The AL6061 is part of 6xxx series aluminium alloys, with magnesium and silicon as its major alloying elements. It is named in accordance with a four-digit naming system developed by the US Aluminum Association to characterize a wide range of aluminum alloys on the basis of their main alloying elements. This alloy is heat-treatable and features a light weight, high tensile strength, good corrosion resistance, weldability, and machinability.
Compared to AL2024, the so-called aircraft aluminum, 2024 aluminum’s yield strength surpasses 6061 aluminum’s and generally selected if strength is a priority. Furthermore, AL2024 has a higher modulus of elasticity that 6061 aluminum bearing more stress without permanently changing shape and therefore a better choice for forming applications. Compared to AL5052,the highest strength alloy of the more non-heat-treatable grades, the AL6061 is heat-treatable and presents an excellent machinability, being one of the most popular machining alloys and therefore often preferred if machining procedures are necessary for a project. Compared to AL6063, both AL6061 and AL6063 are similar in composition and mechanical properties and typically used in aerospace, automotive, marine and other industries for the manufacturing of components, recreation products, machinery and equipment, and consumer durables (cameras, couplings, marine hardware, electrical components, decorative hardware, structural applications, pins, brakes, pistons, valves, bicycle frames, etc.). AL6061 aluminum products suchs as tubes, sheets/plates and bars offer high- to moderate strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and superior machinability and weldability while those from 6063 aluminum offer an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, superior corrosion resistance and a fine appearance and finish.
Like some of the other aluminum alloys, the 6061 aluminum alloy comes as annealed (O Temper) or in or tempered grades such as 6061-T4 and 6061-T6 or 6061-T651.
In selecting an aluminum alloy, its mechanical properties should be carefully considered. The mechanical properties of 6061 aluminum alloy differ based on how it is heat treated, or made stronger using the tempering process. When heat-treated, 6061 aluminum alloys are a great choice for general purpose uses and find many applications in structural materials, electronics, chemical equipment, and others.
Some important measures when considering mechanical properties include the yield strength, ultimate strength, shear strength, fatigue strength, as well as the modulus of elasticity and shear modulus. The yield strength describes the maximum amount of stress needed to elastically deform the part in a given loading arrangement (tension, compression, twisting, etc.). The ultimate strength, on the other hand, describes the maximum amount of stress a material can withstand before fracturing (undergoing plastic, or permanent deformation). For static applications, the yield strength is the more important design constraint as per industry standard design practices; however, the ultimate strength can be useful for certain applications. 6061 aluminum alloy has a yield tensile strength of 276 MPa (40000 psi), and an ultimate tensile strength of 310 MPa (45000 psi). Shear strength is the ability of a material to resist being sheared by opposing forces along a plane. The shear strength of 6061 aluminum alloy is 207 MPa (30000 psi). Fatigue strength is the ability of a material to resist breaking under cyclical loading, where a small load is repeatedly imparted on the material over time. This value is useful for applications where a part is subject to repetitive loading cycles such as vehicle axles or pistons. The fatigue strength of 6061 aluminum alloy is 96.5 Mpa (14000 psi).
The AL6061 bars/rods are offered as part of our own branded (AVIATIONEU NEW ERA) product lines along with those from other grade aluminum and steel alloys (e.g. AL2024, AL5052, AL7050, AL7075, ST4130, ST4140 etc.). Sourced from quality producers, they are available in different shapes, (such as round, rectangular, square and others), tempers, specifications, diameters/thicknesses, pre-cut or cut-to-oder lengths depending on the order quantity and requirements.
For additional information, please refer to our Brief Guide on Aluminum Grades & Temper Designations, the individual product presentations or contact us.
