6061 aluminum alloy is a popular material used in CNC machining due to its excellent strength and machinability. It has a chemical composition as below:
Element | Percentage |
Si | 0.4-0.8% |
Fe | 0.7% |
Cu | 0.15-0.4% |
Mn | 0.15% |
Mg | 0.8-1.2% |
Cr | 0.04-0.35% |
Zn | 0.25% |
Ti | <0.15% |
Pb | <0.15% |
Sn | <0.15% |
Mechanical properties of commonly used temper for AA 6061.
Temper State | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) |
O | 124 | 55 | 16 |
T4 | 220 | 150 | 16 |
T6 | 290 | 240 | 8 |
T651 | 310 | 276 | 12 |
Note: “O” indicates annealed or soft condition, “T4” indicates solution heat-treated and naturally aged, “T6” indicates solution heat-treated and artificially aged, and “T651” indicates solution heat-treated and stress-relieved.
6061 aluminum alloy’s unique properties make it a versatile material for CNC machining. Its excellent machinability, high strength, corrosion resistance, weldability, and anodizing capabilities make it a popular choice for manufacturers in many industries.
- Machinability: 6061 aluminum alloy has excellent machinability, which makes it easy to cut, drill, and machine. This material can be processed using different CNC machining methods such as milling, turning, drilling, and tapping.
- Surface Finish: 6061 aluminum alloy provides a smooth surface finish after CNC machining. Because of its low surface roughness, it is commonly used in intricate parts that require precise dimensions and finishes.
- High Strength: 6061 aluminum alloy exhibits high strength, making it suitable for use in heavy-duty applications. It can withstand high loads and stresses without deforming or breaking, making it an ideal material for structural components.
- Corrosion Resistance: 6061 aluminum alloy has excellent corrosion resistance, making it suitable for use in marine environments or other harsh conditions. Its resistance to saltwater corrosion and pitting makes it ideal for marine hardware and shipbuilding applications.
- Weldability: 6061 aluminum alloy can be easily welded, making it suitable for applications that require joining two or more components. This feature ensures that the finished product is strong and durable.
- Anodizing: 6061 aluminum alloy can be anodized to improve its resistance to wear, corrosion, and improve its appearance. The anodization process creates a protective layer on the surface of the material, increasing its durability and enhancing its aesthetics.
Aluminum CNC machining is widely used in various industries such as aerospace components, automotive parts, bicycle frames, electronic enclosures, marine hardware, structural components, etc.
Contact Us