Aluminum 6061-T6
Frequently asked questions
Can Aluminum 6061-T6 be laser cut?
With some limitations: Aluminum 6061-T6 can be laser cut.
Can Aluminum 6061-T6 be CNC machined?
Yes: Aluminum 6061-T6 can be CNC machined.
Is Aluminum 6061-T6 food safe?
Aluminum 6061-T6 is food safe only after a suitable finishing treatment.
Physical properties
| Density | 2700.0–2700.0 kg/m³ |
|---|---|
| Brinell hardness | 95.0 HB |
| Tensile strength | 310.0 MPa |
| Melting point | 582.0–652.0 °C |
| Thermal expansion | 23.0 µm/m·K |
| Moisture absorption | Negligible |
Laser processing
Pure aluminum does not generate direct hazardous fumes during cutting, except in the presence of lubricants or machining oil residues.
CO₂: Strongly reflects the CO2 laser beam (risk of damaging optics by reflection). Cutting is impossible at hobby level; engraving requires pre-spraying with Cermark.
Diode: Impossible to cut or mark directly with diode lasers due to high reflectance.
Fiber: Excellent. Fiber lasers mark and engrave aluminum with very high contrast and extreme precision.
CNC / milling processing
Excellent machinability. Requires cooling (air mist or emulsion) to prevent the metal from heating up and sticking to the cutter flutes. Use 1 or 2-flute aluminum-specific cutters.
Post-processing
Sanding: Easy to sand. Use wet silicon carbide paper to avoid fine dust and achieve excellent finishes before anodizing. Grit 220 → 400 → 800.
Primer: mandatory. Painting strictly requires a specific primer for non-ferrous metals (etch primer or epoxy) to prevent peeling over time.
Gluing: Can be bonded with two-component structural epoxy adhesives. Degrease thoroughly with solvents before application.
Over time: Spontaneously forms a thin surface oxide film that protects against further atmospheric corrosion.
Common defects
- Built-up edge formation (aluminium welded to the cutter) when machined without lubricant
- Deep scratches caused by chip recirculation not efficiently evacuated from the cutting groove
Safety
Recommended PPE: eye_protection
Chips and cut edges are sharp. Exercise caution and always wear safety glasses to prevent hot chip projection.
Availability and formats
Commercial formats: sheets, round and square bars, extruded profiles
Related materials
Sources
- MatWeb — Aluminum 6061-T6 Alloy Datasheet
- ASM Aerospace Specification Metals
Information on compatibility, processing parameters and safety is purely indicative. MakerSpecs accepts no liability for damage to persons or property arising from the use of this data. Always check the safety rules and the manufacturer's official manuals before carrying out any processing.