Injection Molding
Tooling and molding for your repeat plastic parts.
6061 AluminumFor Your Custom CNC Machined Parts
For your 6061 aluminum CNC machining project, agree the temper, critical features and finish before ordering. Review your prototype and repeat parts on one controlled drawing.
Machining reviewLoad & weightCorrosion & finishPrototype to repeat
Overview of 6061 Aluminum
For custom 6061 aluminum parts, compare the required strength, geometry, corrosion exposure and finish with the exact stock form and temper. Welding or brazing can make 6061 worth reviewing; forming can lead you toward O or T4 rather than a T6 starting condition.
6061 aluminum machinability still needs suitable tool access and a clamping plan. The right alloy is the one that meets your finished-part requirement.
CNC machining
Review pockets, bores and mating datums.
CNC Machining →Prototype to production
Define what your first parts need to prove.
Prototype Support →Finishing options
Agree appearance and final dimensions.
Anodizing →6061 Aluminum Key Properties
| Property | Typical value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Density (20 °C) | 2.70 | g/cm³ |
| Ultimate tensile strength (T6/T651) | 310 | MPa |
| Yield strength (T6/T651) | 276 | MPa |
| Elongation / 4D (T6/T651) | 17 | % |
| Brinell hardness (T6/T651) | 95 | HB |
| Thermal conductivity (20 °C, T6/T651) | 167 | W/(m·K) |
Typical reference values, not purchase minima. Mechanical values use the source’s 0.500-inch tensile specimen; stock form, specification and actual material records govern acceptance.
Common Tempers: 6061-T6 vs 6061-T651
6061-T6
- Solution heat-treated and artificially aged.
- Review the specified product form and material record.
- Keep post-weld and post-finish requirements explicit.
6061-T651
- Includes stress relief by stretching.
- Review thin walls, removal balance and fixturing.
- Do not assume automatic substitution for T6.
For 6061-T651 CNC machining, agree the exact condition and applicable product standard. T651 does not guarantee zero distortion.
Full mechanical properties
| Temper | UTS ksi / MPa | Yield ksi / MPa | Elongation / 4D | HB | Shear ksi / MPa | Fatigue ksi / MPa | Modulus 10³ ksi / GPa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T451 | 35 / 241 | 21 / 145 | 25% | 65 | 24 / 165 | 14 / 97 | 10.0 / 68.3 |
| T6, T651 | 45 / 310 | 40 / 276 | 17% | 95 | 30 / 207 | 14 / 97 | 10.0 / 68.3 |
Tensile values: 0.500-inch-diameter specimen; elongation measured over 4D. Brinell test: 500 kg load, 10 mm ball. Fatigue values refer to 5 × 10⁸ reversed-stress cycles, R.R. Moore type; they are not a guaranteed service fatigue limit.
Chemical composition limits
| Weight % | Si | Fe | Cu | Mn | Mg | Cr | Zn | Ti | Other: each | Other: total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 0.40 | — | 0.15 | — | 0.8 | 0.04 | — | — | — | — |
| Maximum | 0.8 | 0.7 | 0.40 | 0.15 | 1.2 | 0.35 | 0.25 | 0.15 | 0.05 | 0.15 |
Dashes mean no minimum is listed in this source, not a zero-content claim. Compare the applicable material specification and lot certificate; a photograph cannot establish alloy identity.
Physical properties & conductivity
| Characteristic / condition | English | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal density, 68 °F / 20 °C | 0.098 lb/in³ | 2.70 Mg/m³ |
| Melting range | 1080–1206 °F | 582–652 °C |
| Specific heat, 212 °F / 100 °C | 0.214 BTU/(lb·°F) | 896 J/(kg·K) |
| Linear thermal expansion, 68–212 °F / 20–100 °C | 13.1 µin/(in·°F) | 23.6 µm/(m·K) |
| Volumetric thermal expansion, 68 °F / 20 °C | 3.93 × 10⁻⁵ in³/(in³·°F) | 71 × 10⁻⁶ m³/(m³·K) |
| Thermal conductivity at 68 °F / 20 °C — O | 104 BTU/(ft·h·°F) | 180 W/(m·K) |
| Thermal conductivity at 68 °F / 20 °C — T451 | 89 BTU/(ft·h·°F) | 154 W/(m·K) |
| Thermal conductivity at 68 °F / 20 °C — T6/T651 | 97 BTU/(ft·h·°F) | 167 W/(m·K) |
| Electrical conductivity, equal volume — O | 47% IACS | 47% IACS |
| Electrical conductivity, equal volume — T451 | 40% IACS | 40% IACS |
| Electrical conductivity, equal volume — T6/T651 | 43% IACS | 43% IACS |
| Electrical conductivity, equal weight — O | 155% IACS | 155% IACS |
| Electrical conductivity, equal weight — T451 | 132% IACS | 132% IACS |
| Electrical conductivity, equal weight — T6/T651 | 142% IACS | 142% IACS |
Temperature and temper matter to thermal design. Equal-weight electrical figures are a mass-normalized comparison; they do not mean higher equal-volume conductivity than copper. Confirm the values required for your design.
Relative processing & corrosion ratings
| Temper | General corrosion | Stress corrosion | Cold workability | Machinability | Anodize response | Brazeability | Gas weld | Arc weld | Spot weld |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O | B | A | A | D | A | A | A | A | B |
| T451 | B | B | B | C | A | A | A | A | A |
| T6, T651 | B | A | C | C | A | A | A | A | A |
Letters are comparative ratings within the source, not certification or a promise of suitability. Corrosion/machinability use A–E, cold workability A–D and anodize response A–C in decreasing merit. Joining ratings A–D run from generally weldable to no commonly used method. Stress-corrosion ratings reflect source test/service conditions, including 3.5% sodium chloride alternate immersion; assess your actual load and environment.
Source: Kaiser Aluminum, Alloy 6061 Sheet, Coil & Plate technical data, Rev. 05/06; user-supplied data sheets. Read the source data →
CNC Machining of 6061 Aluminum
Choose the route around your geometry, functional features and inspection plan. For precision 6061 aluminum machining, define the dimensions that matter to your assembly.
6061 aluminum CNC milling
- Pockets, faces and mounting patterns
- Internal corner radii and tool reach
- Datum and cosmetic-surface planning
6061 aluminum CNC turning
- Bores, sleeves, hubs and flanges
- Bearing seats, shoulders and threads
- Runout and post-finish dimensions
5-Axis Machining Review
- Angled features and complex access
- Fixture clearance and datum transfer
- Part-specific setup and measurement
Illustrative machining concepts, not documentary machine photographs or a universal tolerance promise. Review the actual drawing for feasibility.
Surface Finishing Options
For anodized 6061 aluminum parts or another specified finish, agree appearance and final dimensions together. Specify the finish rather than choosing it from a photograph.
Clear Anodizing
Surface preparation, thickness, racking and final fits.
Black Anodizing
Color reference, visible faces and allowed variation.
Powder Coating
Gloss, texture, masking and final assembly clearance.
Bead Blasting
Texture, masked features and subsequent protection.
Brushing
Grain direction, appearance faces and edge condition.
Polishing
Appearance target, edge retention and protection.
For black anodized 6061 aluminum parts, agree the sample and masking requirements. Brushing and polishing are appearance operations, not a substitute for a specified protective coating. Availability is confirmed with your order.
Typical Applications to Review Against Your Drawing
These example geometries help frame the review for your 6061 aluminum machined parts. Your design, material specification and application requirements determine suitability.
Industrial Equipment
Mating datums, bores and service access.
Vehicle Accessories
Mounting interfaces, load and environment.
Robotics & Automation
Alignment faces and fastener locations.
Electronics Enclosures
Connector openings, covers and finish.
Aerospace Support Equipment
Drawing scope and qualification requirements.
Consumer-Device Components
Fits, appearance and repeat acceptance.
Illustrative part concepts; no customer program, certified aerospace use or tested component performance is implied.
6061 vs 7075 Aluminum
Review 6061 for the combined machining, joining, corrosion and finish requirement. Compare 7075 when your specified strength condition controls the design.
Compare Aluminum Alloys →
6061 vs 6063: compare a machined part with an extrusion-led design.
6061 vs 5052: compare your machined or welded component with a formed sheet part.
6 Inputs for Your 6061 Aluminum Review
01 CAD plus controlled drawing revision
02 6061 designation, temper and stock form
03 Trial quantity and repeat demand
04 Critical fits, threads and sealing features
05 Finish, color and masked areas
06 Required inspection and material records
Identify any open requirements, proposed substitutions or reference-only data. Your team can then compare the material, process and inspection scope on the same basis.
Your Questions Before Ordering 6061 Aluminum Parts
Is 6061 a good choice for your machined part?
6061 aluminum machinability, corrosion exposure, joining and finish are useful starting points. Your required load, geometry, product form and exact temper decide whether the material fits the application.
Is 6061 T6 or T651 better for machining?
There is no universal best condition. T651 includes stress relief by stretching, but thin walls, removal balance and fixturing can still affect dimensional stability. Review your stock form, specification and required final condition.
What tolerances can 6061 CNC machining achieve?
Send the controlled drawing and identify critical features. Size, geometry, temper, setups, finish and measurement method determine feasibility. Agree the tolerances and inspection condition for your part instead of applying one blanket value.
How much do custom 6061 aluminum parts cost?
The quote depends on stock size and condition, removed material, machining access, setups, quantity, finish and required inspection. A CAD model plus a controlled drawing lets those costs be reviewed on the same finished-part scope.
Can 6061 machined parts be hard anodized?
Hard anodizing may be considered when the specified process and part requirements are suitable. Confirm coating type, thickness, masked fits, appearance and acceptance criteria in your quote. The material designation alone does not guarantee the finished coating performance.
What files are needed for a 6061 machining quote?
Send the 3D CAD, controlled 2D drawing and revision, material/temper callout, quantities, critical features, finish and documentation requirements. Flag open decisions so they can be resolved before order release.
Can 6061 parts be welded?
6061 can be considered for suitable welding procedures, but welding changes the local material condition. Review joint design, final strength, distortion and subsequent treatment against your application.
What should you ask a 6061 aluminum parts manufacturer?
Ask how the proposed temper and stock will be verified, which revision controls the work, how critical dimensions will be inspected and what finish and lot records are included. Confirm any proposed substitutions before manufacture.
Can you match a colored anodized finish?
Specify a physical or agreed color reference, gloss/texture, visible faces and allowed variation. Approve the sample and masking requirements for your order; on-screen colors are illustrative.
Can you provide material and inspection records?
State the material document, dimensional report, traceability and any special certification needs in the RFQ. Availability and scope must be confirmed for your proposed material and order.
5 Decisions That Keep Your 6061 Order Clear
Temper
T6, T651 or another controlled condition.
Geometry
Datum faces, pockets and tool access.
Fit
Critical dimensions before or after finish.
Appearance
Color, texture and masking boundaries.
Evidence
Material, inspection and release records.
4 Drawing Checks Before Your 6061 Part Is Machined
Tool access
Give deep pockets usable corner radii. Review long tool reach and narrow openings before fixing the geometry.
Wall balance
Thin walls and heavy material removal can move during machining. Discuss roughing, clamping and when final dimensions are checked.
Datums and fits
Separate functional fits from general dimensions. Define inspection datums and the mating condition.
Finish allowance
Specify which sizes, threads and sealing faces apply after anodizing or coating; mark masked areas.
6061-T6 Machined Parts: 4 Features to Make Explicit
For your custom 6061 aluminum brackets, define mounting references and assembly clearance. For 6061 aluminum housing machining, identify seal faces, connector openings and cosmetic sides. Manifolds and turned flanges need their own bore, thread and datum checks.
- Mating faces and assembly datum scheme
- Bore, thread and seal requirements
- Thin walls and material-removal balance
- Visible surfaces and post-finish dimensions
Concept geometry and color illustrate the topic; no customer case or tested performance is implied.
6 Checkpoints from Your CAD to Repeat Parts
- 01 · Drawing baselineConfirm CAD, revision, material and unresolved requirements.
- 02 · DFM reviewResolve tool access, wall sections, datums and proposed changes.
- 03 · Stock and setupAgree product form, temper and the clamping sequence.
- 04 · Machining and finishControl the features and surface operations on the same revision.
- 05 · Acceptance evidenceCheck agreed dimensions, appearance and required records.
- 06 · Repeat releaseRetain the approved revision, finish reference and change history.
For 6061 aluminum prototype machining, identify what the first parts must prove before moving to repeat supply.
4 Records and Checks for Your 6061 Order
Material identity
Record 6061, the exact temper, stock form and applicable specification; define substitution approval.
Machined dimensions
Inspect the specified datums and critical features in the agreed condition, including any requirements after finishing.
Surface approval
Approve the color/texture reference, coating scope and masked contact or sealing surfaces.
Delivery records
Agree the material documentation, dimensional report and lot/revision identification needed for your order.
5 Cost Drivers You Can Resolve Before Quoting
Stock and removal
Compare the starting stock envelope with the material that remains in your part.
Setups and access
Reduce avoidable re-clamping and deep tool reach where function permits.
Fits and finish
Apply tight tolerances and special finishes where the assembly needs them.
3 Approvals Before Your Repeat Order
Your drawing baseline
Release the agreed CAD, drawing, material callout and approved deviations together.
Your sample acceptance
Record the agreed dimensional, fit and appearance results, with any open exceptions.
Your repeat scope
Retain the accepted finish reference, inspection records and rules for later changes.
Prototype-to-Production Support → · Compare Aluminum Alloys →
