6061-T4 aluminum has a typical ultimate tensile strength of roughly 241 MPa (35,000 psi) and a yield strength of 145 MPa (21,000 psi), making it ideal for formability and welding, with lesser strength but greater workability than the stronger T6 temper. It is naturally aged following solution heat treatment, offering good corrosion resistance and mild fatigue strength, making it ideal for applications that need simple fabrication, such as appliances, signs, and pipelines.
Key Strength Properties:
Tensile strength: approximately 241 MPa (35,000 psi).
Yield Strength (0.2% offset): approximately 145 MPa (21,000 psi).
Shear Strength: around 165 MPa (24,000 psi).
Elongation: around 22% (in 1/16" thickness) to 25% (in 1/2" diameter).
Comparison to T6:
T4: Low strength, great formability, suitable for bending and connecting.
T6: Stronger (45,000 psi tensile), tougher, utilized for structural elements.
6061-T4 aluminum is a specialized alloy that can also be used for forgings. It is heat-treatable, allowing it to achieve good strength while remaining lightweight. The "T4" designation indicates that the material has undergone solution heat treatment followed by natural aging. This treatment enhances formability while maintaining solid mechanical performance, making it suitable for industries that demand precision and complex shapes.
6061-T4 aluminum is easy to machine and form, and it provides excellent corrosion resistance. These characteristics make it ideal for use in high-moisture environments and marine applications. Its corrosion resistance comes from a naturally formed oxide layer on the surface, which prevents further oxidation and helps the material maintain long-term durability.
Aluminum 6061 T4 Mechanical Properties
6061 T4 Chemical Composition
According to the Aluminum Association (AA), 6061-T4 is an aluminum alloy primarily composed of magnesium and silicon, which together provide a range of performance advantages.
Magnesium contributes to improved strength and better weldability, while silicon enhances castability. The combination of these alloying elements results in an aluminum alloy well-suited for numerous manufacturing and engineering applications. Below is the chemical composition table for 6061 aluminum:
| Element | Minimum (% by weight) | Maximum (% by weight) |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | 95.85% | 98.56% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.80% | 1.20% |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.40% | 0.80% |
| Iron (Fe) | – | 0.70% |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.15% | 0.40% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.04% | 0.35% |
| Zinc (Zn) | – | 0.25% |
| Titanium (Ti) | – | 0.15% |
| Manganese (Mn) | – | 0.15% |
| Other Elements | – | 0.15% total (0.05% each) |
GNEE provides 6061-T4 aluminum products that strictly follow these chemical composition standards to ensure consistent strength, formability, and corrosion resistance.
