6061 Aluminium
6061 is the most widely used structural aluminium alloy, offering good strength for its weight, excellent machinability and good corrosion resistance.
- Family /
- Aluminium
- Machinability /
- ~190%
- Condition /
- T6 temper
- Also called /
- sixty sixty one
6061 is the most widely used structural aluminium alloy, offering good strength for its weight, excellent machinability and good corrosion resistance.
Machinability is approximate and rated against free-machining 1212 steel at 100%. Higher is easier to cut.
What it is
Normally supplied in the T6 temper, which is solution heat treated and artificially aged. It welds well, anodises well, and is roughly a third the weight of steel.
How it cuts
Fast and forgiving. High speeds, high feeds, excellent finishes. The main constraints are chip evacuation and the tendency for aluminium to weld itself to the cutting edge if speeds and coolant are wrong.
What catches people out
It is much softer than steel and clamps easily distort thin-walled parts. It also moves noticeably with temperature, so a part measured warm off the machine will not measure the same an hour later — which matters on close-tolerance work.
6061 Aluminium — Common Questions
Is aluminium cheaper to machine than steel?
- Usually yes on time — it cuts several times faster and finishes better. The material can cost more per pound than mild steel, so the total depends on the part; for anything with a lot of material removal, aluminium is normally the cheaper finished part.
Got a part for 6061 Aluminium?
Send the drawing or the sample. We will tell you straight what it will take to make.