6061 Aluminum Rounds
About 6061 Aluminum Rounds
6061-T6 aluminum round bar offers a combination of 45,000 PSI tensile strength, excellent machinability, and corrosion resistance. Conforms to ASTM B211, ideal for machined parts and structural components. In stock with custom cutting available.
Quick Facts
- Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
- ASTM Standard: B211
- Temper/Condition: T6 (Solution heat-treated, artificially aged)
- Available Sizes: Diameters from 1/8" to 6"
- Location: Los Angeles warehouse
- Services: Custom size, same-day pickup
Overview
6061 aluminum is a versatile, precipitation-hardened alloy containing magnesium and silicon as its primary alloying elements. In its common T6 temper, it undergoes solution heat treatment and artificial aging to achieve a high strength-to-weight ratio. This process significantly increases its hardness and strength, making it one of the most widely used aluminum alloys for general-purpose structural and machining applications where reliable performance is required.
This material exhibits excellent corrosion resistance, good formability, and superior joining characteristics, making it easy to weld and braze using various methods. 6061-T6 aluminum round bar provides good machinability and readily accepts protective or decorative finishes like anodizing. Its combination of mechanical properties and workability makes it a cost-effective choice for prototypes, production parts, and custom fabrication projects where durability is essential.
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/inÂŗ |
Applicable Standards
- ASTM B211: Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Bar, Rod, and Wire
Common Applications
- Automotive: Suspension components, custom brackets - High strength-to-weight ratio.
- Aerospace: Aircraft fittings, structural members - Excellent strength and low density.
- Marine: Boat fittings, frames, and hardware - Superior corrosion resistance in marine environments.
- Electronics: Enclosures, mounting panels, heat sinks - Good thermal conductivity and machinability.
- General Fabrication: Base plates, jigs, fixtures - Easily machined and welded into complex shapes.
- Structural: Architectural frames, support columns - Good structural strength and lightweight nature.
- Consumer Products: Bicycle frames, camera mounts - Lightweight, strong, and can be anodized for color.
- Fasteners: Custom bolts, shafts, and couplings - High yield strength and good thread-forming capabilities.
Working with 6061 Aluminum Rounds
Machining
6061-T6 aluminum has good machinability. It produces tight, well-broken chips when using high speeds and heavy feeds with proper lubrication. Carbide tooling is recommended for best results and surface finish. The material's consistency allows for predictable, repeatable results in CNC machining operations.
Welding
This alloy has excellent weldability using common methods like TIG (GTAW) and MIG (GMAW). For structural applications, 4043 or 5356 filler wire is recommended. The heat-affected zone (HAZ) will experience a reduction in strength, which may require post-weld heat treatment to restore the full T6 temper.
Finishing
6061 aluminum responds very well to finishing. It can be easily polished or brushed and is an ideal grade for anodizing, which creates a hard, corrosion-resistant, and often colored surface layer. It also accepts powder coating and painting after proper surface preparation.
Related Products
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between 6061-T6 and 6061-T651?
A: The 'T6' temper indicates solution heat-treated and artificially aged. The 'T651' temper adds a stress-relieving step (stretching) after heat treatment but before aging. This improves dimensional stability during machining, making T651 preferred for parts with extensive material removal.
Q: Can I bend 6061-T6 round bar?
A: Bending 6061-T6 is challenging due to its hardness and can lead to cracking. For applications requiring significant forming, it is better to bend the material in an annealed state ('O' temper) and then heat treat it to T6 condition. For slight bends, a large bend radius is required.
Q: Is 6061 a good choice for marine applications?
A: Yes, 6061 has very good corrosion resistance and is often used in marine environments. However, for applications with constant saltwater immersion, 5052 or 5083 series aluminum may offer superior performance due to their excellent resistance to saltwater corrosion.
Stock & Custom Sizes
Available diameters from 1/8" up to 6 inches and larger. Standard lengths are 12 ft. Custom size available.
Same-day cutting and Los Angeles pickup available.
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