Excellent Weldability • Good Corrosion Resistance • Versatile Performance
6061-T6 is one of the most versatile and widely used aluminum alloys, offering an excellent balance of strength, weldability, machinability, and corrosion resistance. This magnesium-silicon alloy is ideal for structural applications, automotive components, marine fittings, and general engineering where moderate strength and good formability are required.
6061-T6 is a precipitation-hardened aluminum alloy containing magnesium and silicon as its primary alloying elements. The T6 temper denotes solution heat treatment followed by artificial aging, providing optimal strength properties. Known for its versatility, 6061-T6 offers the best combination of mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, weldability, and machinability of any heat-treatable aluminum alloy.
6061-T6 is the "workhorse" aluminum alloy used across nearly every industry. Its balance of properties makes it suitable for structural components, frames, brackets, automotive parts, bicycle frames, marine hardware, pneumatic equipment, valves, fittings, architectural applications, and general fabrication work where moderate strength is required.
| Element | Weight % | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.8 - 1.2 | Primary strengthening element |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.4 - 0.8 | Forms Mg₂Si for precipitation hardening |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.15 - 0.40 | Enhances strength |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.04 - 0.35 | Grain structure control |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤ 0.25 | Minor alloying element |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.70 | Impurity element |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 0.15 | Grain refinement |
| Titanium (Ti) | ≤ 0.15 | Grain refinement |
| Aluminum (Al) | Balance (95.8-98.6) | Base metal |
| Property | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (Ultimate) | 310 MPa | 45,000 psi |
| Yield Strength | 276 MPa | 40,000 psi |
| Elongation at Break | 12% (in 50mm) | |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 68.9 GPa | 10.0 × 10⁶ psi |
| Brinell Hardness | 95 HB | |
| Shear Strength | 207 MPa | 30,000 psi |
| Fatigue Strength (500M cycles) | 96.5 MPa | 14,000 psi |
| Shear Modulus | 26.0 GPa | 3.77 × 10⁶ psi |
Note: Properties shown are typical values for T6 temper. T4 and T651 tempers are also available with different property profiles.
Structural frames, architectural trim, beams, trusses, bridge railings, walkways, pipe, tubing, and general structural fabrication for buildings and infrastructure.
Automotive frames, drive shafts, truck frames, marine fittings and hardware, rail cars, bicycle frames, motorcycle components, and general transportation equipment.
Hydraulic and pneumatic components, valves, couplings, fluid power systems, electrical fittings, camera lens mounts, zip line trolleys, and general machinery parts.
Boat fittings, marine hardware, deck components, pontoons, railings, tanks, and general saltwater applications where good corrosion resistance is required.
Scuba tanks, furniture, electronics housings, sporting goods, handrails, ladders, cookware, and wide variety of consumer goods requiring light weight and durability.
| Operation | Recommended Parameters |
|---|---|
| Turning | Speed: 1000-1500 SFM (300-450 m/min), Feed: 0.010-0.020 ipr |
| Milling | Speed: 1200-1800 SFM (365-550 m/min), High feed rates possible |
| Drilling | Speed: 300-500 SFM (90-150 m/min), Standard point angles work well |
| Threading | Excellent thread quality, standard parameters apply |
| Coolant | Soluble oil, mineral oil, or dry machining for light cuts |
Why 6061-T6 Machines So Well: The balanced chemistry and T6 heat treatment create a uniform microstructure that cuts cleanly without gumming tools. This makes it ideal for precision work and high-production machining.
Get a quote for AS9100D certified 6061-T6 aluminum machining with full material traceability and certification.