6061 aluminum tubes are extruded hollow profiles offering excellent strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and weldability. The 6061-T6 temper delivers 290 MPa tensile strength, making these tubes ideal for structural, aerospace, and marine applications.
HXM Aluminum supplies 6061 aluminum tubes in round, square, and rectangular profiles. Outside diameters range from 6mm to 300mm for round tubes, with wall thicknesses from 0.5mm to 20mm. Standard tempers include T6, T6511, and T4. All tubes are certified to ASTM B221 standards.
Our tube processing services include cutting to length, deburring, CNC bending, and anodizing. Contact us with your tube specifications for a competitive quotation.
Quick Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Alloy | 6061 (AlMg1SiCu) |
| Temper | T6, T6511, T4, O |
| Standard | ASTM B221, EN 755-2 |
| Profile | Round, square, rectangular |
| OD (Round) | 6mm – 300mm |
| Wall Thickness | 0.5mm – 20mm |
| Length | Up to 6000mm (cut to size) |
| Surface | Mill finish, anodized, powder coated |
| Processing | Cut-to-length, CNC bending, deburring |
Chemical Composition
For extruded 6061 aluminum tubes, the chemical composition specified in ASTM B221 (Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and Tubes) and EN 573-3 ensures consistent extrudability, weld seam integrity, and mechanical performance in hollow profiles. The Mg-Si ratio is particularly critical for tube extrusion: magnesium controls the precipitation hardening response, while silicon improves extrusion speed and surface finish.
| Element | Min (%) | Max (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Silicon (Si) | 0.40 | 0.80 |
| Iron (Fe) | – | 0.70 |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.15 | 0.40 |
| Manganese (Mn) | – | 0.15 |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.80 | 1.20 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.04 | 0.35 |
| Zinc (Zn) | – | 0.25 |
| Titanium (Ti) | – | 0.15 |
| Others (each) | – | 0.05 |
| Aluminum (Al) | – | Remainder |
Composition notes for tubes: The chromium content (0.04-0.35%) helps control grain structure during extrusion, preventing recrystallization that can weaken tube walls. Copper (0.15-0.40%) enhances strength but must be controlled to maintain corrosion resistance in welded tube applications. Iron content is kept below 0.70% to avoid forming brittle intermetallic particles that can initiate cracks at the tube’s inner wall.
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of 6061 aluminum tubes, tested per ASTM B221 and ASTM B557, vary significantly by temper condition. For extruded tubes, the wall thickness and extrusion ratio also influence the final properties: thinner-walled tubes (under 2mm) may exhibit slightly lower elongation due to faster quench rates during heat treatment.
| Property | T6 Temper | T651 Temper | O Temper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Tensile Strength (MPa) | 290 | 290 | 150 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | 240 | 240 | 83 |
| Elongation in 50mm (%) | 10 | 12 | 18 |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 95 | 95 | 30 |
| Elastic Modulus (GPa) | 68.9 | 68.9 | 68.9 |
| Fatigue Strength (MPa) | 96 | 96 | 62 |
Tube-specific mechanical considerations:
- Burst pressure: A 6061-T6 round tube with 50mm OD and 3mm wall can withstand approximately 18 MPa internal pressure before yielding.
- Column strength: The elastic modulus of 68.9 GPa determines the buckling resistance of tubes used as structural columns.
- T6511 temper: Extruded tubes are commonly supplied in T6511 temper (stress-relieved by stretching), which reduces residual stresses for improved dimensional stability in precision frame applications.
6061 aluminum tubes are available in three profile types with a wide range of dimensions:
| Profile | Size Range | Wall Thickness | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round Tube | OD: 6mm – 300mm | 0.5mm – 20mm | Structural, fluid transfer |
| Square Tube | Side: 10mm – 200mm | 0.8mm – 15mm | Frames, structural |
| Rectangular Tube | 10x20mm – 200x400mm | 0.8mm – 15mm | Architectural, structural |
Tube vs Pipe: Aluminum tubes are typically specified by outside diameter (OD) and wall thickness, while pipes are specified by nominal pipe size (NPS) and schedule. 6061 tubes are generally used for structural and precision applications, while pipes are used for fluid transport. HXM Aluminum supplies both tube and pipe products.
Product Features
- High strength-to-weight ratio: 6061-T6 tubes offer 290 MPa tensile strength at only 2.70 g/cm3 density, providing excellent structural efficiency.
- Excellent weldability: 6061 tubes can be TIG and MIG welded using 4043 or 5356 filler wire, making them ideal for welded frame structures.
- Superior corrosion resistance: The Mg-Si composition provides excellent resistance to atmospheric and marine corrosion without additional coating.
- Good machinability: 6061 tubes can be cut, drilled, and machined to close tolerances for fitting and connection points.
- Multiple profiles available: Round, square, and rectangular profiles to suit different structural and architectural requirements.
- Extrusion quality surface: Extruded tubes have a smooth, uniform surface suitable for anodizing and decorative finishes.
Applications
6061 aluminum tubes serve structural and functional applications across multiple industries:
- Structural frames: Load-bearing frame structures for equipment, platforms, and architectural applications requiring high strength.
- Bicycle and sports equipment: Bicycle frames, motorcycle frames, and sporting goods requiring lightweight strength.
- Marine structures: Boat railings, mast structures, and marine framework benefiting from saltwater corrosion resistance.
- Aerospace: Aircraft structural tubes, drone frames, and aerospace components requiring high strength-to-weight ratio.
- Automotive: Roll cages, chassis tubes, and automotive structural components.
- Furniture and hardware: Furniture frames, handrails, and architectural hardware with anodized finishes.
Recommended temper by application: T6 for structural load-bearing applications; T6511 for precision extruded tubes requiring dimensional stability; T4 for applications requiring post-forming heat treatment; O temper for bending and forming operations.
HXM Aluminum provides comprehensive tube processing services:
- Cut-to-length: Precision cutting to custom lengths with +/-0.5mm tolerance, including mitre cutting for frame joints.
- CNC bending: Tube bending for structural frames, railings, and custom shapes with minimal wall thinning.
- Deburring: End deburring and chamfering for safe handling and proper fit-up in assemblies.
- Surface treatment: Anodizing (clear and colored), powder coating, and electrophoresis for corrosion protection and decoration.
- Custom packaging: Tube bundles with protective separators, end caps, and export packaging.
Why Choose HXM Aluminum
- Wide size range: Round tubes from 6mm to 300mm OD, plus square and rectangular profiles in various dimensions.
- Full certification: ASTM B221 compliance with EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificates for every shipment.
- Processing integration: Cutting, bending, and surface treatment services reduce your fabrication steps.
- Consistent extrusion quality: Uniform wall thickness and surface finish for reliable structural performance.
- Export experience: Professional tube packaging for international shipping with full documentation.
Related 6061 Products
Beyond tubes, HXM Aluminum manufactures the full 6061 alloy product range to support your complete project requirements. Each product form is produced from the same certified 6061 billet or slab stock, ensuring consistent alloy chemistry and mechanical properties across your supply chain:
All product forms are certified to their respective ASTM standards (B209 for flat-rolled, B221 for extruded) with EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificates provided for every shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 6061 aluminum tube and pipe?
What wall thicknesses are available for 6061 aluminum tubes?
Can 6061 aluminum tubes be welded?
What is the difference between 6061 and 6063 aluminum tubes?
Can 6061 aluminum tubes be bent?
What is the burst pressure rating for 6061-T6 tubes?
How are 6061 aluminum tubes packaged for shipping?
How do I request a quotation for 6061 aluminum tubes?
Request a Quote
Ready to source 6061 aluminum tubes for your project? Include these specifications:
- Required information: Alloy/temper, profile type, OD/side dimensions, wall thickness, length, quantity, surface finish, delivery destination
- Quotation turnaround: Within 24 hours
- Minimum order: [COMPANY DATA REQUIRED]
- Lead time: [COMPANY DATA REQUIRED]
Click “Get A Quote” to submit your tube specifications.
