Is the Airline Style L-Track Stronger than Standard L-Tracks?
We often get asked if the Airline Style L-Track is stronger than the rest of our L-Tracks. Because of its 6351 aluminum compared to the standard's 6061-T6 aluminum, it can be easy to say that the Airline-style is stronger than other L-Tracks. This isn't necessarily the case.
Continue to read what Airline Style L-Track is, the difference between Airline and Standard, and how Airline-Style serves the same purpose as our standard line.
If you are deciding whether to use an L-Track or E-Track, read the difference between L-Track and E-Track.
What is Airline Style L-Track?
This product has multiple names such as Aircraft Style L-Track, Logistic Track, Seat Style, and Seat Track. Through its many names, it serves the same purpose as our heavy-duty L-Tracks. The Airline L-Track features a narrow and squared profile and consists of a high-quality grade 6351.
This style was popular in the airline industry as a way to secure seats, which you may have heard it as "Seat Style" or "Seat Track." Although this is common in the airline industry, our 6' Airline L-Track and 12' Airline L-Track are versatile to use for many consumer tie-down applications. It has a narrower profile than E-Tracks, but still provides strong tie-down points for motorcycles, ATVs, tractors, and much more.
Watch below on how to install L-Track Anchor Point Tie Downs to your truck or trailer:
Please note that this aluminum track is still known by a variety of airline terms (airline track tie-downs, airline cargo straps, airplane cargo tie-down rails, or aircraft-style seat track), But not all grades of this tracking are FAA certified for use in the airline industry.
What is the Difference between Standard and Airline L-Tracks?
The Airline Track and the Standard Track do have the same aluminum alloys and narrow profile, but the Airline L-Track has slightly higher tensile strength. All of our L-Tracks except the Aircraft Track is made with 6061-T6 aluminum. 6061-T6 is one of the more commonly used aluminum alloys, and T-6 means that it is tempered. By tempered, this means it is solutionized and artificially aged.
Also, the Airline L-Track has a squared profile on the edges, while the standard is more rounded. All our track rail options will support the Working Load Limit (WLL) of any of the fittings that go into them. The only thing to keep in mind is the track itself does not have a rating.
Regardless, you can use the same tiedown applications for the Airline-Style and the Standard. You would just need to refer to the fittings' WLL for load rating information.
Common Uses for 6061-T6 and 6351:
6061-T6 Examples are structural components for aircrafts, yachts, automotive parts, flashlights, scuba tanks, and other high pressure tanks.
6351 Examples are the manufacturing of aluminum pipes and tubing, and almost similar uses to 6061-T6.
So, How is Aircraft L-Track Not Stronger?
The reason we don't say the Aircraft-Style is not stronger than the standard product is that 6351 and 6061 are basically identical aluminum alloys in the 6000 series. The only difference is the Airline-Style has slightly higher tensile strength. In the case of tiedown applications, this difference is negligible because you can use both tracks in identical applications.
To learn more about 6061-T6 and 6351 Aluminum, read the differences and similarities in their properties and composition.
The Aircraft L-Tracks are perfect to use for many types of tie-down applications and are compatible with our Fittings. This also includes our single stud fittings and double stud fittings. Also, don't forget to look into our line of L-Track Straps!
