Aluminum 6061 is the undisputed workhorse of the CNC machining world. This versatile, heat-treatable aluminum alloy is renowned for its excellent all-around characteristics, striking a perfect balance between strength, machinability, and corrosion resistance. Composed primarily of aluminum, magnesium, and silicon, it can be precipitation hardened to achieve significantly higher strength properties.
Whether you’re prototyping a new design or moving into full-scale production, CNC machining with Aluminum 6061 offers a reliable, cost-effective, and high-performance solution for a vast range of industrial and commercial applications. Its widespread availability and favorable properties make it the go-to choice for engineers and designers across the globe.
KEY BENEFITS
Aluminum 6061 is preferred for CNC machining due to a powerful combination of mechanical and practical advantages.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Excellent Machinability | It machines smoothly and efficiently, producing clean cuts and fine surface finishes. This reduces cycle times, extends tool life, and lowers overall production costs. |
| High Strength-to-Weight Ratio | 6061 offers impressive strength while remaining lightweight, a critical property for aerospace, automotive, and robotics applications where every gram counts. |
| Good Corrosion Resistance | It naturally forms a protective oxide layer, making it highly resistant to atmospheric and chemical corrosion. This can be further enhanced through anodizing. |
| Superior Weldability | It can be easily welded using common techniques like TIG and MIG without a significant loss of its core properties, allowing for complex fabrications. |
| Great Anodizing Response | It is the ideal candidate for anodizing, which dramatically improves surface hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion protection while allowing for vibrant color dyeing. |
| Cost-Effectiveness | As one of the most readily available aluminum alloys, it offers an outstanding balance of performance and affordability, providing excellent value. |
APPLICATIONS
The versatility of CNC-machined Aluminum 6061 makes it suitable for a diverse range of industries and part types.
| Industry / Category | Example Parts |
|---|---|
| Aerospace & Aviation | Wing ribs, fuselage brackets, drone arm frames, landing gear components, instrument panels. |
| Automotive & Racing | Engine brackets, suspension arms, intake manifolds, custom pulleys, power storage system housings. |
| Robotics & Automation | Robot end-effectors, actuator mounts, linear guide rails, sensor brackets, and custom joint linkages. |
| Consumer Electronics | Heat sinks, camera body housings, drone shells, fixture jigs, and internal structural chassis. |
| Optics & Photonics | Lens holders, optical mounts, mirror frames, and laser housing components requiring stability. |
| Industrial Machinery | Pneumatic fittings, gearbox housings, conveyor parts, jigs, and fixtures for manufacturing. |
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Here are the key technical properties of Aluminum 6061 in its most common T6 temper (solution heat-treated and artificially aged).
| Property | Value (Imperial) | Value (Metric) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alloy Designation | AA 6061-T6 | AlMg1SiCu | |
| Density | 0.098 lb/in³ | 2.70 g/cm³ | |
| Tensile Strength | 45,000 psi (min) | 310 MPa (min) | |
| Yield Strength | 40,000 psi (min) | 276 MPa (min) | |
| Elongation at Break | 8 – 12% | 8 – 12% | In 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Hardness | 95 Brinell | 95 HB | |
| Machinability | 80% (Relative to 2011-T3 as 100%) | Good | Produces small, easily broken chips. |
| Melting Point | ~ 1080 – 1200 °F | ~ 582 – 650 °C | |
| Thermal Conductivity | 167 W/m-K | 167 W/m-K | At 25°C |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Good | Can be enhanced via anodizing. |