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Form: Extruded round bar / Cold drawn round bar / Hex bar
Diameter: Φ5mm – Φ300mm
Length: Standard 2500mm / 3000mm / 6000mm, cut-to-length available
Temper: T6, T651, T4, O
Standards: ASTM B211 / AMS 4117 / EN 573-3
6061 aluminum alloy is one of the most versatile and widely used heat-treatable aluminum alloys in the 6000 series. It combines magnesium and silicon as its principal alloying elements, giving it excellent strength-to-weight ratio, superior corrosion resistance, good weldability, and outstanding machinability. Originally developed in 1935 as "Alloy 61S," 6061 has become the go-to choice for structural, marine, automotive, and aerospace applications.
As a leading supplier, Shanghai Bozhong Metal Group Co., Ltd. (上海博中金属集团有限公司) offers 6061 aluminum bars in a wide range of shapes (round, square, flat, hexagonal) and tempers (O, T4, T6, T651, T6511), manufactured to meet international standards including ASTM B211, AMS 4117, and EN 755. Mill test certificates (MTC) are provided with every shipment for full traceability.
T6 temper delivers tensile strength up to 310 MPa (45 ksi) at only 2.7 g/cm³ density, ideal for lightweight structural designs.
Natural oxide layer provides strong resistance to atmospheric and marine environments. Compatible with anodizing for enhanced protection.
Rated 50% on the machinability scale for aluminum alloys (T6 temper). T651 stress-relieved bars deliver even better dimensional stability during machining.
Compatible with TIG, MIG, and resistance welding. Post-weld heat treatment restores strength in heat-affected zones.
| Size Range (mm) | Size Range (inch) | Temper | Standard | Typical Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 – 25 | 0.118 – 0.984 | T6 / T6511 | ASTM B211 | 3000 mm / 3660 mm |
| 25 – 100 | 1.000 – 3.937 | T6 / T651 / T6511 | ASTM B211 / AMS 4117 | 3000 mm / 3660 mm |
| 100 – 200 | 3.937 – 7.874 | T6 / T6511 | ASTM B211 / AMS 4117 | 3000 mm / 3660 mm |
| 200 – 400 | 7.874 – 15.748 | T6 / T6511 | ASTM B211 | 2000 – 3000 mm |
| 400 – 610 | 15.748 – 24.016 | T6 / T6511 | ASTM B211 | 1000 – 3000 mm |
| Size Range (mm) | Size Range (inch) | Temper | Standard | Typical Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 – 20 | 0.236 – 0.787 | T6 / T6511 | ASTM B211 | 3000 mm / 3660 mm |
| 20 – 60 | 0.787 – 2.362 | T6 / T651 / T6511 | ASTM B211 / AMS 4117 | 3000 mm / 3660 mm |
| 60 – 152 | 2.362 – 5.984 | T6 / T6511 | ASTM B211 | 3000 mm |
6061 aluminum is available in multiple temper conditions, each designed for different fabrication and application requirements. The table below compares the most commonly used tempers.
| Property | 6061-O (Annealed) | 6061-T4 (Natural Aged) | 6061-T6 (Artificially Aged) | 6061-T651 (Stress-Relieved Plate) | 6061-T6511 (Stress-Relieved Extrusion) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 124 MPa (18 ksi) | 241 MPa (35 ksi) | 310 MPa (45 ksi) | 310 MPa (45 ksi) | 310 MPa (45 ksi) |
| Yield Strength | 55 MPa (8 ksi) | 145 MPa (21 ksi) | 276 MPa (40 ksi) | 276 MPa (40 ksi) | 276 MPa (40 ksi) |
| Elongation (%) | 25% | 22% | 12–17% | 12–17% | 12–17% |
| Hardness (HB) | ~30 | ~65 | 95 | 95 | 95 |
| Formability | Excellent | Very Good | Moderate | Moderate | Good |
| Machinability | Poor | Fair | Good (50%) | Good (50%) | Good (50%) |
| Stress Relief | No | No | No | Yes (stretched 1–3%) | Yes (stretched + straightened) |
| Typical Form | Sheet / Plate / Bar | Sheet / Plate | Sheet < 0.25" thick | Plate > 0.25" thick, cold-finished bar | Extruded bar / rod / shapes |
| Weldability | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Good |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Very Good | Very Good | Very Good |
| Key Application | Deep drawing, spinning, bending | Forming + subsequent aging | General structural parts | Precision machining, CNC parts | Turned parts, general extrusions |
Best for general-purpose applications requiring a balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and cost. Available in sheet and thin-gauge plate under 0.25" thickness. Commonly used for bicycle frames, structural components, and general fabrication.
Ideal for CNC precision machining where dimensional stability is critical. The stress-relieving stretch (1&ndash3%) minimizes warping and distortion during material removal. Best for large flat parts, base plates, and fixtures. Available in plate form only (>0.25" thick).
Most cost-effective for turned or milled cylindrical and prismatic parts. Stress-relieved and straightened extruded bar stock. Often dual-certified to meet both T6 and T6511 specifications. Ideal for shafts, pins, bushings, and general machining when T651's premium stability is not required.
Fully soft condition for maximum formability. Use when the part requires deep drawing, complex bending, or spinning. Parts can be subsequently heat-treated to T4 or T6 temper for higher strength after forming.
Composition limits per Aluminum Association standards (% by weight, maximum unless range specified).
| Element | Symbol | Content (wt. %) | Role in Alloy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Al | 95.8 – 98.6 | Base metal |
| Magnesium | Mg | 0.80 – 1.20 | Primary strengthening element; forms Mg₂Si precipitates |
| Silicon | Si | 0.40 – 0.80 | Forms Mg₂Si with magnesium for precipitation hardening |
| Copper | Cu | 0.15 – 0.40 | Enhances strength and precipitation response |
| Chromium | Cr | 0.04 – 0.35 | Grain structure control; improves corrosion resistance |
| Iron | Fe | ≤ 0.70 | Impurity; controlled to maintain ductility |
| Manganese | Mn | ≤ 0.15 | Minor grain refiner |
| Zinc | Zn | ≤ 0.25 | Impurity |
| Titanium | Ti | ≤ 0.15 | Grain refiner |
| Others (each) | — | ≤ 0.05 | Trace elements |
| Others (total) | — | ≤ 0.15 | — |
Typical values at room temperature (25°C / 77°F) unless otherwise noted.
| Property | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Tensile Strength | 310 MPa | 45,000 psi |
| Tensile Yield Strength (0.2% offset) | 276 MPa | 40,000 psi |
| Elongation at Break (1.6 mm thick) | 12% | 12% |
| Elongation at Break (12.7 mm dia.) | 17% | 17% |
| Shear Strength | 207 MPa | 30,000 psi |
| Fatigue Strength (5×10⁸ cycles) | 96.5 MPa | 14,000 psi |
| Bearing Ultimate Strength (e/D = 2.0) | 607 MPa | 88,000 psi |
| Bearing Yield Strength (e/D = 2.0) | 386 MPa | 56,000 psi |
| Fracture Toughness (KᵢC, TL) | 29 MPa·√m | 26.4 ksi·√in |
| Machinability Rating | 50% (0–100 scale for Al alloys) | |
| Process Step | Temperature | Hold Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solution Heat Treatment | 529°C (985°F) | Per section thickness | Quench immediately after soak |
| Aging (rolled/drawn products) | 160°C (320°F) | 18 hours | Standard T6 artificial aging |
| Aging (extrusions/forgings) | 177°C (350°F) | 8 hours | Standard T6 aging for extrusions |
| Annealing (full soft) | 413°C (775°F) | 2–3 hours | Slow cool to 260°C (500°F) |
6061 aluminum bar serves a wide range of industries and use cases due to its balanced combination of strength, machinability, and corrosion resistance.
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| ASTM B211 | Standard specification for aluminum and aluminum-alloy rolled or cold-finished bar, rod, and wire |
| AMS 4117 | Aerospace material specification for 6061-T6 and 6061-T651 aluminum alloy bars, rods, and wire |
| AMS-QQ-A-225/8 | Federal specification for 6061 aluminum alloy bar, rod, and shapes |
| EN 755 | European standard for aluminum and aluminum alloy extruded rod/bar, tube, and profiles |
| UNS A96061 | Unified Numbering System designation for 6061 alloy |
| ISO AlMg1SiCu | ISO designation for 6061 alloy |