| Analysis | Mechanical_Properties | Applications | Machineability_and_Weldability | Heat_Treating | Tolerances | Speedy Metals items |
6061 is a good, general purpose aluminum alloy with magnesium and silicon as its alloying elements. 6061 has the highest resistance to corrosion of all the heat treated aluminums, but strength is lower. 6061 has a wide range of mechanical properties and is readily machined and has good forming properties. 6061 welds easily, has excellent joining characteristics, and good acceptance to anodizing and other applied coatings. Electrical conductivity is 40% of copper.
Note: trace elements of 0.005 are present totaling 0.15% of weight 6061 Extruded Tube and Pipe Conforms to ASTM B241, AMS 4173, AMS 4080, AMS 4082, AMS 4083, WW-T-700/6
above values are average and may be considered as representative
6061 tube is commonly used for structural components, frames, machine parts, truck and marine components, marine fittings, electrical fittings and connectors, bike frames, railings, truck racks, etc. 6061 is used for heavy duty structures requiring good strength-to-weight ratio with good corrosion resistance. 6061 is easily cold worked and formed in the annealed condition. Cutting, stamping, bending, spinning, deep drawing, drilling, tapping, etc. are all readily accomplished using standard methods.
6061 in the T4 condition has a machinability rating of 90% when compared to 2011 at 100%. Machines to a high finish.
6061 can be readily welded using all the common welding techniques.
6061 Extruded tube is generally used in the "as supplied" condition. However, 6061 is a heat treatable aluminum alloy.
HEAT TREATMENT - Solution heat treat at 990°F for adequate time to allow for thorough heating and then water quenched. Precipitation hardening is done at 320°F for 18 hours and air cool, followed by 350°F for 8 hours and air cooled.
ANNEALING - Annealing should be done at 775°F for at 2 to 3 hours at temperature, followed by controlled cooling at 50°F per hour down to 500°F then air cooled.
AGING - The aging precipitation heat treatment is done at 350°F for 8 hours followed by air cooling. This produces the T6 temper.
| Outside Diameter (Inches) | Allowable deviation of mean diameter from specified diameter (+/-) | Allowable deviation of diameter at any point from specified diameter (ovalness) (+/-) |
| 0.500 - 0.999 | 0.01 | 0.02 |
| 1.000 - 1.999 | 0.01 | 0.03 |
| 2.000 - 3.999 | 0.02 | 0.03 |
| 4.000 - 5.999 | 0.03 | 0.05 |
| 6.000 - 7.999 | 0.04 | 0.08 |
| 8.000 - 9.999 | 0.05 | 0.10 |
| 10.000 - 11.999 | 0.06 | 0.13 |
| 12.000 - 12.875 | 0.07 | 0.15 |
WALL THICKNESS TOLERANCES (plus or minus)
| OUTSIDE DIAMETER, INCHES | ||||
| Specified wall Thickness, in. | Under 1.250 | 1.250-2.999 | 3.000-4.999 | 5.000 and over |
| Under 0.047 | 0.01 | - | - | - |
| 0.047 - 0.061 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.01 |
| 0.062 - 0.077 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.01 |
| 0.078 - 0.124 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.02 |
| 0.125 - 0.249 | 0.009 | 0.009 | 0.013 | 0.02 |
| 0.250 - 0.374 | 0.011 | 0.011 | 0.016 | 0.025 |
| 0.357 - 0.499 | - | 0.015 | 0.021 | 0.035 |
| 0.500 - 0.749 | - | 0.02 | 0.028 | 0.045 |
| 0.750 - 0.999 | - | - | 0.035 | 0.055 |
| 1.000 - 1.499 | - | - | 0.045 | 0.065 |
| 1.500 - 2.000 | - | - | - | 0.075 |
Allowable deviation of wall thickness at any point from mean wall thickness
(eccentricity):
Plus or minus 10% of mean wall thickness. (Max +/- .060"; Min +/- .010")
(The mean wall thickness of round tube is the average of two measurements taken
opposite of each other.)