Is 6061 aluminum good for CNC machining?

Yes. 6061-T6 is the most commonly machined aluminum: it cuts fast, forms clean chips, leaves a good surface finish and holds tight tolerances. It is also weldable and anodizes well, so it covers most machined parts at a reasonable cost.

What is 6061-T651 aluminum?

Same alloy and same strength. T651 is T6 material that has been stretched to relieve internal stresses, so it warps less when machined. Most 6061 plate for machining is sold as T651; for your part, either one meets a 6061-T6 callout.

What tolerances can you hold on 6061 aluminum parts?

Our standard tolerance is ±0.005" (±0.127 mm, ISO 2768-m). Critical features called out on your drawing can be held down to ±0.001" (±0.025 mm) and are verified in inspection.

How much do custom 6061 aluminum parts cost?

It depends on size, geometry, finish and quantity. As a reference, a 6061-T6 NEMA 23 motor mount of approx. 70 × 70 × 60 mm with adjustment slots costs $138.30 USD for 1 part, $40.85 each at 25 and $36.73 at 100. Upload your file to get the exact price of your part instantly.

Can 6061 aluminum be anodized?

Yes, 6061 is one of the best alloys for anodizing. We offer Type II anodizing in clear, black and colors, Type III hard anodizing for wear resistance, and chemical conversion coating. Anodizing adds a few microns per surface, so tight bores and threads are accounted for in the design.

Can 6061 aluminum be welded?

Yes, 6061 is one of the most weldable aluminum alloys with TIG or MIG. The heat-affected zone loses part of the T6 strength, so welded structural parts are designed with that in mind or re-heat-treated.

What should engineers consider when designing parts in 6061 aluminum?

Engineers should consider wall thickness, feature accessibility, and tolerance requirements when designing for CNC machining. While 6061 is forgiving, proper design for manufacturability helps reduce cost, improve lead times, and ensure consistent quality in production.

CNC turning and milling · From 1 part

6061 Aluminum
CNC Machining

Brackets, housings, plates and manifolds in 6061-T6 aluminum, milled and turned from your file, bare or anodized. Upload your CAD and order online, starting at a single part.

See 6061 properties

NEMA 23 motor mount

6061-T6 Aluminum · 70 × 70 × 60 mm · Adjustment slots

1 pc

$138.30 USD

per part

25 pcs

$40.85 USD

per part

-70.46%

100 pcs

$36.73 USD

per part

-73.44%

Loading…

Manufacturing services

CNC turning and milling · From 1 part

6061 Aluminum
CNC Machining

Brackets, housings, plates and manifolds in 6061-T6 aluminum, milled and turned from your file, bare or anodized. Upload your CAD and order online, starting at a single part.

See 6061 properties

NEMA 23 motor mount

6061-T6 Aluminum · 70 × 70 × 60 mm · Adjustment slots

1 pc

$138.30 USD

per part

25 pcs

$40.85 USD

per part

-70.46%

100 pcs

$36.73 USD

per part

-73.44%

Material Overview

What is 6061-T6 Aluminum?

6061 is the most machined aluminum alloy in the world: an aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy that combines good strength, excellent machinability, corrosion resistance and weldability at a reasonable cost. The T6 temper means it has been solution heat-treated and artificially aged, which gives it its full strength (45 ksi / 310 MPa ultimate). We machine custom 6061-T6 parts with CNC milling and CNC turning from plate and bar, from a single prototype to production, as-machined or anodized.

CNC machined 6061 T6 aluminum parts with precision finishing

Specifications

6061 T6 Aluminum Specifications

Engineering-grade properties of 6061-T6 aluminum, including mechanical, physical, and thermal characteristics relevant to design, CNC machining, and production applications. This data supports material selection, performance evaluation, and manufacturability decisions across precision-engineered components.

6061-T6 Engineering Properties

Alloy Series

6000 series (Al-Mg-Si alloy)

Temper

T6 (solution heat-treated and artificially aged)

Primary Characteristics

Excellent machinability, good corrosion resistance, medium-to-high strength, weldable

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

45 ksi (310 MPa)

Tensile Strength (Yield)

39 ksi (276 MPa)

Shear Strength

30 ksi (207 MPa)

Fatigue Strength

14 ksi (96 MPa)

Elongation at Break

10–12%

Brinell Hardness

95 HB

Density

2.70 g/cm³ (0.0975 lb/in³)

Elastic Modulus

10,000 ksi (69 GPa)

Poisson’s Ratio

0.33

Thermal Conductivity

167 W/m·K (≈ 170 BTU·in/hr·ft²·°F)

Coefficient of Thermal Expansion

23.6 µm/m·°C

Melting Range

582–652 °C (1080–1205 °F)

Electrical Conductivity

~40% IACS

Machinability

Excellent (one of the most commonly machined aluminum alloys)

Weldability

Good (may reduce strength in heat-affected zone)

Corrosion Resistance

Good (resistant to atmospheric and marine environments)

Anodizing Response

Excellent (clear and colored anodizing supported)

Common Forms

Plate, sheet, bar, extrusions

Typical Applications

Machined parts, housings, brackets, base plates, fixtures, manifolds, heat sinks, automotive and robotics parts

Material Composition

Aluminum (Al): 95.9–98.6%, Magnesium (Mg): 0.8–1.2%, Silicon (Si): 0.4–0.8%, Iron (Fe): ≤0.7%, Copper (Cu): 0.15–0.4%, Chromium (Cr): 0.04–0.35%, Zinc (Zn): ≤0.25%, Manganese (Mn): ≤0.15%, Titanium (Ti): ≤0.15%

ASTM Standard

ASTM B209 / B221 / B211 (depending on form)

Performance

Material Performance Overview

Rating across key engineering and manufacturing criteria.

Strength

Weight

Machinability

Weldability

Formability

Corrosion Resistance

Thermal Resistance

Cost Efficiency

Ready to machine your 6061 aluminum parts?

Upload your CAD file and get an instant price for your custom 6061-T6 aluminum parts, from a single prototype to production runs.

Custom 6061 Aluminum Parts We Machine

6061-T6 is the default alloy for machined aluminum parts. These are the parts we machine most often:

Housings and enclosures

Brackets, mounts and motor mounts

Base plates and fixture plates

Pneumatic and hydraulic manifolds

Heat sinks

Shafts, spacers, bushings and fittings

Robotics and automation parts

Automotive and motorsport parts

Jigs and fixtures

Material FAQs

6061 Aluminum CNC Machining FAQs

Common questions about custom machined 6061-T6 aluminum parts.

Material Guide

6061 Aluminum Machining Guide: Properties, Tempers, Tolerances and Finishes

6061-T6 aluminum is one of the most widely used engineering alloys in manufacturing. It is valued for its balance of machinability, corrosion resistance, weldability and strength, which makes it the first choice for CNC machined parts from prototype to production.

If your drawing just says "aluminum", 6061-T6 is usually the right alloy: it machines cleanly, is easy to source and accepts every common finish.

Key manufacturing characteristics of 6061 T6 aluminum

Heat-treatable alloy: 6061-T6 is solution heat-treated and artificially aged, resulting in a strong balance of hardness, strength, and dimensional stability.
Strong corrosion resistance: The magnesium and silicon content help the alloy resist oxidation and perform well in many indoor and outdoor environments.
Good machinability: 6061 machines cleanly and predictably, making it a preferred material for CNC milling and CNC turning, as well as drilling, tapping, and general machining operations.
Excellent weldability: 6061 is one of the most weld-friendly aluminum alloys and is commonly welded using TIG or MIG processes.
Versatile structural performance: It offers enough strength for brackets, housings, fixtures, supports, and load-bearing industrial components without the weight penalty of steel.
Finishing flexibility: 6061 accepts anodizing, powder coating, and other surface treatments for improved durability, appearance, and corrosion protection.

Mechanical and physical properties of 6061-T6 aluminum

The T6 temper is the most commonly referenced condition for engineering use because it provides a practical balance of strength and manufacturability. While exact values vary by product form and specification, 6061-T6 is generally selected when teams need dependable structural performance with good machinability and weldability.

Typical performance profile

Moderate-to-high strength for a general-purpose aluminum alloy
Lower density than steel, making it attractive for weight-sensitive designs
Stable and predictable machining behavior
Good corrosion resistance in non-marine service environments
Useful combination of stiffness, toughness, and formability

Why engineers choose it

Easier to machine than many higher-strength or more abrasive alloys
Supports tighter process control and repeatability in production
Widely available and commonly specified across industries
Works well for fixtures, frames, mounting hardware, enclosures, and custom machined parts

Strengths and advantages of 6061 T6 aluminum

Balanced mechanical performance: 6061-T6 offers a practical middle ground between strength, workability, corrosion resistance, and cost.
Reliable corrosion resistance: It performs well in many industrial and commercial environments.
Excellent machinability: It supports efficient cycle times and repeatable precision in CNC machining workflows.
Very good weldability: Welds readily with TIG and MIG
Finishing flexibility: It can be anodized, powder coated, painted, or bead blasted depending on cosmetic and functional requirements.
Strong supply availability: Widely available in plate, bar, extrusions, and other stock forms.

Trade-offs and limitations of 6061 T6 aluminum

Moderate strength: When maximum strength is the primary requirement, stronger aluminum alloys exist
Limited formability in T6: Not recommended for aggressive bending or tight radii
Heat-affected zone softening: Welding can reduce local mechanical properties near the weld unless properly managed.
Not ideal for high-temperature environments: Elevated temperatures can reduce strength over time.
Surface sensitivity: Can scratch, gall, or dent if handling and fixturing are not controlled.

Fabrication and machining considerations for 6061

6061 machining tolerances

Our standard tolerance for machined 6061 parts is ±0.005" (±0.127 mm, ISO 2768-m). Critical features you call out on your drawing, such as bores, fits and locating surfaces, can be held down to ±0.001" (±0.025 mm) and are verified in inspection. Thin walls and long, slender parts may need looser tolerances to avoid distortion.

6061 tempers: T6, T651 and T6511

T6: solution heat-treated and artificially aged; the temper that gives 6061 its full strength.
T651: T6 plate or bar that is stress-relieved by stretching. It moves less when machined, which is why it is the standard for machined plate.
T6511: the same stress relief for extruded bar and profiles, with minor straightening.
All three have the same strength; for machined parts the difference is how much the part moves after cutting.

Machining behavior

6061 is a common choice for machined components because it offers stable chip formation, good tool life, and predictable finishing response. It is suitable for precision CNC milling, CNC turning, drilling, tapping, and general machining operations.

Supports efficient cycle times from prototype through production
Produces good cosmetic results with proper tooling and workholding
Works well for tolerance-driven components when process variation is controlled

Hole features and geometry

Small drilled features are generally straightforward with proper chip evacuation
Threaded features perform well with adequate wall thickness and engagement
Thin-wall geometries may require conservative parameters and careful clamping

Welding and joining

6061 is often selected when designs require both machining and welding. It responds well to TIG and MIG welding, but designers should account for softening in the heat-affected zone.

Use alloy-compatible filler materials
Expect localized changes in mechanical properties
Consider mechanical fastening where weld heat may affect performance

Finishing

Type II anodizing in clear, black and colors
Type III hard anodizing for wear resistance
Chemical conversion coating (chromate-free) for conductivity and paint adhesion
Bead blasting, brushing and powder coating

Common applications for 6061 T6 aluminum

Because of its balance of performance and manufacturability, 6061 T6 aluminum is widely used in CNC machined components across multiple industries.

Housings and enclosures
Brackets, mounts and motor mounts
Base plates and fixture components
Pneumatic and hydraulic manifolds
Heat sinks
Automotive and motorsport components
Robotics and automation parts
Frames and structural components

When 6061 T6 aluminum is a strong material choice

6061 is often the right choice when a project needs a material that machines well, welds reliably, resists corrosion, and supports consistent production results.

When machinability and structural performance both matter
When the part may require welding or secondary finishing
When corrosion resistance is important in general environments
When a versatile, widely available aluminum alloy is needed
When transitioning from one-off parts to repeat production

Material Overview

What is 6061-T6 Aluminum?

Specifications

6061 T6 Aluminum Specifications

6061-T6 Engineering Properties

Alloy Series

6000 series (Al-Mg-Si alloy)

Temper

T6 (solution heat-treated and artificially aged)

Primary Characteristics

Excellent machinability, good corrosion resistance, medium-to-high strength, weldable

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

45 ksi (310 MPa)

Tensile Strength (Yield)

39 ksi (276 MPa)

Shear Strength

30 ksi (207 MPa)

Fatigue Strength

14 ksi (96 MPa)

Elongation at Break

10–12%

Brinell Hardness

95 HB

Density

2.70 g/cm³ (0.0975 lb/in³)

Elastic Modulus

10,000 ksi (69 GPa)

Poisson’s Ratio

0.33

Thermal Conductivity

167 W/m·K (≈ 170 BTU·in/hr·ft²·°F)

Coefficient of Thermal Expansion

23.6 µm/m·°C

Melting Range

582–652 °C (1080–1205 °F)

Electrical Conductivity

~40% IACS

Machinability

Excellent (one of the most commonly machined aluminum alloys)

Weldability

Good (may reduce strength in heat-affected zone)

Corrosion Resistance

Good (resistant to atmospheric and marine environments)

Anodizing Response

Excellent (clear and colored anodizing supported)

Common Forms

Plate, sheet, bar, extrusions

Typical Applications

Machined parts, housings, brackets, base plates, fixtures, manifolds, heat sinks, automotive and robotics parts

Material Composition

ASTM Standard

ASTM B209 / B221 / B211 (depending on form)

Performance

Material Performance Overview

Rating across key engineering and manufacturing criteria.

Strength

Weight

Machinability

Weldability

Formability

Corrosion Resistance

Thermal Resistance

Cost Efficiency

Ready to machine your 6061 aluminum parts?

Upload your CAD file and get an instant price for your custom 6061-T6 aluminum parts, from a single prototype to production runs.

Custom 6061 Aluminum Parts We Machine

6061-T6 is the default alloy for machined aluminum parts. These are the parts we machine most often:

Housings and enclosures

Brackets, mounts and motor mounts

Base plates and fixture plates

Pneumatic and hydraulic manifolds

Heat sinks

Shafts, spacers, bushings and fittings

Robotics and automation parts

Automotive and motorsport parts

Jigs and fixtures

Material FAQs

6061 Aluminum CNC Machining FAQs

Common questions about custom machined 6061-T6 aluminum parts.

Material Guide

6061 Aluminum Machining Guide: Properties, Tempers, Tolerances and Finishes

Key manufacturing characteristics of 6061 T6 aluminum

Heat-treatable alloy: 6061-T6 is solution heat-treated and artificially aged, resulting in a strong balance of hardness, strength, and dimensional stability.
Strong corrosion resistance: The magnesium and silicon content help the alloy resist oxidation and perform well in many indoor and outdoor environments.
Good machinability: 6061 machines cleanly and predictably, making it a preferred material for CNC milling and CNC turning, as well as drilling, tapping, and general machining operations.
Excellent weldability: 6061 is one of the most weld-friendly aluminum alloys and is commonly welded using TIG or MIG processes.
Versatile structural performance: It offers enough strength for brackets, housings, fixtures, supports, and load-bearing industrial components without the weight penalty of steel.
Finishing flexibility: 6061 accepts anodizing, powder coating, and other surface treatments for improved durability, appearance, and corrosion protection.

Mechanical and physical properties of 6061-T6 aluminum

Typical performance profile

Moderate-to-high strength for a general-purpose aluminum alloy
Lower density than steel, making it attractive for weight-sensitive designs
Stable and predictable machining behavior
Good corrosion resistance in non-marine service environments
Useful combination of stiffness, toughness, and formability

Why engineers choose it

Easier to machine than many higher-strength or more abrasive alloys
Supports tighter process control and repeatability in production
Widely available and commonly specified across industries
Works well for fixtures, frames, mounting hardware, enclosures, and custom machined parts

Strengths and advantages of 6061 T6 aluminum

Balanced mechanical performance: 6061-T6 offers a practical middle ground between strength, workability, corrosion resistance, and cost.
Reliable corrosion resistance: It performs well in many industrial and commercial environments.
Excellent machinability: It supports efficient cycle times and repeatable precision in CNC machining workflows.
Very good weldability: Welds readily with TIG and MIG
Finishing flexibility: It can be anodized, powder coated, painted, or bead blasted depending on cosmetic and functional requirements.
Strong supply availability: Widely available in plate, bar, extrusions, and other stock forms.

Trade-offs and limitations of 6061 T6 aluminum

Moderate strength: When maximum strength is the primary requirement, stronger aluminum alloys exist
Limited formability in T6: Not recommended for aggressive bending or tight radii
Heat-affected zone softening: Welding can reduce local mechanical properties near the weld unless properly managed.
Not ideal for high-temperature environments: Elevated temperatures can reduce strength over time.
Surface sensitivity: Can scratch, gall, or dent if handling and fixturing are not controlled.

Fabrication and machining considerations for 6061

6061 machining tolerances

6061 tempers: T6, T651 and T6511

T6: solution heat-treated and artificially aged; the temper that gives 6061 its full strength.
T651: T6 plate or bar that is stress-relieved by stretching. It moves less when machined, which is why it is the standard for machined plate.
T6511: the same stress relief for extruded bar and profiles, with minor straightening.
All three have the same strength; for machined parts the difference is how much the part moves after cutting.

Machining behavior

Supports efficient cycle times from prototype through production
Produces good cosmetic results with proper tooling and workholding
Works well for tolerance-driven components when process variation is controlled

Hole features and geometry

Small drilled features are generally straightforward with proper chip evacuation
Threaded features perform well with adequate wall thickness and engagement
Thin-wall geometries may require conservative parameters and careful clamping

Welding and joining

6061 is often selected when designs require both machining and welding. It responds well to TIG and MIG welding, but designers should account for softening in the heat-affected zone.

Use alloy-compatible filler materials
Expect localized changes in mechanical properties
Consider mechanical fastening where weld heat may affect performance

Finishing

Type II anodizing in clear, black and colors
Type III hard anodizing for wear resistance
Chemical conversion coating (chromate-free) for conductivity and paint adhesion
Bead blasting, brushing and powder coating

Common applications for 6061 T6 aluminum

Because of its balance of performance and manufacturability, 6061 T6 aluminum is widely used in CNC machined components across multiple industries.

Housings and enclosures
Brackets, mounts and motor mounts
Base plates and fixture components
Pneumatic and hydraulic manifolds
Heat sinks
Automotive and motorsport components
Robotics and automation parts
Frames and structural components

When 6061 T6 aluminum is a strong material choice

6061 is often the right choice when a project needs a material that machines well, welds reliably, resists corrosion, and supports consistent production results.

When machinability and structural performance both matter
When the part may require welding or secondary finishing
When corrosion resistance is important in general environments
When a versatile, widely available aluminum alloy is needed
When transitioning from one-off parts to repeat production

6061 AluminumCNC Machining

6061 AluminumCNC Machining

What is 6061-T6 Aluminum?

6061 T6 Aluminum Specifications

6061-T6 Engineering Properties

Material Performance Overview

Ready to machine your 6061 aluminum parts?

Custom 6061 Aluminum Parts We Machine

6061 Aluminum CNC Machining FAQs

6061 Aluminum Machining Guide: Properties, Tempers, Tolerances and Finishes

Key manufacturing characteristics of 6061 T6 aluminum

Mechanical and physical properties of 6061-T6 aluminum

Typical performance profile

Why engineers choose it

Strengths and advantages of 6061 T6 aluminum

Trade-offs and limitations of 6061 T6 aluminum

Fabrication and machining considerations for 6061

6061 machining tolerances

6061 tempers: T6, T651 and T6511

Machining behavior

Hole features and geometry

Welding and joining

Finishing

Common applications for 6061 T6 aluminum

When 6061 T6 aluminum is a strong material choice

What is 6061-T6 Aluminum?

6061 T6 Aluminum Specifications

6061-T6 Engineering Properties

Material Performance Overview

Ready to machine your 6061 aluminum parts?

Custom 6061 Aluminum Parts We Machine

6061 Aluminum CNC Machining FAQs

6061 Aluminum Machining Guide: Properties, Tempers, Tolerances and Finishes

Key manufacturing characteristics of 6061 T6 aluminum

Mechanical and physical properties of 6061-T6 aluminum

Typical performance profile

Why engineers choose it

Strengths and advantages of 6061 T6 aluminum

Trade-offs and limitations of 6061 T6 aluminum

Fabrication and machining considerations for 6061

6061 machining tolerances

6061 tempers: T6, T651 and T6511

Machining behavior

Hole features and geometry

Welding and joining

Finishing

Common applications for 6061 T6 aluminum

When 6061 T6 aluminum is a strong material choice

6061 Aluminum
CNC Machining

6061 Aluminum
CNC Machining