6061 aluminum is a versatile medium-to-high-strength heat-treatable alloy in the 6xxx Al-Mg-Si series, with copper added for increased strength. T6 temper (solution heat treated and aged) delivers tensile strength ≥260 MPa, about 30 – 50% higher than 6063-T6, making 6061 the preferred extrusion alloy for load-bearing frames, marine structures, truck bodies and high-strength fabrications.
We supply 6061 extrusions in T6 and T6511 (T6 with stress relief by stretching) tempers. Common profiles include angles, channels, I-beams, square/rectangular tubes, round tubes and bars. Surface finishes include mill, anodized and powder coated.
Table of Contents
- Chemical Composition
- Mechanical & Physical Properties
- 6061 Profile Specifications
- 6061 Profile Weight Examples
- Applications
- 6061 vs 6063 vs 7075
- Welding 6061 Profiles
- 6061 Aluminum Profiles Aluminum Profile Export Markets
- 6061 Standards & Equivalent Grades
- 6061 Profiles Aluminum Profile Supply & Packing
- Frequently Asked Questions
Chemical Composition
| Element | Weight % |
|---|---|
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.8 – 1.2 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.4 – 0.8 |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.15 – 0.40 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.04 – 0.35 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.7 |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤ 0.25 |
| Titanium (Ti) | ≤ 0.15 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 0.15 |
| Aluminum (Al) | Remainder |
Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Temper | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| O (annealed) | 125 | 55 | ≥ 18 |
| T4 (naturally aged) | 240 | 145 | ≥ 16 |
| T6 / T6511 | ≥ 260 (typ. 310) | ≥ 240 (typ. 275) | 8 – 12 |
T6511: T6 temper with stress relief by stretching, specified for profiles to improve straightness and reduce residual stress.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ |
| Melting range | 582 – 652 °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 167 W/m·K |
| Electrical conductivity | 43% IACS |
| Elastic modulus | 69 GPa |
| CTE (20–100°C) | 23.6 × 10⁻⁶ /°C |
6061 Profile Specifications
| Application / Type | Cross-Section (mm) | Wall Thickness (mm) | Temper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structural angles, channels | Per ASTM/EN sizes | 3 – 20 mm | T6, T6511 |
| Square / rectangular tubes | 10×10 to 200×100 mm | 1.5 – 10 mm | T6 |
| Round tubes | Ø10 to Ø300 mm | 1.5 – 10 mm | T6 |
| Flat bars | 10 – 200 mm wide × 3 – 50 mm | — | T6, T6511 |
| Round bars | Ø6 to Ø300 mm | — | T6, T6511 |
Standard extrusion profiles. Custom cross-sections, lengths and surface finishes available on request.
6061 Profile Weight Examples
| Profile | Cross-Section Area (mm²) | Weight (kg/m) | Weight per 6 m (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angle 50×50×5 | 475 | 1.282 | 7.70 |
| Square tube 50×50×5 | 896 | 2.419 | 14.52 |
| Rectangular tube 100×50×5 | 1846 | 4.984 | 29.91 |
| Round tube Ø60×5 | 880 | 2.376 | 14.26 |
| Flat bar 100×10 | 1000 | 2.700 | 16.20 |
| Round bar Ø50 | 1963 | 5.300 | 31.80 |
Weight (kg/m) = cross-section area (mm²) × density (g/cm³) ÷ 1000. Theoretical values for sharp-cornered sections; actual weight varies with corner radii and tolerance.
Applications
- Structural: truck frames, trailer chassis, scaffold towers, support beams
- Marine: boat hulls, masts, deck fittings, railings
- Transportation: bus frames, train interiors, bicycle frames
- Machinery: machine frames, conveyor supports, pneumatic cylinders
- Aerospace: aircraft fittings, secondary structures
- General fabrication: brackets, handrails, jigs, fixtures
6061 vs 6063 vs 7075
| Property | 6063-T6 | 6061-T6 | 7075-T6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 205 – 240 MPa | ≥ 260 MPa | ≥ 540 MPa |
| Extrudability | Excellent | Good | Poor (simple shapes only) |
| Weldability | Good | Good | Poor |
| Corrosion resistance | Excellent | Very good | Fair (SCC risk in T6) |
| Cost | Low | Medium | High |
| Typical use | Architectural, general | Structural, marine | Aerospace, tooling |
6061: best balance of strength, weldability and cost for structural applications.
Welding 6061 Profiles
6061 can be welded using TIG (GTAW) or MIG (GMAW) with ER4043 or ER5356 filler. The heat-affected zone will soften, with as-welded tensile strength around 165 MPa (AWS D1.2 minimum). For full-strength welds, solution heat treat and re-age the entire assembly after welding.
6061 Aluminum Profiles Aluminum Profile Export Markets
We export 6061 Aluminum Profiles aluminum profiles (also written "aluminium profiles") in standard lengths (3m, 6m) or cut-to-length on FOB, CFR and CIF terms. Main destinations and typical uses:
- Southeast Asia – Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong), Malaysia (Port Klang), Thailand (Laem Chabang), Indonesia (Jakarta, Surabaya), Philippines (Manila): truck frames, marine boat fittings, scaffold towers and structural supports.
- North America – Mexico (Manzanillo, Veracruz): trailer chassis, truck body frames, structural beams and machinery frames.
- Middle East – UAE (Jebel Ali), Saudi Arabia (Jeddah, Dammam), Israel (Haifa, Ashdod): marine fittings, structural frames, transport chassis and heavy fabrication.
- Africa – Nigeria (Lagos), South Africa (Durban): truck bodies, scaffold, structural supports and marine applications.
6061 Standards & Equivalent Grades
| System | Designation / Standard |
|---|---|
| AA / ASTM | 6061 (ASTM B221) |
| UNS | A96061 |
| EN | EN AW-6061 (AlMg1SiCu) |
| GB (China) | 6061 |
| JIS | A6061 |
| Extrusion standards | ASTM B221, EN 755-2 (properties), EN 755-9 / EN 12020 (tolerances), JIS H4100 |
| China standards | GB/T 6892 (industrial profiles), GB/T 5237 (architectural profiles) |
6061 Profiles Aluminum Profile Supply & Packing
- Standard Lengths: 3 meters, 6 meters, or cut-to-length up to 6m
- Custom Extrusion: Custom cross-sections, slots, holes and machining available (tooling charge applies)
- Surface Finish: Mill finish, anodized (clear, silver, black, gold, bronze), powder coated (RAL colors), electrophoresis
- Packing: Profiles wrapped in protective film, bundled with corner protectors, shrink-wrapped or in wooden crates for export
- Documents: Mill test certificate (EN 10204 3.1), certificate of origin, material compliance declaration
- MOQ: 500 kg per profile for standard extrusions; 1 – 3 tons for custom tooling orders
- Lead time: 15 – 25 days for standard profiles; 30 – 40 days for custom extrusions (including tooling)
- Terms: FOB, CFR, CIF; payment by T/T or L/C
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I choose 6061 instead of 6063?
Choose 6061 for structural applications requiring higher strength: truck frames, trailer chassis, scaffold towers, marine structures, heavy machinery frames. Choose 6063 for architectural profiles, furniture, T-slot frames and applications where surface finish and anodizing appearance matter more than strength.
What is T6511 temper?
T6511 is T6 temper with stress relief by stretching (1 – 3% permanent set). Stretching relieves residual stresses from quenching, improving straightness and dimensional stability. T6511 is commonly specified for bars and heavy profiles.
Can 6061 be used for marine applications?
Yes. 6061-T6 has very good resistance to seawater and marine atmospheres. It is widely used for boat hulls, masts, deck hardware and marine structural components. For maximum corrosion protection, anodize or paint the profiles.
What filler rod should I use for welding 6061?
Use ER4043 (Al-5Si) for good fluidity and crack resistance, or ER5356 (Al-5Mg) for higher weld strength and better color match after anodizing. Both are suitable; 4043 is more common for general fabrication.
Related Grades
Standard Aluminum Profiles
Off-the-shelf angles, channels, tubes and bars for immediate delivery
2020 / 2040 T-Slot Aluminum Profiles
Lightweight T-slot extrusions for desktop machines and robotics
3030 / 3060 T-Slot Aluminum Profiles
Medium-duty T-slot extrusions for CNC tables and automation frames
45-Series T-Slot Aluminum Profiles
Heavy-duty T-slot extrusions for industrial CNC and automation
Need a Quote for 6061?
Contact our team for pricing, technical specifications, and sample availability.
Request a Quote on WhatsApp