3Q MACHINING has rich experience for machining quality parts from Aluminum alloy 6061. We can machine intricate parts on our CNC Lathe machines and CNC turning centers.
Aluminum alloy 6061 is the most popular metal, excellent for jobs that require forming or welding. It is the most commonly available aluminum alloy and provides a clean surface finish. Unlike other aluminum alloys, 6061 has a high corrosion resistance.
Note: Aluminum 6061 can be forged, hot worked, and readily welded, as well as heat treated, annealed, and aged. It anodizes well and provides a bright, colorful finish.
Aluminum 6061 Machining Capability
- CNC Lathe
- CNC Milling
- CNC Turning
Aluminum 6061 Applications
- Electronic hardware
- Piping
- Recreation equipment
- Aircraft components
View More Products On Our Machined Parts Photo Gallery.
Common Material Comparison
| Type | General Characteristics | Alloy | Common Applications | Tolerances for 1/2″ Dia. |
| Steel | Designed for excellent machinability. Case hard only | 12L14 | Endless commercial products; probably more pounds used in turned products than any other material | Cold drawn |
| 0 | ||||
| Stainless Steel | Designed for machining, non-magnetic | 303 | Electronic hardware, automotive, aerospace, medical instruments, and many applications requiring corrosion resistance | Cold finished |
| +/- .002 | ||||
| Brass | Strength, corrosion and wear resistance, and excellent machinability | C35300 | Well suited for parts with knurling or threading | +/-.0015 |
| Aluminum | Designed for machining | 2011 | Electronic hardware, endless commercial products | Cold finish |
| +/-.0015 | ||||
| Titanium | High strength, light weight, good bio-compatibility | Ti-6Al-4VEli | Medical implants | Ground & polished |
| +/-.002 |
Aluminum 6061 Characteristics
Characteristic | Appraisal |
| Workability | Good |
| Machinability | Good |
| Strength | Medium to High |
| Weldability – Brazability | Good |
| Corrosion – Resistance | Good |
Note: Its strength and resistance to corrosion are improved through tempering.
Aluminum 6061 Chemistry Information
| Element | % Present |
| Si | 0.40-0.80 |
| Fe | 0.70max |
| Cu | 0.15-0.40 |
| Cr | 0.04-0.35 |
| Mg | 0.8-1.2 |
| Mn | 0.15max |
| Ti | 0.15max |
| Zn | 0.25max |
| Al | 98 |
Aluminum 6061 Mechanical Information
| 6061-T4 | 6061-T6 | |
| Density | 2.70 g/cc | 0.0975 lb/in³ | 2.70 g/cc | 0.0975 lb/in³ |
| Tensile Strength | 241 MPa | 35000 psi | 310 MPa | 45000 psi |
| Fatigue Strength | 96.5 MPa | 14,000 psi | 96.5 MPa | 14,000 psi |
| Yield Strength | 145 MPa | 21000 psi | 276 MPa | 40000 psi |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 68.9 GPa | 10000 ksi | 68.9 GPa | 10000 ksi |
| Shear Modulus | 26 GPa | 3,800 ksi | 26 GPa | 3,800 ksi |
| Shear Strength | 165 MPa | 24,000 psi | 207 MPa | 30,000 psi |
| Melting Point | 582-651.7 C | 1,080-1,205 F | 582-651.7 C | 1,080-1,205 F |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion @ 20.0 – 100 °C Temp | 23.6 µm/m-°C | 13.1 µin/in-°F | 23.6 µm/m-°C | 13.1 µin/in-°F |
| Thermal Conductivity | 154 W/m-K | 1070 BTU-in/hr-ft²-°F | 167 W/m-K | 1160 BTU-in/hr-ft²-°F |
| Electrical Conductivity | 43% IACS | 43% IACS |
| Hardness Brinell | 65 | 95 |
| Elongation at break percentage | 22% | 17% |
| Poissons Ratio | 0.33 | 0.33 |
| Machinability Percentage | 50% | 50% |
