Aluminum 6061High-Strength Structural Aluminum Alloy
Aluminum 6061 is a precipitation-hardened alloy renowned for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, excellent weldability, and superior corrosion resistance. With balanced mechanical properties and proven performance across aerospace, automotive, and structural applications, it delivers reliable, high-strength components for demanding engineering environments.
Quick Specifications
Advanced Materials
Aerospace-Grade Aluminum Alloy
Aluminum 6061 is a versatile precipitation-hardened alloy that combines magnesium and silicon as primary alloying elements to achieve exceptional mechanical properties. This heat-treatable alloy offers an outstanding balance of strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for structural applications where high performance and reliability are essential. With T6 heat treatment, it achieves yield strengths up to 275 MPa while maintaining excellent weldability and machinability.
Critical Applications
From mission-critical aerospace components to precision medical implants, Aluminum 6061 delivers unmatched performance in the most demanding applications. Its exceptional exceptional strength-to-weight ratio for lightweight structural applications, superior weldability compared to other high-strength aluminum alloys, outstanding corrosion resistance in marine and industrial environments make it essential for applications where failure is not an option.
Aerospace Structures
Aircraft frames, wing spars, landing gear components, and structural brackets requiring high strength and low weight
Automotive Components
Chassis components, suspension parts, engine brackets, and structural elements for performance vehicles
Marine Hardware
Boat hulls, marine fittings, propeller components, and structural elements for marine environments
Precision Fixtures
Manufacturing jigs, assembly fixtures, and precision tooling requiring dimensional stability and strength
Jump to Section
Technical Datasheet
Advanced Manufacturing
Built with Precision DMLS Technology
Aluminum 6061 is manufactured using Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) technology, providing unmatched strength and precision for mission-critical applications.
Industrial-grade DMLS technology delivers exceptional strength and precision for Aluminum 6061 production. Our advanced metal powder fusion process ensures optimal mechanical properties and surface quality.
- Layer Height: 30-60 μm. Fine layer resolution delivers smooth surface finish and precise feature definition.
- Tolerance: ± 0.3 mm or ± 0.3% of dimension. Consistent dimensional accuracy across complex geometries and thin-wall features.
- Build Volume: 400 × 400 × 400 mm. Large production capacity enables efficient manufacturing of multiple parts or assemblies.
Technical Data
Mechanical Properties
Aluminum 6061 exhibits excellent mechanical properties, making it ideal for functional prototypes and end-use parts that need to meet demanding performance requirements in aerospace and automotive applications.
Technical Specifications
| Measurement | Value | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 310 MPa | ISO/ASTM |
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset) | 275 MPa | ISO/ASTM |
| Elongation at Break | 12 % | ISO/ASTM |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 95 HB | ISO/ASTM |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 69 GPa | ISO/ASTM |
| Shear Strength | 205 MPa | ISO/ASTM |
| Fatigue Strength (5×10⁸ cycles) | 95 MPa | ISO/ASTM |
Performance Characteristics
Aluminum 6061 delivers exceptional mechanical performance with exceptional strength-to-weight ratio for lightweight structural applications, effectively handling demanding load conditions. Its balanced mechanical profile allows it to maintain structural integrity while preventing brittleness in critical applications.
These qualities make it well-suited for aircraft structural components and frames, automotive chassis and suspension parts, marine hardware and boat components, providing long-term durability in demanding environments. Aluminum 6061 maintains dimensional stability over time, ensuring consistent performance across temperature and stress variations.
This makes it a reliable choice for applications requiring precise geometries and tight tolerances across aerospace, automotive, marine industries. Its versatility and durability allow it to perform consistently across a wide range of mechanical applications, ensuring parts maintain their integrity under repetitive stress and environmental conditions.
Key Strengths
Ideal Applications
Design Considerations
Technical Data
Thermal Properties
Aluminum 6061 exhibits exceptional thermal stability and outstanding performance in demanding thermal environments.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Melting Point (Solidus) | 582 °C | ISO/ASTM |
| Thermal Conductivity | 167 W/m·K | ISO/ASTM |
| Thermal Expansion | 23.6 ×10⁻⁶/K | ISO/ASTM |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 896 J/kg·K | ISO/ASTM |
Thermal Performance
Aluminum 6061's thermal properties ensure minimal dimensional deviation under fluctuating thermal conditions, making it highly suitable for applications requiring tight tolerances and structural integrity at elevated temperatures. Aluminum 6061 maintains consistent mechanical performance even in thermally and environmentally variable conditions across aerospace and automotive and marine and industrial manufacturing and architecture and electronics applications.
Its thermal conductivity and insulating properties make it an excellent candidate for electronic heat sinks and thermal management. Aluminum 6061 resists thermal fatigue and creep deformation, particularly in cyclic thermal loading environments.
Prolonged exposure to temperatures approaching its upper limit may lead to gradual material degradation. In applications requiring sustained operation in high-temperature environments, consult with our engineering team for material recommendations and design guidelines.
Resources
Operating Range
Thermal Benefits
Thermal Applications
Thermal Considerations
Technical Data
Electrical Properties
Aluminum 6061 electrical properties for reference and design considerations.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Standard | Unit | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Conductivity | - | % IACS | 43 |
| Electrical Resistivity | - | Ω·mm²/m | 0.040 |
Electrical Performance
Electrical properties for Aluminum 6061 are provided for reference and design considerations. Please refer to the technical specifications table above for specific values and testing standards.
For detailed electrical performance data and material datasheets, please refer to the resources section or contact our team for additional information.
Resources
Electrical Applications
Electrical Considerations
Technical Data
Chemical Properties
Chemical compatibility data for Aluminum 6061 is available upon request.
Chemical Compatibility Chart
| Chemical | Type | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical compatibility data available upon request. Contact our engineering team for specific chemical resistance information. | ||
Chemical Performance
Chemical compatibility data for Aluminum 6061 is not currently available in our standard database. This material may not have been specifically tested for chemical resistance, or the data may be available upon request.
If your application involves exposure to chemicals, solvents, or other aggressive substances, please contact our engineering team who can provide guidance on material suitability and testing requirements.
We can arrange for application-specific chemical testing to ensure Aluminum 6061 meets your performance requirements in chemically challenging environments.
Resources
Resistance Categories
Chemical Considerations
Design Considerations
Technical Data
Biocompatibility & Compliance
Aluminum 6061 is biocompatible, meeting USP Class VI and ISO 10993 standards, making it safe for short-term contact with skin and mucosal membranes.
Compliance Standards
| Property | Compliance | Standard/Regulation |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Standards | Compliant | Meets applicable industry standards for aerospace and automotive and marine and industrial manufacturing and architecture and electronics |
| Specific compliance certifications available upon request. Contact our engineering team for certification requirements specific to your application. | ||
Compliance Resources
Material Datasheets
Download comprehensive technical documentation for Aluminum 6061, including safety data, compliance certificates, and design guidelines.
Technical Datasheets
Compliance Certificates
Design Resources
Ready to Get Started with Aluminum 6061?
Upload your design and get an instant quote for Aluminum 6061 parts.
Click to start your quote
STL, STEP, OBJ, 3MF supported • Get instant pricing
Frequently asked questions
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our customer support team.