6061
AVAILABLE NOWThe standard general-purpose structural alloy. Good machinability, weldability, and corrosion resistance across a wide range of applications.
Overview
6061 is the most widely used aluminum alloy in North America. Its silicon-magnesium composition produces a well-balanced alloy: adequate strength for most structural applications, good corrosion resistance without coating, and consistent machinability that keeps shop time predictable. It is the default choice when no special requirement points toward another alloy.
T651 is the standard plate procurement form for machined parts. The T651 designation means the plate was solution heat-treated, stress-relief stretched, then artificially aged. The stretching step is critical: it removes residual stress that would otherwise cause warping when material is removed during machining. This matters most on long, thin parts where distortion would be difficult to hold in fixturing. For thicker plate (above 3 inches), the through-section mechanical properties remain consistent because aluminum conducts heat quickly during quenching.
T6511 is the extruded bar equivalent of T651, with the same thermal processing but applied to bar and rod stock. Round bar and flat bar in 6061-T6511 are available by request from our Detroit facility.
Tempers Available
T651 (plate)
T6511 (bar)
T4 / T451
Material Origin
Available Forms
Plate
0.25" through 10" thick. Standard widths 48" and 60", standard lengths 96" and 144".
Round Bar
BY REQUESTT6511. Available by request. Contact us with your diameter and length requirements.
Flat Bar
BY REQUESTT6511. Available by request. Contact us with your cross-section and length requirements.
Custom Cut
Any rectangular plate cut to your dimensions from stock. Bandsaw cutting with 0.08" kerf.
Mechanical Properties
| Temper / Condition | Tensile (min) | Yield (min) | Elongation (min) | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T651 (plate) | 42,000 psi min | 35,000 psi min | 8% min (in 2") | Brinell 95 (typical) |
| T6511 (bar, extruded) | 42,000 psi min | 35,000 psi min | 8% min | Brinell 95 (typical) |
| T4 / T451 Pre-aged; will naturally age toward T6 properties over time | 30,000 psi min | 16,000 psi min | 16% min | — |
Values are minimums per applicable specification unless noted as typical. Properties may vary by thickness, temper, and mill. Always verify against the applicable AMS or ASTM specification for your program.
Physical Properties
Specifications & Standards
AMS Specifications
ASTM / MIL Specifications
Machining Notes
Common Applications
6061 is specified by default across aerospace, defense, and commercial machining when no elevated-temperature, ultra-high-strength, or superior corrosion-resistance requirement rules it out. Its combination of properties, availability, and price makes it the lowest-risk general choice.
Why NOX for 6061
Related Materials
Related Materials
7075 Aluminum
High-strength aerospace alloy. Among the highest tensile strength available in commercial aluminum at 73,000 psi minimum in T651.
7050 Aluminum
Thick-section aerospace plate with superior stress corrosion resistance compared to 7075. The standard for aircraft structural components above 3 inches thick.
5000 Series Aluminum
Marine-grade corrosion-resistant wrought plate. 5052, 5083, and 5086 in standard and heavy gauge, up to 40" thick for structural applications.
View all materials
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