Aluminum 6081
AA 6081 · EN AW-6081, AW 6081
6081 (EN AW-6081, AlSi0.9MgMn) is a heat-treatable Al-Mg-Si extrusion alloy positioned between 6005A and 6082, trading lower Mn and Cr content for higher extrusion speed and better surface quality while still meeting Rm ≥ 275 MPa in T6.
6081 tempers and conditions
6081 is supplied in 7 conditions, soft to hard.
Compare all 7 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Annealed | Pick for maximum formability before subsequent solution treatment and ageing. | 65 | 130 | 24 | 30 HB | 50 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and naturally aged | Pick when parts must still be bent, stretched or roll-formed after solution treatment, then optionally aged to T6. | 115 | 215 | 18 | 62 HB | 38 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and overaged (stabilized) | Rarely stocked; choose when thermal/dimensional stability and lower notch sensitivity outweigh peak strength. | 225 | 265 | 13 | 82 HB | 45 % IACS |
Cooled from hot working and artificially aged | Pick for thin-wall press-quenched profiles where slightly lower strength than T6 is acceptable and distortion must be minimised. | 230 | 275 | 9 | 85 HB | 43 % IACS |
T6, stress relieved by stretching | Pick for machined plate/bar parts where dimensional stability after stock removal matters. | 270 | 305 | 10 | 94 HB | 42 % IACS |
T6, stress relieved by stretching, minor straightening | Extruded rod/bar/profile version of T651 for straight, low-residual-stress machining stock. | 270 | 305 | 10 | 94 HB | 42 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and artificially aged | Default structural condition: highest strength with good corrosion resistance and anodizing quality. | 275 | 310 | 11 | 95 HB | 42 % IACS |
What is 6081?
6081 (EN AW-6081, AlSi0.9MgMn) is a heat-treatable Al-Mg-Si extrusion alloy positioned between 6005A and 6082, trading lower Mn and Cr content for higher extrusion speed and better surface quality while still meeting Rm ≥ 275 MPa in T6. It is used for automotive structural parts, rail vehicle profiles, scaffolding and general load-bearing extrusions, and it anodizes and welds well. It remains a medium-strength alloy, and heat-affected zone strength drops noticeably after welding unless the part is post-weld aged. For highly loaded aerospace structure use 7000 or 2000 series alloys instead; 6082 is the nearest higher-Mn alternative. 6081 has a density of 2.7 g/cm³ (0.0975 lb/in³), lighter than 59% of aluminum grades. It melts at 585°C (1,085 °F). 6081 has a yield strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) — stronger than 70% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 11% and the elastic modulus is 69 GPa (10 Msi).
What is 6081 used for?
- Rail car structural profiles
- Automotive structural extrusions
- Architectural extrusions
- Scaffolding tubes and planks
- General load-bearing profiles
- Welded frame assemblies
Advantages
- Conducts heat well — 170 W/m·K (98.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 82% of aluminum grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 65/100, better than 82% of aluminum grades
- High electrical conductivity — 42 % IACS, better than 81% of aluminum grades
6081 properties
Typical room-temperature values; bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
6081 has a density of 2.7 g/cm³ (0.0975 lb/in³), lighter than 59% of aluminum grades. It melts at 585°C (1,085 °F).
Mechanical13
6081 has a yield strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) — stronger than 70% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 11% and the elastic modulus is 69 GPa (10 Msi).
Thermal6
6081 is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 170 W/m·K (98.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 82% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 23.4 µm/m·K (13 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
6081 conducts electricity at 42 % IACS, better than 81% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (65/100), better than 71% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 6081 takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 35%.
Manufacturability8
6081's machinability is good (60/100, worse than 51% of aluminum grades); weldability very good (78/100); formability fair (40/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the aluminum family
Yield strength against density for every aluminum grade FabDigit runs. 6081 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 6081
Is 6081 easy to machine?
Machines cleanly in T5/T6 with polished-flute carbide, high speed and >0.1 mm/tooth feed plus coolant to avoid built-up edge; avoid machining in O/T4 (gummy).
Can 6081 be welded?
Good MIG/TIG and friction-stir weldability with ER5356 (strength/marine) or ER4043 (crack resistance); HAZ drops to roughly T4 strength unless post-weld aged.
Can 6081 be formed, bent or molded?
Extrudes faster than 6082 thanks to low Mn/Cr; do tight bends in O or T4 and age afterwards, T6 tolerates only generous bend radii.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit applies to 6081. Every 6081 part is priced by an engineer; design inside these and the quote comes back without a redesign loop.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Better60 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | N.1 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 350 / 420 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.5 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 8× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 0.8 / — |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
Sheet metal
| Formability | Better40 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Better78 / 100 |
6081 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Simain strengthening partner with Mg (Mg2Si) | 0.7 – 1.1 | 0.9 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.5 | 0.25 |
| Cukept low for corrosion resistance | ≤ 0.1 | 0.03 |
| Mngrain-structure control | 0.1 – 0.45 | 0.25 |
| Mg | 0.6 – 1 | 0.8 |
| Cr | ≤ 0.1 | 0.03 |
| Zn | ≤ 0.2 | 0.05 |
| Ti | ≤ 0.15 | 0.02 |
| Others (each)total others 0.15 max | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Al | balance |
What surface finishes work on 6081?
Takes clear and colour anodizing well and accepts chromate-free pretreatment, powder coat and paint; use a chemical bright dip for decorative work as Si/Mn slightly grey the finish.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on aluminum parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Passivation
Conversion Coating
PVD Coating
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Aluminum 6081 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- Aluminum Association
- AA6081
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- AW-6081AW 6081AlSi0.9MgMn
How much does 6081 cost?
6081 is a budget-cost aluminum ($), cheaper than about 82% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
6081 — frequently asked
What is 6081 used for?
6081 is typically used for rail car structural profiles, automotive structural extrusions, architectural extrusions, scaffolding tubes and planks, general load-bearing profiles and welded frame assemblies. In short: extrusion grade like 6005A.
What is the yield strength of 6081?
6081 has a typical yield strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) and a tensile strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) — stronger than 70% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.
Is 6081 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (60/100, worse than 51% of aluminum grades). Machines cleanly in T5/T6 with polished-flute carbide, high speed and >0.1 mm/tooth feed plus coolant to avoid built-up edge; avoid machining in O/T4 (gummy).
Can 6081 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (78/100). Good MIG/TIG and friction-stir weldability with ER5356 (strength/marine) or ER4043 (crack resistance); HAZ drops to roughly T4 strength unless post-weld aged.
What surface finishes work on 6081?
Takes clear and colour anodizing well and accepts chromate-free pretreatment, powder coat and paint; use a chemical bright dip for decorative work as Si/Mn slightly grey the finish.
Can 6081 be formed, bent or molded?
Extrudes faster than 6082 thanks to low Mn/Cr; do tight bends in O or T4 and age afterwards, T6 tolerates only generous bend radii.
What is the maximum service temperature of 6081?
6081 is rated for continuous use to about 150°C (302 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does 6081 cost?
6081 is a budget-cost aluminum ($), cheaper than about 82% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in 6081?
Yes — 6081 is available for CNC machining and sheet metal; every part is priced by an engineer rather than instantly. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- EN 573-3 Aluminium and aluminium alloys — chemical composition of wrought products — CEN (2019)
- EN 755-2 Aluminium and aluminium alloys — extruded rod/bar, tube and profiles: mechanical properties — CEN (2016)
- International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum (Teal Sheets) — The Aluminum Association (2018)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- EN 1999-1-1 Eurocode 9: Design of aluminium structures — CEN (2007)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.