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Aluminum 5052

Also known as Alloy 61S · A96061 · AlMg1SiCu

Aluminum 5052 is the strongest non-heat-treatable aluminum alloy. It provides excellent corrosion resistance, workability, and formability — popular for marine and chemical environments.

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  • CNC Milling
  • CNC Milling
  • Extrusion
  • 310 MPa
    Tensile Strength
  • 276 MPa
    Yield Strength
  • 12%
    Elongation
  • 2.70 g/cm³
    Density
  • 95 HB
    Hardness(T6)

Quick Spec Summary

Key performance characteristics of Aluminum 6061-T6, the most commonly machined temper for this alloy.

  • Tensile Strength (UTS)

    310 MPa

    45,000 PSI

  • Yield Strength

    276 MPa

    45,000 PSI

  • Elastic Modulus

    69 GPa

    10,000 KSI

  • Elongation at Break

    12%

    In 50 mm gauge length

  • Density

    2.70 g/cm³

    45,000 PSI

  • Thermal Conductivity

    167 W/(m·K)

    At 25°C (77°F)

  • Max Service Temp

    200–300°C

    392–572°F

  • Hardness (Brinell)

    95 HB

    T6 temper condition

Mechanical & Chemical Properties

Comprehensive property data for Aluminum 6061-T6, the standard temper for structural CNC-machined components.

Mechanical Properties
  • Ultimate Tensile Strength 310 MPa (45 KSI)
  • Yield Strength (0.2%) 276 MPa (40 KSI)
  • Young's Modulus 69 GPa (10,000 KSI)
  • Shear Strength 207 MPa (30 KSI)
  • Elongation at Break 12%
  • Hardness (Brinell) 95 HB
  • Fatigue Strength 97 MPa (14 KSI)
Physical Properties
  • Ultimate Tensile Strength 310 MPa (45 KSI)
Thermal Properties
  • Ultimate Tensile Strength 310 MPa (45 KSI)
Chemical Composition (wt%)
  • Ultimate Tensile Strength 310 MPa (45 KSI)

Machining Performance

How Aluminum 6061 behaves on the shop floor — tooling, speeds, and practical guidance for optimal results.

Aluminum 6061 is one of the easiest alloys to machine, offering excellent chip formation and surface finish quality. Its moderate hardness in T6 temper provides good dimensional stability without excessive tool wear.

Use sharp carbide tools with TiN or TiAlN coatings for best results. Climb milling is preferred to reduce tool deflection and achieve tighter tolerances. Coolant application is critical to dissipate heat and improve chip evacuation — especially at higher speeds.

  • Use 2- or 3-flute end mills for optimal chip clearance in slotting operations
  • Apply flood coolant or mist lubrication to prevent built-up edge (BUE)
  • Secure workholding is essential — aluminum’s softness can lead to part movement under aggressive cuts
  • Heat treatment to T6 temper after machining can restore or enhance mechanical properties

  • MACHINABILITY RATING

    Excellent

    Relative to free-cutting brass

  • CUTTING SPEED (MILLING)

    200–500 m/min

    Carbide tooling, T6 temper

  • FEED RATE (MILLING)

    0.05–0.20 mm/tooth

    Adjust per tool diameter

  • SURFACE FINISH

    Ra 0.4–1.6 µm

    Achievable with fine passes

  • TOOL WEAR RATE

    Low

    Extended tool life vs. steels

  • CHIP CONTROL

    Moderate

    Long chips — use chip breakers

Best Use Cases

Aluminum 6061 is the second most popular aluminum alloy after 6063, trusted across demanding industries worldwide.

  • Aerospace Components
    Fuselage panels, wing structures, brackets, and non-flight-critical structural parts requiring high strength-to-weight ratio.
  • Automotive Parts
    Engine components, wheel hubs, chassis elements, and structural frames where weight reduction is critical.
  • Electronic Enclosures
    Heat sinks, housings, and chassis for electronic devices leveraging excellent thermal conductivity and ESD safety.
  • Firearms & Defense
    Receivers, handguards, and mounting systems requiring precision tolerances and anodized surface finishes.
  • Structural Components
    Building frameworks, bridges, and architectural elements. Easily extruded into complex structural profiles.
  • Medical Equipment
    Instrument housings, equipment frames, and non-implant components requiring biocompatible surface treatments.
  • Marine Equipment
    Boat hulls, masts, and fittings. Excellent atmospheric corrosion resistance ideal for saltwater environments.
  • Bicycle & Sporting Goods
    Frames, components, and hardware where lightweight durability and an excellent finish are essential.

Comparison with Nearby Grades

How Aluminum 6061 stacks up against commonly compared aluminum alloys to help you select the optimal grade.

This Grade
6061-T6 		7075-T6 6082-T6 5083-H116 2024-T3
Tensile Strength 310 MPa 572 MPa 340 MPa 317 MPa 483 MPa
Yield Strength 276 MPa 503 MPa 310 MPa 228 MPa 345 MPa
Elongation 12% 11% 10% 16% 18%
Hardness (HB) 95 150 100 75 120
Density (g/cm³) 2.70 2.81 2.71 2.66 2.78
Machinability Excellent Good Good Fair Good
Corrosion Resistance Excellent Fair Excellent Excellent Fair
Weldability Excellent Poor Excellent Good Poor
Heat Treatable Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Relative Cost Low High Low–Med Medium Medium
Best For General purpose High-stress aero Structural Marine Fatigue-critical

Finishing Compatibility

Aluminum 6061 accepts a wide range of surface treatments. Here's how each finish performs with this alloy.

  • Anodizing (Type II) Excellent
    6061 is one of the best alloys for anodizing. Produces a uniform, durable oxide layer with consistent color absorption. Ideal for cosmetic and protective applications.
  • Hard Anodizing (Type III) Excellent
    Produces a thick, hard oxide layer (50–75 µm) with excellent wear resistance. Commonly used for aerospace and defense components requiring abrasion protection.
  • Powder Coating Excellent
    Excellent adhesion after proper surface preparation. Available in virtually any color with uniform coverage. Provides strong corrosion and UV resistance.
  • Chromate Conversion Excellent
    6061 is one of the best alloys for anodizing. Produces a uniform, durable oxide layer with consistent color absorption. Ideal for cosmetic and protective applications.
  • Electroless Nickel Plating Good
    Produces a thick, hard oxide layer (50–75 µm) with excellent wear resistance. Commonly used for aerospace and defense components requiring abrasion protection.
  • Bead Blasting Excellent
    Excellent adhesion after proper surface preparation. Available in virtually any color with uniform coverage. Provides strong corrosion and UV resistance.
  • Anodizing (Type II) Excellent
    6061 is one of the best alloys for anodizing. Produces a uniform, durable oxide layer with consistent color absorption. Ideal for cosmetic and protective applications.

Need Parts Machined from Aluminum 6061?

Upload your CAD files and receive a detailed quote within 6 hours. From rapid prototypes to full production batches — tolerances as tight as ±0.005mm.

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CNC Machining Aluminum 6061

Aluminum 6061 is a versatile alloy widely used in aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications. It is easily machinable in specific conditions and often formed into bars and profiles through extrusion.

Why Choose 6061 for CNC Machining?

Aluminum 6061 is the workhorse of CNC machining. Its balanced combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and workability makes it a top choice for engineers across industries. In the T6 temper condition, 6061 offers a tensile strength of 310 MPa — strong enough for structural applications while remaining significantly lighter than steel.

Its excellent machinability means faster cycle times, reduced tooling costs, and superior surface finishes straight off the machine. Whether you’re producing precision aerospace brackets, automotive housings, or consumer electronics enclosures, 6061 delivers consistent results with tight tolerances down to ±0.005mm.

Key Advantages for Your Project

Aluminum 6061 is the workhorse of CNC machining. Its balanced combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and workability makes it a top choice for engineers across industries. In the T6 temper condition, 6061 offers a tensile strength of 310 MPa — strong enough for structural applications while remaining significantly lighter than steel.

Its excellent machinability means faster cycle times, reduced tooling costs, and superior surface finishes straight off the machine. Whether you’re producing precision aerospace brackets, automotive housings, or consumer electronics enclosures, 6061 delivers consistent results with tight tolerances down to ±0.005mm.

  • Raw Stock
    CNC Machined
    Finished Parts
  • Raw Stock
    CNC Machined
    Finished Parts

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from aerospace procurement and engineering teams.

How Much Does It Cost To CNC Aluminum?
CNC aluminum machining costs depend on part complexity, tolerances, alloy grade, quantity, and surfacefinishing requirements. Simple parts in 6061 aluminum typically start from $15–$50 per unit at prototypequantities. High-complexity 5-axis parts in 7075-T6 with tight tolerances can range from $50–$300+. Contact uswith your drawings for an accurate quote — we respond within 24 hours.
What Is CNC Aluminum Machining?
CNC aluminum machining costs depend on part complexity, tolerances, alloy grade, quantity, and surfacefinishing requirements. Simple parts in 6061 aluminum typically start from $15–$50 per unit at prototypequantities. High-complexity 5-axis parts in 7075-T6 with tight tolerances can range from $50–$300+. Contact uswith your drawings for an accurate quote — we respond within 24 hours.
Is Aluminum Or Aluminium Correct?
CNC aluminum machining costs depend on part complexity, tolerances, alloy grade, quantity, and surfacefinishing requirements. Simple parts in 6061 aluminum typically start from $15–$50 per unit at prototypequantities. High-complexity 5-axis parts in 7075-T6 with tight tolerances can range from $50–$300+. Contact uswith your drawings for an accurate quote — we respond within 24 hours.
Is Aluminum Stronger Than Steel?
CNC aluminum machining costs depend on part complexity, tolerances, alloy grade, quantity, and surfacefinishing requirements. Simple parts in 6061 aluminum typically start from $15–$50 per unit at prototypequantities. High-complexity 5-axis parts in 7075-T6 with tight tolerances can range from $50–$300+. Contact uswith your drawings for an accurate quote — we respond within 24 hours.
Which Is Cheaper,Aluminum Or Steel
CNC aluminum machining costs depend on part complexity, tolerances, alloy grade, quantity, and surfacefinishing requirements. Simple parts in 6061 aluminum typically start from $15–$50 per unit at prototypequantities. High-complexity 5-axis parts in 7075-T6 with tight tolerances can range from $50–$300+. Contact uswith your drawings for an accurate quote — we respond within 24 hours.

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