6061 Aluminum Plates
About 6061 Aluminum Plates
6061-T6 aluminum plate combines 45,000 PSI tensile strength with excellent machinability and corrosion resistance. Conforms to ASTM B209 standards. Ideal for base plates, jigs, and structural components. In-stock Los Angeles with custom cutting.
Quick Facts
- Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
- ASTM Standard: B209
- Temper: T6 (Solution heat-treated, artificially aged)
- Available Sizes: Thicknesses: 0.125", 0.250"
- Location: Los Angeles warehouse
- Services: Custom size, same-day pickup
Overview
6061 aluminum plate is a versatile, heat-treatable alloy known for its strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to corrosion. The T6 temper indicates it has been solution heat-treated and artificially aged, achieving high strength properties. This makes it a reliable choice for applications requiring robust performance without the weight of steel. It is one of the most common aluminum alloys for general-purpose structural and machining work.
This material offers excellent finishing characteristics and can be anodized to improve surface hardness and corrosion resistance. Its formability is good in the annealed condition and fair in the T4 and T6 tempers. With excellent weldability and joining characteristics, 6061 plate can be easily fabricated into complex assemblies using common welding methods like TIG or MIG, making it suitable for a wide range of fabricated parts.
Technical Specifications
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 45,000 | PSI |
| Yield Strength | 40,000 | PSI |
| Elongation | 12 | % |
| Hardness | 95 | HB |
| Shear Strength | 30,000 | PSI |
Applicable Standards
- ASTM B209: Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate
Common Applications
- Fabrication: Base plates, gussets, and mounting brackets - for its high strength and excellent machinability.
- Tooling & Jigs: Fixture plates, tooling jigs, and worktables - due to its dimensional stability and flatness.
- Aerospace: Aircraft structural components like fuselage and wing skins - for its high strength-to-weight ratio.
- Automotive: Chassis components, suspension parts, and brackets - for its strength and lightweight properties.
- Marine: Boat hulls, docks, and marine hardware - due to its excellent corrosion resistance in saltwater environments.
- Electronics: Enclosures, chassis, and heat sinks - for its thermal conductivity and non-magnetic properties.
- Architectural: Structural supports and decorative panels - for its strength and ability to be anodized.
Working with 6061 Aluminum Plates
Machining
6061-T6 aluminum has a good machinability rating. It produces consistent chips and a fine finish when machined with sharp tooling and proper coolant. High-speed steel or carbide tooling is recommended for best results.
Welding
This alloy exhibits excellent weldability using common methods such as MIG (GMAW) and TIG (GTAW). Filler wire 4043 is often used, though 5356 provides higher strength after welding. The heat-affected zone will experience a reduction in strength, which may require post-weld heat treatment for critical applications.
Finishing
6061 aluminum plate responds well to various finishing processes. It can be anodized to create a hard, corrosion-resistant, and decorative surface. It can also be polished, brushed, or powder-coated to meet specific aesthetic or functional requirements.
Related Products
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between 6061 aluminum plate and sheet?
A: The primary difference is thickness. Material under 0.250 inches is typically classified as aluminum sheet, while material 0.250 inches and thicker is classified as aluminum plate. Both conform to ASTM B209 standards and offer the same mechanical properties for the alloy and temper.
Q: Can I bend 6061-T6 aluminum plate?
A: Bending 6061-T6 is possible but requires a generous bend radius to prevent cracking, as the T6 temper reduces its formability. For applications requiring tight bends, using 6061-T4 or an annealed condition (6061-O) is recommended, followed by heat treatment to achieve T6 strength.
Q: Is 6061 aluminum plate magnetic?
A: No, 6061 aluminum is a non-ferrous alloy and is not magnetic. This makes it suitable for use in electronic enclosures and applications where magnetic interference is a concern.
Stock & Custom Sizes
Available thicknesses: 0.125", 0.250". Standard plate sizes include 4x10 ft. Custom size available.
Same-day cutting and Los Angeles pickup available.
View Sizes & PricingNeed 6061 Aluminum Plates? Contact Bobco Metals for availability and Los Angeles pickup.
Request a Quote Ask an Expert