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Aluminum 6061
Aluminum 6061 is a versatile, heat-treatable aluminum alloy widely used for structural, machined, and fabricated components across a broad range of industries. It offers a balanced combination of strength, corrosion resistance, machinability, and weldability, making it one of the most commonly specified aluminum alloys in engineering applications.
Unlike non-heat-treatable aluminum alloys, Aluminum 6061 gains strength through solution heat treatment and artificial aging. This allows it to be supplied in various tempers to meet specific mechanical requirements while maintaining good dimensional stability and workability. The alloy machines cleanly and is well suited for precision components and structural parts.
Aluminum 6061 is commonly used in industrial equipment, structural frames, transportation components, fixtures, tooling, and medical equipment housings. While it offers good corrosion resistance, it’s generally not selected for prolonged marine or saltwater exposure where higher-magnesium alloys may perform better.
Tech Steel & Materials supplies Aluminum 6061 in 16 sub-type specifications with full material traceability and certification. Value-added services, including custom cutting and machining coordination, are available.
- AMS 4021 (Plate and Sheet)
- AMS 4022 (Plate and Sheet)
- AMS 4023 (Plate and Sheet)
- AMS 4025 (Plate and Sheet)
- AMS 4079 (Round and Tubing)
- AMS 4080 (Tubing)
- AMS 4081 (Round and Tubing)
- AMS 4082 (Tubing)
- AMS 4127 (Forging and Ring)
- AMS 4162 (Extrusion)
- AMS 4248 (Plate)
- AMS QQ A 200 16 (Extrusion and Shapes)
- AMS QQ A 200 8 (Bar, Extrusion, Rod & More)
- AMS QQ A 225 8A (Bar, Rod, Shapes and Wire)
- AMS QQ A 250 11 (Plate and Sheet)
- AMS T 7081 (Tubing)
- AMS WW T 700 6 (Tubing)
Key Features of 6061 Aluminum
- Strength-to-Weight Ratio: With a high-strength-to-weight ratio, 6061 aluminum surpasses pure aluminum in strength while maintaining a significantly lighter weight compared to steel and copper.
- Thermal and Electrical Conductivity: Boasting excellent thermal conductivity, 6061 aluminum finds its niche in heat sinks and other applications requiring efficient heat transfer. Additionally, its commendable electrical conductivity makes it an ideal choice for various electrical devices.
- Corrosion Resistance: Resisting corrosion from concentrated nitric acid, ammonia, and ammonium hydroxide, 6061 aluminum ensures longevity and reliability even in harsh environments.
The Composition of 6061 Aluminum:
| Element | Limiting Chemical Composition (%) |
| Aluminum | 97.9% |
| Magnesium | 1.0% |
| Silicon | 0.6% |
| Copper: | 0.28% |
| Chromium | 0.2% |
| Aluminum | 0.20%-0.80% |
| Other Elements | 0.15% |
Fabrication and Working Instructions
6061 aluminum facilitates easy fabrication and machining. Sharp cutting tools coupled with appropriate lubrication ensure clean, precise cuts and reduce the risk of burrs. It’s crucial to avoid overheating during work, as excessive heat softens the material, impeding workability.
6061 aluminum is among the most recycled materials in the world, capable of being recycled repeatedly without losing any of its quality.
Weldability and Finishing
This alloy presents excellent weldability using various methods such as TIG, MIG, and arc welding. Choosing a compatible filler metal, such as 5356, ensures optimal welding results. Furthermore, 6061 aluminum lends itself well to diverse finishing techniques, including anodizing, painting, and powder coating, catering to specific aesthetic and performance requirements.
Properties of 6061 Aluminum
The mechanical properties of 6061 aluminum T6 are as follows:
| Mechanical Properties (T6 Temper) | Imperial | Metric |
| Ultimate Tensile Strength | 45,000 psi | 310 MPa |
| Tensile Yield Strength | 40,000 psi | 276 MPa |
| Elongation Break | 12% | 12% |
| Young Modulus | 10,000 Ksi | 69 GPa |
The physical properties of 6061 aluminum are as follows
| Density | 2.7 g/cm^3 |
| Melting Point | 585 °C (1,085 °F) |
| Thermal Conductivity | 152 W/(m·K) |
| Linear Thermal Expansion Coefficient | 2.32×10−5 K−1 |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 897 J/(kg·K) |
| Hardness (Rockwell B) | 60 |
| Hardness (Vickers) | 107 |
Heat Treating 6061 Aluminum
Heat treating 6061 aluminum is necessary to achieve the desired properties. The part must be clean and free from grease and oil. Use a calibrated furnace to ensure the aluminum is heated to the correct temperature.
The solution heat treatment temperature for 6061 aluminum is 985 degrees F. (530 degrees C.). It’s also essential to heat the material evenly to avoid distortion, which can be done by rotating the part in the furnace or by using multiple burners.
Hold the part at the solution heat treatment temperature for the correct amount of time. That varies depending on the thickness of the part but is typically around one hour per inch of thickness.
Quenching the part rapidly in water after heat treatment locks in the dissolved alloying elements and prevents them from reprecipitating. Quenching also prevents the formation of large precipitates that can weaken the part.
Avoid distortion when quenching the part in water by supporting it in a fixture or using a tank large enough to accommodate the part without crowding.
Age the part after quenching it. The most common aging temperature for 6061 aluminum is 350 degrees F. (177 degrees C). The most common aging time is 8 hours.
Let the part cool to room temperature after aging. If you’re unsure about any aspect of the heat treatment process, consult a qualified heat treater.
Applications & Common Use of 6061 Aluminum
- Aerospace: Aircraft wings and fuselages, helicopter rotor blades, landing gear, engine parts, fuselage frames
- Automotive: Engine blocks/heads, transmission cases, brake calipers, suspension components, Wheels, and rims
- Construction: Building facades, roofing, structural beams and columns, bridges, towers and pylons
- Marine: Ship hulls and superstructures, boat frames and decks, docks and piers, fishing boats and yachts
- Electronics: Heat sinks, heat exchangers, enclosures, circuit boards, battery cases
- Furniture: Chair frames, table frames, bed frames, desk frames, outdoor furniture
- Fasteners: Rivets, screws, washers, and nuts and bolts
Additional applications include bicycle frames, motorcycle frames, scuba tanks, camera lenses, fishing reels, archery equipment, medical devices, and sporting goods
For precision-engineered components and unparalleled performance, trust in the reliability of 6061 aluminum.
FAQ
What is Aluminum 6061?
Aluminum 6061 is a heat-treatable aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy known for its good strength, corrosion resistance, and excellent machinability. It’s widely used for structural and machined components in industrial and commercial applications.
How strong is Aluminum 6061?
The strength of Aluminum 6061 depends on its temper, with T6 being the most common. In this condition, Aluminum 6061 typically offers tensile strength in the range of approximately 290 MPa (42,000 psi), making it suitable for load-bearing structural components, frames, and machined parts across many industries.
Is Aluminum 6061 heat treatable?
Yes. Aluminum 6061 is a heat-treatable alloy and is commonly supplied in tempers such as T6 to achieve higher strength through solution heat treatment and aging.
Is Aluminum 6061 weldable?
Yes. Aluminum 6061 is weldable using standard aluminum welding methods. However, welding can reduce strength in the heat-affected zone unless post-weld heat treatment is performed.
Is Aluminum 6061 corrosion resistant?
Aluminum 6061 offers good corrosion resistance in atmospheric and industrial environments. For continuous marine or saltwater exposure, higher-magnesium alloys such as 5052 or 5083 are typically preferred.
What is the difference between Aluminum 6061 and Aluminum 6063?
The main difference between Aluminum 6061 and Aluminum 6063 is strength and intended use. Aluminum 6061 offers higher mechanical strength and is commonly used for structural and machined components where load-bearing performance is required. Aluminum 6063, while still providing good corrosion resistance, has lower strength and is primarily selected for architectural and extrusion applications due to its superior surface finish and ease of extrusion. As a result, Aluminum 6061 is preferred for structural frames, industrial equipment, and machined parts, while Aluminum 6063 is commonly used for window frames, railings, and decorative architectural profiles.
Select AMS
| AMS Number | Alloy | Type | UNS | Cross Ref. Spec | Misc./Shape | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMS 4021 Plate | 6061 | Aluminum | A86061 | - | Plate |
|
| AMS 4021 Sheet | 6061 | Aluminum | A86061 | - | Sheet |
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| AMS 4022 Plate | 6061 | Aluminum | A86061 | - | Plate |
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| AMS 4022 Sheet | 6061 | Aluminum | A86061 | - | Sheet |
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| AMS 4023 Plate | 6061 | Aluminum | A96061 | - | Plate |
|
| AMS 4023 Sheet | 6061 | Aluminum | A96061 | - | Sheet |
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| AMS 4025 Plate | 6061 | Aluminum | A96061 | ASTM B209 | Plate |
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| AMS 4025 Sheet | 6061 | Aluminum | A96061 | ASTM B209 | Sheet |
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| AMS 4079 Round | 6061 | Aluminum | A96061 | WW-T-700/6 | Round |
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| AMS 4079 Tubing | 6061 | Aluminum | A96061 | WW-T-700/6 | Tubing |
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| AMS 4080 | 6061 | Aluminum | A96061 | WW-T-700/6 | Tubing |
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| AMS 4081 Round | 6061 | Aluminum | A96061 | MIL-T-7081 | Round |
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| AMS 4081 Tubing | 6061 | Aluminum | A96061 | MIL-T-7081 | Tubing |
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| AMS 4082 | 6061 | Aluminum | A96061 | ASTM B210 | Tubing |
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| AMS 4127 Forging | 6061 | Aluminum | A96061 | ASTM B247 | Forging |
|
| AMS 4127 Ring | 6061 | Aluminum | A96061 | ASTM B247 | Ring |
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| AMS 4162 | 6061 | Aluminum | A92219 | - | Extrusion |
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| AMS 4248 | 6061 | Aluminum | A96061 | QQ-A-367 | Plate |
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| AMS QQ A 200 16 Extrusion | 6061 | Aluminum | A96061 | QQ-A-200/16 | Extrusion |
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| AMS QQ A 200 16 Shapes | 6061 | Aluminum | A96061 | QQ-A-200/16 | Shapes |
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| AMS QQ A 200 8 Bar | 6061 | Aluminum | A96061 | QQ-A-200/8 | Bar |
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| AMS QQ A 200 8 Extrusion | 6061 | Aluminum | A96061 | QQ-A-200/8 | Extrusion |
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| AMS QQ A 200 8 Rod | 6061 | Aluminum | A96061 | QQ-A-200/8 | Rod |
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| AMS QQ A 200 8 Shapes | 6061 | Aluminum | A96061 | QQ-A-200/8 | Shapes |
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| AMS QQ A 200 8 Tubing | 6061 | Aluminum | A96061 | QQ-A-200/8 | Tubing |
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| AMS QQ A 200 8 Wire | 6061 | Aluminum | A96061 | QQ-A-200/8 | Wire |
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| AMS QQ A 225 8A Bar | 6061 | Aluminum | A96061 | QQ-A-255/8 | Bar |
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| AMS QQ A 225 8A Rod | 6061 | Aluminum | A96061 | QQ-A-255/8 | Rod |
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| AMS QQ A 225 8A Shapes | 6061 | Aluminum | A96061 | QQ-A-255/8 | Shapes |
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| AMS QQ A 225 8A Wire | 6061 | Aluminum | A96061 | QQ-A-255/8 | Wire |
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| AMS QQ A 250 11 Plate | 6061 | Aluminum | A96061 | QQ-A-250/11 | Plate |
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| AMS QQ A 250 11 Sheet | 6061 | Aluminum | A96061 | QQ-A-250/11 | Sheet |
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| AMS T 7081 | 6061 | Aluminum | - | MIL-T-7081D | Tubing |
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| AMS WW T 700 6 | 6061 | Aluminum | - | WW-T-700/6F | Tubing |
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