Aluminum alloys in the 6000 series offer strong mechanical properties along with excellent corrosion resistance. Although most aluminum alloys cannot be heat treated, 6061 T6 Aluminum Sheet from GNEE can be hot-forged. This alloy undergoes precipitation hardening, and when tempered to the T6 condition, it reaches its highest precipitation-hardening capability. As a result, the UNS A96061 Diamond Plates can achieve high yield strength. In the T6 temper, the alloy typically has a yield strength of about 240 MPa, which can increase to 270 MPa.
It is notable that the yield strength of a 6061-T6 Aluminum Diamond Tread Plate can even exceed that of certain conventional stainless steels. This makes the alloy suitable for use in aircraft components, especially since the T6 Aluminum Sheet is significantly lighter than many stainless steel grades. However, these sheets are more commonly used in home-built aircraft rather than military or commercial aviation.
Because 6061 T6 aluminum is a non-reactive metal, it is compatible with various chemicals found in food, including acids and alkalis. Therefore, the canning industry often uses 6061 Aluminum Sheet supplied by GNEE for packaging food products and beverages.
6061 Aluminum Sheet & Plate delivers a balance of high strength, good corrosion resistance, and excellent machinability, making it the most widely used aluminum grade for various fabrication projects. As a general-purpose alloy, 6061 is heat-treatable, resistant to stress-related cracking, and easy to weld and machine, though its formability is somewhat limited. GNEE's 6061 Aluminum Sheet & Plate is particularly suitable for structural framing, base plates, gussets, and components used in aircraft, marine, and automotive applications.
Characteristics
6061 aluminum sheet is widely chosen for its strength, light weight, heat resistance, formability, and strong corrosion resistance. It is easy to weld and machine and can undergo heat treatment without sacrificing strength. Compared to 6063, 6061 aluminum provides nearly double the strength. It offers a minimum ultimate tensile strength of 42,000 psi (290 MPa) and a minimum yield strength of 35,000 psi (241 MPa). For thicknesses of 0.250 inch (6.35 mm) or less, elongation is at least 8%, increasing to 10% for thicker gauges. The T651 temper delivers similar mechanical performance. This alloy is nonmagnetic and has a Brinell hardness of 95.
FEATURES: Excellent moisture resistance and strong relative to its light weight.
WORKABILITY: Suitable for welding with proper equipment and easy to drill, machine, shear, and form.
COMMON USES: Frame skins, truck beds, toolboxes, trays, drip pans, decorative components, and more.
SPECIFICATION: ASTM B209-10 (Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate)
ALLOY: 6061-T651
CHARACTERISTICS: Lightweight, semi-smooth surface with a dull mill finish.
Applications
6061 aluminum sheet is widely used for machined parts and components in heat exchangers, pressure vessels, gussets, and automotive systems. Strong, machinable, and weldable, GNEE's 6061-T651 Aluminum Sheet (ASTM B209, QQ-A-250/11) offers enhanced strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability, making it the most commonly used aluminum grade. Although its formability is limited, 6061 Aluminum Sheet remains ideal for structural framing, base plates, gussets, and motorcycle and automotive components.
