achievements have not only obtained Chinese patent authorization, but also passed European patent certification, paving the way for domestic automotive aluminum to enter the international market. Chinalco High End stated that this material will gradually replace traditional 5182 alloy, and its application proportion in key components such as engine covers and door inner panels of new energy vehicles is expected to exceed 50% in the future.

 
The landing of 6B05 alloy is not only a breakthrough in a single material, but also promotes the reconstruction of the domestic automotive material standard system. During this process, the China Aluminum Materials Institute has developed three national invention patents, establishing a complete technology chain from research and development to industrialization. Industry experts point out that this achievement will accelerate the “de importation” of the domestic automobile supply chain, while promoting the improvement of vehicle safety performance and the achievement of carbon reduction targets throughout the entire lifecycle.

 
With the large-scale application of 6B05 alloy, the Chinese automotive industry is reshaping its competitiveness from the material source, providing a “Chinese solution” for the development of global automotive lightweighting and safety technology.