MATERIALS · ALUMINIUM
AA 6061-T6. 6061 is a heat-treatable aluminium–magnesium–silicon alloy with a small copper addition, and T6 is its most common temper. It combines medium strength, good corrosion resistance and good weldability, and it machines cleanly, so it is a standard choice for structural and general machined parts.
DENSITY
2.7 g/cm³HARDNESS
93–95 HBTENSILE STRENGTH
260–310 MPaMACHINABILITY
GoodTURNING, CARBIDE
300–800 m/minCALCULATOR
Enter your part size and your own rates. Density and a starting cutting speed are filled in for this material.
EQUIVALENT GRADES
Nearest equivalents across standards. Check the exact standard on critical parts.
| Standard | Grade |
|---|---|
| UNS | A96061 |
| EN / ISO | EN AW-6061 / AlMg1SiCu |
| IS | 65032 (IS 733; close, not identical) |
| Old BS | H20 (HE20 for extrusions) |
Also known as: 6061-T6, 6061-T651, AlMg1SiCu, A96061, AL6061, HE20, 65032
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
| Element | Weight % |
|---|---|
| Si | 0.40–0.80 |
| Fe | 0–0.70 |
| Cu | 0.15–0.40 |
| Mn | 0–0.15 |
| Mg | 0.80–1.20 |
| Cr | 0.04–0.35 |
| Zn | 0–0.25 |
| Ti | 0–0.15 |
| Al | Balance |
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
| Condition | T6 / T651 (ranges run from specification minimum to typical value) |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 260–310 |
| Yield strength (MPa) | 240–276 |
| Elongation (%) | 8–12 |
| Hardness | 93–95 HB |
| Density (g/cm³) | 2.7 |
MACHINING
| Turning, carbide (m/min) | 300–800 |
| Turning, HSS (m/min) | 100–150 |
| Machinability | Good |
In T6 and T651 the alloy cuts freely, but chips come off long and stringy unless the insert has an aluminium chip-breaker, and built-up edge appears at low speeds or in the soft O temper. Use sharp, polished uncoated carbide (or DLC-coated) inserts with a high positive rake, not grades made for steel. Run high spindle speeds with flood emulsion or mist so chips do not weld to the edge, and keep the feed steady rather than rubbing. Thin walls spring after roughing, so leave a small finishing allowance. Expect rolled exit burrs on drilled and milled edges.
APPLICATIONS
INDUSTRIES THAT USE IT
PROCESSING
| Heat treatment | Heat-treatable: T6 is solution treated at about 530 °C, quenched and artificially aged (for example 160 °C for 18 h), and T651 is also stretched to relieve stress. Full annealing to the O temper is done at about 415 °C. |
| Welding | Very good by TIG or MIG with 4043 or 5356 filler, but the heat-affected zone falls to roughly T4 strength (about 40% lower) unless the part is re-heat-treated. |
| Supplied as | Round bar, Flat bar, Extrusion, Tube, Sheet, Plate |
QUESTIONS
Both are heat-treatable Al-Mg-Si alloys and are interchangeable for many machined and structural parts. 6082-T6 is slightly stronger and is the usual stock alloy in the UK and India (HE30), while 6061 is the standard North American alloy with a smoother extruded finish. Follow the drawing where a specific alloy is called up.
The nearest Indian Standard grade is 65032 (IS 733), historically linked to the old British HE20. Its composition limits are close to AA 6061 but not identical, so quote both designations when a drawing calls for 6061-T6.
Specification minimums are about 240 MPa yield and 260–290 MPa tensile depending on product form, and typical values are about 270–276 MPa yield and 310 MPa tensile. Welding drops the heat-affected zone to roughly T4 strength unless the part is re-heat-treated.
RELATED MATERIALS
ALUMINIUM
AA 6082-T6 / T651 (HE30) · 2.7 g/cm³
ALUMINIUM
AA 7075-T6 / T651 · 2.81 g/cm³
ALUMINIUM
AA 5052-H32 · 2.68 g/cm³
Data reviewed 2026-10-02 against:
Typical values for reference. Always check the mill certificate and the standard your customer specifies.
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