6061 T6 Aluminum Plate: Mechanical Properties, Composition, and Applications
Overview of 6061 T6 Aluminum Alloy
Alloys in the 6000 series aluminum family are known for their balanced mechanical performance and excellent corrosion resistance. Among them, 6061 T6 aluminum plate and sheet stand out as some of the most widely used heat-treatable aluminum products in industrial and commercial applications.
Unlike many aluminum alloys that cannot be heat treated, 6061 aluminum responds well to precipitation hardening. When supplied in the T6 temper, the alloy is solution heat treated and artificially aged to achieve maximum precipitation hardening, resulting in significantly improved strength.
Mechanical Performance of 6061 T6 Aluminum Plate
The T6 temper allows 6061 aluminum to reach a high yield and tensile strength. In practical terms, 6061 T6 aluminum plate typically achieves a yield strength of approximately 240 MPa, with some products reaching up to 270 MPa. This strength level can even exceed that of certain conventional stainless steel grades, while maintaining a much lower density.
Because of its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, 6061 T6 aluminum sheet and plate are well suited for applications where structural strength and weight reduction are both critical.
Typical Mechanical Properties of 6061 T6 Aluminum
Tensile Strength: 45,000 PSI
Yield Strength: 40,000 PSI
Shear Strength: 31,000 PSI
Elongation (2″): 12%
Brinell Hardness: 95
6061 T6 Aluminum Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of 6061 T6 aluminum plate is carefully controlled to ensure consistent performance and heat-treatment response.
6061 T6 Aluminum Chemical Composition (%)
Silicon (Si): 0.4–0.8
Magnesium (Mg): 0.8–1.2
Copper (Cu): 0.15–0.40
Chromium (Cr): 0.15–0.35
Iron (Fe): ≤0.7
Zinc (Zn): ≤0.25
Manganese (Mn): ≤0.15
Titanium (Ti): ≤0.15
Aluminum (Al): Balance
Other (Each/Total): 0.005 / 0.15
This balanced chemistry contributes to the alloy's strength, corrosion resistance, and excellent fabrication characteristics.
Density and Physical Properties of 6061 T6 Aluminum
One of the advantages of 6061 T6 aluminum sheet is its low density compared to steel alloys.
Density: 0.0975 lb/in³
Thermal Conductivity: 1160 Btu-in/hr-ft²-°F
Electrical Resistivity: 3.99 × 10⁻⁶ Ω·cm
These properties make 6061 T6 aluminum plate suitable for applications requiring thermal efficiency, electrical performance, and lightweight design.
Equivalent Grades of 6061 T6 Aluminum
6061 T6 aluminum is recognized globally under multiple standards:
UNS: A96061
Werkstoff Nr.: 3.3211
DIN: AlMgSiCu
EN: EN AW-6061 / AW-AlMg1SiCu
ISO: AlMg1SiCu
Applications of 6061 T6 Aluminum Plate
Thanks to its non-reactive nature, 6061 T6 aluminum plate performs well when exposed to food-related chemicals, including mild acids and alkalis. As a result, it is widely used in the food and beverage packaging industry, particularly for cans and containers.
Additionally, its high strength and low density make it suitable for aircraft components, especially in home-built and light aviation applications. While it is not commonly used for large-scale commercial or military aircraft, it remains a popular choice for structural aerospace parts where weight savings are essential.
Other common applications include:
Structural and engineering components
Transportation and automotive parts
Marine fittings
Diamond tread plates and flooring
Industrial machinery and equipment
Specifications and Supply Range of 6061 T6 Aluminum
At GNEE, 6061 T6 aluminum products are supplied in accordance with ASTM B209 / ASME SB209 standards.
Typical Supply Range
Thickness: 0.2–300 mm
Width: 500–2500 mm
Length: 500–10000 mm
Forms: Sheet, plate, coil, strip, checkered plate, flat bar, circle, ring, and more
Surface Finishes: Mill finish, polished, brushed, bright, embossed, checkered, etched, sandblasted
Available Tempers: T6, T651, T4, O, H112, and others
Why Choose GNEE 6061 T6 Aluminum Plate
As a professional aluminum supplier, GNEE provides 6061 T6 aluminum plate and sheet with stable chemistry, reliable mechanical properties, and consistent dimensional accuracy. With a wide inventory, flexible customization, and strict quality control, GNEE supports projects across construction, transportation, aerospace, and industrial manufacturing.
For detailed specifications or customized solutions, GNEE, a Chinese supplier of aluminum products, is ready to support your requirements with reliable materials and technical expertise.
