6061 Aluminum Plate: A Comprehensive Guide to Specifications, Properties, Applications, and Pricing

Product Details

1. Core Definition & Standard Classification

6061 aluminum alloy is a heat-treatable wrought aluminum alloy formulated with magnesium and silicon as core alloying elements, supplemented by copper and chromium to optimize performance. It is standardized globally, with universal compliance across key industrial specifications:

Core Standards: ASTM B209 (primary standard for aluminum and aluminum alloy plate/sheet), AMS 4027 (aerospace-grade), EN 573-3 (European standard), GB/T 3880 (Chinese standard)
Grade Positioning: A medium-strength 6xxx series alloy, balancing performance and cost—more affordable than 2xxx/7xxx high-strength series, with better corrosion resistance than 2xxx series
Key Temper States: Heat-treatable to enhance strength; T6 and T651 are the most common tempers for 6061 aluminum plate, accounting for over 80% of industrial applications
Temper Naming Logic:

O: Annealed, fully soft state for maximum formability
T4: Solution heat treated + naturally aged, moderate strength
T6: Solution heat treated + artificially aged, peak strength (most widely used)
T651: Solution heat treated + artificially aged + stress-relieved, flat and stable, ideal for large plates

2. Chemical Composition & Core Alloy Functions

6061 aluminum plate’s balanced performance stems from its precise alloy formulation, with each element playing a critical role in optimizing properties (all data in mass fraction, %):

Element	Content Range	Core Function
Aluminum (Al)	Remainder	Base metal, ensures lightweight and ductility
Magnesium (Mg)	0.80–1.20	Forms Mg₂Si precipitates with Si; core strengthening element for heat treatment
Silicon (Si)	0.40–0.80	Combines with Mg to form strengthening phases; improves castability and machinability
Copper (Cu)	0.15–0.40	Enhances strength and heat treatment response; boosts wear resistance
Chromium (Cr)	0.04–0.35	Refines grain structure; improves corrosion resistance and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) resistance
Iron (Fe)	≤0.70	Impurity element; controlled to avoid reducing ductility
Zinc (Zn)	≤0.25	Trace element; minimal impact on core performance
Manganese (Mn)	≤0.15	Optional addition; enhances strength without sacrificing ductility

Core Alloy Advantage

The Mg₂Si intermetallic phase formed by magnesium and silicon is the key to 6061’s heat-treatable strengthening—after solution and aging treatment, these precipitates evenly distribute in the aluminum matrix, significantly enhancing strength without compromising ductility.

3. Key Technical Properties

3.1 Mechanical Properties (Typical Values for 6–50mm Plate, Key Tempers)

Temper is the core factor determining 6061 aluminum plate’s mechanical performance, with T6/T651 delivering peak strength:

Temper	Yield Strength (Rp0.2, ≥MPa)	Tensile Strength (Rm, MPa)	Elongation (A50mm, ≥%)	Brinell Hardness (HB)
O	≤145	195–240	≥22	40–60
T4	≥170	240–290	≥18	60–80
T6	≥276	310–370	≥10	95–115
T651	≥276	310–370	≥10	95–115

3.2 Physical Properties

6061 aluminum plate maintains stable physical properties across a wide temperature range (-270°C to 180°C):

Density: 2.70 g/cm³ (1/3 of steel, ideal for lightweight design)
Melting Point: 580–650°C (varies slightly by temper)
Thermal Conductivity: 167 W/m·K (excellent heat dissipation, suitable for heat exchangers)
Electrical Conductivity: 43% IACS (good electrical performance for electronic components)
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 23.6×10⁻⁶/°C (stable dimension at temperature changes)

3.3 Corrosion Resistance & Durability

General Corrosion Resistance: Excellent; forms a dense, self-healing oxide layer (Al₂O₃) on the surface, outperforming 2xxx (Al-Cu) and 7xxx (Al-Zn) series alloys
Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) Resistance: Good (enhanced by Cr addition); suitable for outdoor and humid environments without additional coating
Corrosion Limitation: Not recommended for long-term use in acidic or alkaline solutions (pH <4 or pH >9); surface treatment (anodizing) required for harsh corrosive environments

4. Product Forms & Dimensional Range

6061 aluminum plate is supplied in flexible configurations to meet diverse industrial needs, with standardized and customizable dimensions:

4.1 Core Product Forms

Hot-Rolled Plate: Thickness ≥6mm, for structural components, heavy-duty parts
Cold-Rolled Sheet: Thickness ≤6mm, for precision components, decorative parts
Key Variants: Flat plate, checkered plate (anti-slip), perforated plate (ventilation), customized shaped plate

4.2 Standard Dimensional Range

Thickness: 0.5mm (sheet) to 300mm (heavy plate); customized up to 500mm for special equipment
Width: 1000mm–2600mm (standard); customized up to 4000mm for large structural parts
Length: 2000mm–6000mm (standard); cut-to-length available (minimum 100mm)
Dimensional Tolerance: Thickness ±0.05mm (precision sheet) to ±0.5mm (heavy plate); width/length ±1mm (standard)

4.3 Surface Treatment Options

6061 aluminum plate supports diverse surface treatments to enhance performance and aesthetics:

Anodizing: Forms a hard, wear-resistant oxide layer (thickness 5–25μm); available in natural, black, bronze and custom colors
Powder Coating: Durable decorative finish, corrosion-resistant for outdoor applications
Polishing: Mirror or brushed finish for decorative and sanitary applications
Chemical Coating: Anti-corrosion coating for acidic/alkaline environments

5. Production Process & Quality Control

6061 aluminum plate undergoes a rigorous manufacturing process to ensure consistent performance and quality, aligned with global standards:

Raw Material Smelting: High-purity aluminum ingots + alloy elements (Mg, Si, Cu, Cr) smelted in induction furnaces; vacuum degassing to remove impurities (H₂, oxides)
Ingot Casting: Continuous casting to form uniform ingots; homogenization annealing (450–500°C) to eliminate segregation
Hot Rolling: Ingots heated to 480–520°C, hot-rolled to target thickness; ensures uniform grain structure for heavy plates
Cold Rolling: For thin sheets (≤6mm); precision rolling to achieve tight dimensional tolerance and smooth surface
Heat Treatment: Core process for strength optimization

T6 Temper: Solution heat treatment (530–540°C) + water quenching + artificial aging (160–175°C for 8–12 hours)
T651 Temper: T6 process + stress relief stretching (0.5–3% elongation) to eliminate internal stress and ensure flatness

Surface Finishing: Cleaning, degreasing, and optional anodizing/powder coating
Quality Inspection & Testing:

Chemical Testing: Spectrometric analysis to verify alloy composition compliance
Mechanical Testing: Tensile, bend, and hardness tests for each batch
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Ultrasonic testing (UT) for internal defects; visual inspection for surface quality
Dimensional Testing: Precision measurement to ensure tolerance compliance

Certification: All products come with EN 10204 3.1 certification; aerospace-grade products meet AMS 4027 and ISO 9001/AS9100 standards

6. Core Applications

6061 aluminum plate’s balanced performance makes it the go-to choice across multiple industries, covering structural, functional and decorative use cases:

6.1 Aerospace & Aviation

Aircraft structural components (wing ribs, fuselage frames, landing gear parts); satellite brackets and rocket components
Rationale: Lightweight (2.70 g/cm³) + high strength (T6 temper) + good fatigue resistance; reduces aircraft weight by 30% vs steel

6.2 Construction & Architecture

Curtain walls, building facades, roof panels, window/door frames, bridge railings
Rationale: Corrosion resistance + weatherability + aesthetic versatility (anodizable); service life up to 50 years outdoors

6.3 Transportation

Automotive body panels, truck beds, trailer frames, marine boat hulls and decks, railway carriage components
Rationale: Lightweight design improves fuel efficiency; corrosion resistance suits marine and road environments

6.4 Electronics & Electrical

Heat sink plates for servers and LEDs, electronic enclosures, power distribution cabinets, battery housings
Rationale: Excellent thermal conductivity + good electrical performance + lightweight

6.5 Industrial Manufacturing & Machinery

Machine tool bases, robot arms, hydraulic cylinder barrels, mold plates, industrial heat exchangers
Rationale: Machinability + weldability + high strength; easy to process into complex components

6.6 Consumer & Daily Products

Sports equipment (bicycle frames, golf club shafts), furniture frames, kitchen utensils, decorative panels
Rationale: Cost-effectiveness + aesthetic appeal + durability

7. Cost & Pricing Considerations

6061 aluminum plate’s pricing is influenced by multiple factors, including raw material costs, processing complexity, 规格，and market dynamics. Below is a detailed breakdown of current pricing trends and key cost drivers (2025 Q4 data):

7.1 Global Price Ranges

Market Segment	Price Range (USD/kg)	Price Range (CNY/kg)	Notes
Chinese Domestic (Ex-Works)	2.8–4.2	18–28	Tax-included; varies by temper and thickness
Chinese Export (FOB)	3.5–4.8	23–32	For bulk orders (≥1 ton)
US Market (Delivered)	4.5–6.8	30–45	Includes 25% tariff and logistics
European Market (Delivered)	4.8–7.2	32–48	Includes import duties and regional logistics
Southeast Asia (Delivered)	3.8–5.2	25–35	Lowest import barriers among global markets

7.2 Key Pricing Drivers

7.2.1 Temper & Processing Complexity

T6/T651 (Peak Strength): Baseline price (100%); most cost-effective for high-strength needs
T4 (Natural Aging): 5–8% lower than T6; ideal for cost-sensitive projects requiring welding
O (Annealed): 10–15% lower than T6; preferred for complex forming with minimal strength requirements
T651 (Stress-Relieved): 2–3% higher than T6; premium for large plates requiring flatness stability

7.2.2 Thickness & Form Factor

Thin Sheets (0.5–3mm): 20–30% higher than medium plates; higher processing costs for precision rolling
Medium Plates (3–50mm): Lowest cost per kg (baseline); optimized for mass production
Heavy Plates (50–300mm): 5–10% higher than medium plates; custom rolling and heat treatment required
Custom Shapes (Perforated/Checkered): 15–25% premium; additional processing steps (drilling, embossing)

7.2.3 Quality Grade & Certification

Commercial Grade (GB/T 3880/ASTM B209): Baseline price; suitable for general applications
Precision Grade: 10–15% premium; tighter dimensional tolerances (±0.03mm for sheets)
Aerospace Grade (AMS 4027): 30–50% premium; strict composition control and batch testing
Third-Party Certification (SGS/BV): 3–5% additional cost; required for critical applications

7.2.4 Order Quantity & Supplier Type

Order Quantity	Supplier Type	Price Discount	Typical Lead Time
<100kg	Online Retailers	0% (List Price)	3–7 days
100kg–1ton	Distributors	5–10%	7–14 days
1–5tons	Regional Agents	10–15%	10–20 days
≥5tons	Direct Manufacturer	15–25%	15–30 days

7.3 Price Comparison with Other Aluminum Alloys

Alloy Grade	Price Ratio vs 6061-T6	Key Advantage Over 6061	Key Disadvantage
1060 (Pure Al)	0.7–0.8	Lower cost, higher conductivity	Significantly lower strength
3003 (Al-Mn)	0.9–1.0	Better corrosion resistance	Lower strength, non-heat-treatable
5052 (Al-Mg)	1.1–1.2	Superior marine corrosion resistance	Higher cost, lower formability
6082 (Al-Mg-Si)	1.1–1.3	Higher strength for structural use	Less machinable than 6061
7075 (Al-Zn-Mg-Cu)	1.8–2.2	Ultra-high strength (aerospace)	Higher cost, lower corrosion resistance
2A12 (Al-Cu)	1.7–2.0	High temperature resistance	Poor corrosion resistance, higher cost

7.4 Cost Optimization Strategies

Bulk Purchasing: Orders ≥5 tons unlock the lowest direct manufacturer pricing, reducing total cost by 15–25% vs retail
Standard Sizes: Opt for common dimensions (1220×2440mm, 1500×3000mm) to avoid custom cutting premiums (15–20%)
Temper Selection: Choose T4/O instead of T6 for non-structural parts to save 5–15%
Domestic Sourcing: Chinese-manufactured 6061 offers 15–25% cost savings vs Western suppliers with comparable quality
Long-Term Contracts: Annual supply agreements lock in prices and provide 3–5% additional discounts, mitigating aluminum ingot price volatility

8. Temper Selection Guide & Key Considerations

Choosing the right temper and grade is critical to balancing performance and cost:

Application Requirement	Recommended Temper	Estimated Price Premium	Rationale
High strength, structural parts	T6/T651	0% (baseline) / +2–3%	Peak strength at optimal cost; T651 for flatness-critical parts
Complex forming (bending/stamping)	O/T4	-10–15% / -5–8%	High ductility at lower cost; avoids cracking during processing
Large plates (≥50mm)	T651	+2–3%	Stress-relieved to prevent warping; long-term stability
Welded components	T4	-5–8%	Better weldability; post-weld strength recoverable
Decorative/aesthetic parts	T6 + Anodizing	+15–25%	Anodizing enhances durability and visual appeal

9. Supply Chain & Value-Added Services

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 100kg for distributors; 1 ton for manufacturers (custom 规格 may require 5 tons)
Delivery Lead Time: 3–7 days (stock retail); 15–30 days (custom manufacturer orders)
Packaging: Seaworthy export packaging (plastic film + kraft paper + wooden pallets) to prevent scratches; moisture-proof for precision sheets
Value-Added Services: Cut-to-length, CNC machining, drilling, bending, welding, and surface treatment (anodizing/powder coating); additional 5–15% cost
Global Supply Hubs: Key production bases in China (Shanghai, Guangdong), USA (Texas, Indiana), and Europe (Germany, Italy); loading ports cover major global logistics hubs

10. Conclusion

6061 aluminum plate stands as the benchmark for balanced-performance aluminum alloys, combining excellent strength, corrosion resistance, machinability, weldability, and cost-effectiveness in one versatile material. Its heat-treatable nature (especially T6/T651 tempers) allows it to adapt to diverse needs—from lightweight aerospace components to durable outdoor building facades—while its competitive pricing positions it as the most cost-effective choice for medium-strength applications.

Pricing is highly flexible, with opportunities to optimize costs through bulk purchasing, standard 规格 selection, and strategic temper choices. When compared to other aluminum alloys, 6061 delivers the best balance of performance and value for most industrial and commercial projects. Backed by standardized production processes, strict quality control, and a global supply chain, 6061 aluminum plate continues to dominate across industries where performance, weight, and cost are critical factors—making it the first choice for engineers and buyers worldwide.