6061 Aluminium Alloy - Uses

Uses

6061 is commonly used for the following:

• construction of aircraft structures, such as wings and fuselages, more commonly in homebuilt aircraft than commercial or military aircraft. 2024 alloy is somewhat stronger, but 6061 is more easily worked and remains resistant to corrosion even when the surface is abraded, which is not the case for 2024, which is usually used with a thin Alclad coating for corrosion resistance.

• yacht construction, including small utility boats.

• automotive parts, such as wheel spacers.

• the manufacture of aluminium cans for the packaging of foodstuffs and beverages.

• SCUBA tanks (post 1995)

6061-T6 is used for:

• the construction of bicycle frames and components.

• many fly fishing reels.

• the secondary chambers and baffle systems in firearm sound suppressors (primarily pistol suppressors for reduced weight and functionality), while the primary expansion chambers usually require 17-4PH or 303 stainless steel or titanium.