Overview
6061-T6 (supplied as T651 plate) is the workhorse aluminum for machined parts: a magnesium-silicon alloy with a good balance of strength, corrosion resistance, weldability and machinability. We also accept 6082 as the European equivalent.
At one third the density of steel it is the first choice for brackets, housings, fixtures and prototypes, and it takes clear or colored anodizing well.
Key Properties
Typical values from the MatWeb datasheet for Aluminum 6061-T6; 6061-T651. Machined parts take the properties of the stock they are cut from.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ |
| Tensile strength | 310 MPa |
| Yield strength | 276 MPa |
| Elongation at break | 17 % @ -28.0 °C |
| Hardness | HB 95 |
| Modulus of elasticity | 68.9 GPa |
| Thermal conductivity | 167 W/m-K |
| Melting range | 582–651.7 °C |
| Machinability | 50 % |
Typical Applications
- Brackets, frames and housings
- Jigs, fixtures and automation parts
- Prototypes and low-volume production
- Heat sinks and electronics enclosures
Machining Notes
Machines fast with sharp, polished-flute carbide; thin walls can chatter, so keep wall-to-height ratios reasonable. Anodizing adds a few microns per side — call out critical bores.
