Aluminum Alloy

Aluminum 6061-T6 / T651

6061 is a precipitation-hardened aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy and the most common general-purpose choice for machined and fabricated aluminum parts. It balances machinability, weldability, corrosion resistance, and cost, and it anodizes well. Request a quote or browse all materials.

Typical Properties

Aluminum 6061 at a glance

Property	Typical value
Density	2.70 g/cm³ (0.0975 lb/in³)
Ultimate tensile strength	310 MPa (45 ksi)
Yield strength (0.2%)	276 MPa (40 ksi)
Elongation at break	12–17% (form dependent)
Hardness	95 HB
Elastic modulus	68.9 GPa (10,000 ksi)
Thermal conductivity	167 W/m·K
Melting range	582–652 °C

Values are typical for the T6/T651 temper. T651 plate is stress relieved by stretching and is usually the most available form for thick machined parts; T6511 is the extruded bar equivalent. These are typical reference values from standard published data, not guaranteed minimums. Request material certificates in your RFQ if properties must be verified.

Advantages

Why engineers choose Aluminum 6061

Machinability

Cuts cleanly at high speeds, which keeps cycle time and cost low for prototypes and production.

Weldability

Readily TIG and MIG welded, although the heat-affected zone loses strength unless re-heat-treated.

Corrosion behavior

Good atmospheric corrosion resistance, improved further by anodizing or chem film.

Availability

Plate, bar, tube, sheet, and extrusion stock are widely stocked.

Design considerations: Lower strength than 7075 or steels; not ideal for high-wear surfaces without hard anodizing; strength drops above about 150 °C.

Applications