Aluminum 6101-T6 vs 6101-T61
Aluminum · 6101 temper comparison
6101-T6 and 6101-T61 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 6101: T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged) versus T61 (T6 variant, underaged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 6101-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for 6101-T61, about 77% more; tensile strength follows at 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) vs 150 MPa (21.8 ksi). In exchange, 6101-T61 is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 15% for 6101-T6, and 6101-T6 is harder (71 HB vs 48 HB). On the shop floor, 6101-T6 machines more easily (good vs fair).
6101-T6Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
6101-T61Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
6101-T6 vs 6101-T61: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all aluminum grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all aluminum grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 69 GPa10 Msi · Shear Modulus 26 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 69 GPa10 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 70 MPa10.2 ksi · Hardness, Vickers 78 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.7 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 621°C1,150 °F · Liquidus Temperature 654°C1,209 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 895 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 23.5 µm/m·K13.1 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 393 J/g169 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 150°C302 °F · Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.78 V · Corrosion Resistance 65 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 35% · Weldability 85 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 70 / 100 · Polishability 65 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 205 MJ/kg88,134 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,150 L/kg138 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 20%
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every aluminum grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
6101-T6 vs 6101-T61 — frequently asked
Is 6101-T6 stronger than 6101-T61?
Yes. 6101-T6 has a typical yield strength of 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for 6101-T61 — about 77% more. Tensile strength is 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) vs 150 MPa (21.8 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T6 or T61?
T6 is the default 6101 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
Which is easier to machine, 6101-T6 or 6101-T61?
6101-T6. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (45/100) for 6101-T61.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 6101-T6 and 6101-T61 side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.