
6061 Aluminum
About 6061 Aluminum
6061-T6 aluminum is a versatile, heat-treatable alloy with 45,000 PSI tensile strength, good machinability, and excellent corrosion resistance. Conforms to ASTM B209 and B211 standards. Ideal for structural frames, base plates, and machined components.
Quick Facts
- Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
- ASTM Standard: B209 (Sheet/Plate), B211 (Bar)
- Temper: T6 (Solution heat-treated, artificially aged)
- Available Sizes: Available in sheet, plate, bar, tube, and pipe forms.
- Location: Los Angeles warehouse
- Services: Custom size, same-day pickup
Overview
6061 aluminum is a precipitation-hardened alloy containing magnesium and silicon as its primary alloying elements. This composition gives it high strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and good formability. It is one of the most widely used aluminum alloys, commonly supplied in the T6 temper. The T6 temper indicates it has been solution heat-treated and then artificially aged, a process that significantly increases its strength and hardness, making it suitable for load-bearing structural applications.
Known for its exceptional weldability and finishing characteristics, 6061 aluminum can be easily anodized for improved surface protection and color. Its lightweight nature combined with its strength makes it a preferred material over steel where weight is a critical factor. Bobco Metals stocks 6061 aluminum in a wide variety of shapes, including sheet, plate, flat bar, round bar, tube, pipe, and structural channels, meeting the needs for fabrication, machining, and construction projects.
Technical Specifications
Mechanical Properties (6061-T6 Temper)
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 45,000 | PSI |
| Yield Strength | 40,000 | PSI |
| Elongation | 12 | % |
| Hardness | 95 | HB |
| Shear Strength | 30,000 | PSI |
| Density | 0.098 | lb/in³ |
Applicable Standards
- ASTM B209: Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate
- ASTM B211: Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Bar, Rod, and Wire
- ASTM B221: Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and Tubes
- ASTM B241: Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Seamless Pipe and Seamless Extruded Tube
- ASTM B308: Standard Specification for Aluminum-Alloy 6061-T6 Standard Structural Profiles
Common Applications
- Aerospace: Aircraft fittings and structural components - for its high strength-to-weight ratio.
- Automotive: Chassis components, brackets, and suspension parts - for its lightweight and durability.
- Marine: Boat hulls, docks, and marine hardware - due to its excellent corrosion resistance in saltwater.
- Construction: Architectural framing, base plates, and structural supports - for its strength and ease of fabrication.
- Machining: Jigs, fixtures, and general-purpose machined parts - because of its good machinability.
- Electronics: Heatsinks and electronic enclosures - for its high thermal conductivity and lightweight.
- Consumer Products: Bicycle frames and camera mounts - for combining strength with low density.
- Industrial: Hydraulic manifolds and valve bodies - for its pressure tightness and strength.
Working with 6061 Aluminum
Machining
6061-T6 aluminum has good machinability. It produces tight, easily broken chips when using high-speed steel or carbide tooling. Using a lubricant is recommended to prevent galling and ensure a smooth surface finish. Its characteristics allow for complex part creation with tight tolerances.
Welding
This alloy exhibits excellent weldability using common methods like TIG (GTAW) and MIG (GMAW) welding. 4043 filler wire is typically recommended. The heat-affected zone (HAZ) will experience a reduction in strength, which may require post-weld heat treatment for critical applications.
Finishing
6061 provides a superior surface for finishing. It is an ideal grade for anodizing, which improves corrosion and wear resistance while allowing for various color dyes. It can also be polished, brushed, or powder-coated for both protective and decorative purposes.
Related Products
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between 6061-T6 and 6061-T651?
A: The "T6" temper means the material is solution heat-treated and artificially aged. "T651" includes an additional step of stress-relieving by stretching after heat treatment. This improves dimensional stability, which is crucial for parts that will be heavily machined.
Q: Can I bend 6061-T6 aluminum?
A: Bending 6061-T6 is possible but challenging due to its hardness. It has a larger bend radius compared to softer alloys like 3003 or 5052 and may crack if bent too sharply. For complex forming, using 6061 in an annealed ('O') temper and then heat-treating is recommended.
Q: Is 6061 aluminum magnetic?
A: No, 6061 aluminum is a non-ferrous metal and is not magnetic. This property is useful in applications where magnetic interference must be avoided, such as in electronic enclosures or scientific instrumentation.
Stock & Custom Sizes
Available in a variety of forms including sheet, plate, round bar, flat bar, and tube. Common sheet/plate thicknesses range from 0.032" to 1". Bar stock available in diameters from 1/4" to 6".
Same-day cutting and Los Angeles pickup available.
View Sizes & PricingNeed 6061 Aluminum? Contact Bobco Metals for availability and Los Angeles pickup.
Request a Quote Ask an Expert| Item Size & Description | Weight (lbs.)/Ft | Click! Arrow to Select Size | Qty | Price | Actions |
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