6061 Aluminum Rectangle, Square Tube & Pipe
Aluminum 6061 alloy is a precipitation-hardened aluminum, silicon, magnesium alloy that has had great success in a wide range of all-purpose applications. 6061 aluminum is revered for its strength, formability, weldability, machinability, and corrosion resistance. 6061 aluminum was initially developed in 1935 and its characteristics continue to make it one of the most popular aluminum alloys today. It is often used for applications that require welding or brazing.
Alro stocks 6061 aluminum alloy in pipe, plate, sheet, rectangular tube, square tube, and tread plate.
Request a quote for further pricing details on 6061 aluminum shapes or call us at 888-888-2576 and we will gladly answer any questions regarding 6061. Alro Steel is your trusted 6061 aluminum suppliers.
6061 Aluminum Workability
In temper 0 6061 has excellent formability and it is good in T-4. Machining can prove more challenging than with other machining alloys; it is particularly gummy in 0 condition, and fair in harder tempers. This is oftened outweighed by the excellent corrosion resistance and appearance after anodizing which is the highest of screw machine alloys, though properties are generally lower.
Alro stocks 6061 aluminum tubing, pipes, plates, and sheets, in a variety of shapes.
Comparing Aluminum Grades
7075 Aluminum vs. 6061 Aluminum
Because they both contain largely the same alloys, 7075 and 6061 aluminum are often cross-compared as grade options for any given application. But the two aluminum grades have different composition ratios that make them respectively suitable for different types of production needs.
7075 aluminum contains more zinc than 6061. This makes it more corrosion resistant and strong, but less easily shaped than 6061, which is more malleable, weldable, and versatile. As a result, 7075 is preferable for high-stress applications like aerospace or military equipment, while 6061 is useful for crafting particularly shaped parts that faceless strenuous wear, like transit infrastructure, stairs, or small water vessels. Analyze the pressures of your project's use environment to make the right aluminum grade choice.
6063 Aluminum vs. 6061 Aluminum
6061 aluminum often draws comparisons with 6063 aluminum, as both grades are commonly used to craft structural parts. While the two are extremely similar and often present negligible differences in application, 6061 provides a notably higher yield strength for parts that need to withstand exceptional force. Regardless of your choice, 6061 or 6063 aluminum will provide your project with high weldability and formability.
6061 Aluminum vs. 5052 Aluminum
Due to its excellent corrosion resistance, 5052 aluminum offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, a smooth surface, good formability, and is widely recognized as the best welding aluminum on the market. Because it does not contain copper, 5052 is also more resistant to corrosion.
6061 aluminum is a magnesium and silicon alloy that provides expanded strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance. The added silicon within 6061 reduces the melting temperature of the metal, however, the combination of magnesium and silicon allow 6061 to be effectively heat treated.
Typical Uses
Aluminum 6061 products provide numerous benefits for a wide range of industries. Some of the main advantages associated with 6061 aluminum include:
- Railway car components
- Yachts, boats, and aircraft structures
- SCUBA tanks
- Bridge components
- Pipe fittings
- Wheels and various transportation end uses
- Food and beverage cans
