What 6061 aluminum alloys autoquote?
Xometry's CNC Machining process material selection defaults to Aluminum 6061-T6x (Best Available). This gives suppliers the most flexibility when any variation of 6061-T6-tempered alloys is acceptable.
If a specific alloy is called out and is available, such as Aluminum 6061-T651, Plate or Aluminum 6061-T6/T6511, Bar/Rod† please select those directly.
†Note: Aluminum 6061-T6/T6511, Bar/Rod is inclusive of 6061-T6 or 6061-T6511.
Other alloys not listed can be written in by selecting the Other (Metal) option. This will require the quote to be submitted for a manual review, which typically takes less than a business day!
What if Aluminum 6061-T6x (Best Available) is selected, but a drawing states a specific alloy?
We always recommend verifying material and temper at the time of the quote. Specific material callouts should be reflected in the quote to reduce the risk of delays during manufacture. In the case of a material discrepancy, the selection of the quote Aluminum 6061-T6x (Best Available) will take precedence.
What if there is no stock size available in my selected alloy?
6061-T6 alloy is typically in a sheet form and available in sizes below .25". Similarly, 6061-T6511 stock sizes become very limited with a thickness of over 1" or width beyond 10-15". Choosing alloys with a part geometry beyond these stock sizes may increase cost and lead times or make it impossible to produce without producing a custom billet at the foundry level. Our team of experts can reach out to suggest alternatives, such as 6061-T651, which has the broadest range of plate stock sizes available.
We recommend choosing Aluminum 6061-T6x (Best Available) when multiple -T6-style tempers can work for your project.
Specific examples of print callouts and what to select:
Below are some common examples of material callouts on print and which aluminum 6061 temper to select:
Aluminum 6061-T6x (Best Available) selection examples:- The differences between T6, T6511, and T651 do not matter for your use case, this is the best option to maximize the processing speed of your order.
- Aluminum 6061
- Any Aluminum
Aluminum 6061-T651, Plate selection examples:- PER AMS-QQ-A-250/11
- PER ASTM-B209
- PER AMS 4027*
Aluminum 6061-T6/T6511, Bar/Rod selection examples:- PER AMS-QQ-A-200/8
- PER AMS-QQ-A-225/8**
- PER ASTM-B221
- PER ASTM-B211**
- PER AMS 4117**
*AMS 4027 can apply to 6061-T6 sheet but will cap out around .25" thickness for commercial stock availability. It's best for our Sheet Metal or Sheet Cutting processes.
**ASTM-B211, AMS 4117, or AMS-QQ-A-225/8 is typically a call out for T6, but due to size limitations, Xometry may use T651 that meets the specification if no T6 stock is commercially available.
Where can I learn more about 6061-T6, 6061-T651, or 6061-T6511?
Check out Xometry's article: 6061-T651 vs T6 & T6511: What’s the Difference?