6061-T6 is the workhorse aluminum alloy for general structural and machined parts. It balances strength, machinability, weldability, anodize quality, and cost in a way no other alloy quite matches.
Mechanical and physical properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 310 MPa |
| Yield strength | 276 MPa |
| Elongation at break | 12% |
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ |
| Modulus | 68.9 GPa |
| Hardness | 95 HB |
| Max service temperature | 150 °C |
| Machinability rating | Good |
| Anodize quality | Excellent |
Process compatibility
| Process | Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CNC milling | Excellent | Default choice for prototypes and low/mid volume. |
| CNC turning | Excellent | Smooth chip control. |
| Sheet metal | Excellent (5052 better) | Use 5052 for tighter bends. |
| Casting | Limited | Use 356-T6 for cast aluminum parts. |
| 3D printing | Not applicable | — |
Typical applications
- Enclosures and housings.
- Heat sinks (anodized).
- Brackets and structural plates.
- Fluid handling components.
- Outdoor consumer products with anodized finishes.
Tradeoffs
Plenty of stock, fast lead time, anodizes beautifully. If you need higher strength, jump to 7075-T6; if you need marine corrosion, 5052 or anodized 6061 with a sealing finish.
Specifying it on Uretyco
- 1Choose 6061-T6 in the material dropdown
It is the default for most CNC quotes.
- 2Add anodize if needed
Type II clear or color, Type III for hardness.
- 3Request MTR if regulated
Material test report is included on aerospace and medical orders.
- 4Specify tolerances on the drawing
Default ISO 2768-mK; tighter tolerances should be called out.
Related materials
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