| Analysis | Mechanical_Properties | Applications | Machineability_and_Weldability | Tolerances | Speedy Metals items |
6061 alloy is the accepted alloy for structural shapes and in the (-T6) condition the strength is approximately equal to that of structural steel. It combines high strength, good workability, weldability, and corrosion resistance, making it popular for a wide variety of uses. 6061 angles and channels have an inside radius for strength. 6063 alloy offers the best compromise of all commercial alloys for extrudability, strength and cost, excellent corrosion resistance, formability, weldability, surface appearance, and good strength. It has excellent finishing characteristics and will anodize well for color match with 3003 and 5052. Often referred to as architectural angle and channel, it has sharp corners, both inside the structural shape and out.
Note: trace elements of 0.005 are present totaling 0.15% of weight Remainder of above: Aluminum 6061 Structurals conform to ASTM B308, QQ-A-200/16 6063 Structurals conform to ASTM B221, AMS 4156, QQ-A-200/9
The above values are average and may be considered as representative of 6061 and 6063 Structural Aluminum
Used for general structural purposes. 6061 most widely used for scaffolding, ship construction, transmission towers, truck trailers, machine parts, and furniture applications. 6063 is used extensively for architectural molding and trim, furniture, window and door construction, etc
6061 in the T4 condition has a machinability rating of 90% when compared to 2011 at 100%. Machines to a high finish.
6063 in the T4/T6 condition has a machinability rating of 80% when compared to 2011 at 100%
6061 and 6063 can be readily welded using all the common welding techniques.
Permissible Variations in Cross Section for Aluminum Structural Shapes
| Shape | Nominal Dimensions | Toleranceª
Inches of percent of nominal allowable deviation |
| Angles | Thickness | ± 2-1/2%, +0.010" min. |
| Flange Width | ± 2-1/2%, +1/16" min. | |
| Channels | Thickness | ± 2-1/2%, +0.010" min. |
| Flange width | ± 4% | |
| Depth | +3/32", -1/16" |
ª Inches or percent of nominal
Angularity
| Nominal leg, web, or flange thickness whichever least (in) |
Tolerance Degrees plus or minus Allowable deviation from 90 degrees |
| Under 0.188 | 2 |
| 0.188 - 0.749 | 1-1/2 |
| .75 and over | 1 |
Twist
| Specified width or depth, whichever is greater |
Tolerance Degrees plus or minus Allowable deviation from 90 degrees |
|
| Per Foot | Per Length | |
| Under 1.500" | 1° | 1° x length (ft) |
| 1.500 - 2.999" | 1/2° | 1/2° x length (ft); 5° |
| 3.000 and over | 1/4° | 1/4° x length (ft); 3° |
FLATNESS
Depth (max) = 0.004" x WidthSTRAIGHTNESS
Allowable deviation from straight
Up thru 5 feet: 0.125"
Over 5 feet: Length, ft X 0.025"
CORNER AND FILLET RADII
| Specified Radius (in) | Tolerance (in) Allowable deviation from specified radius |
| Sharp Corners | ± 1/64" |
| Under 0.188 | ± 1/64" |
| 0.188 and over | ± 10% |