Alloy comparison
6061-T6 Aluminum vs 6082-T6 Aluminum
US vs European structural 6xxx
Side-by-side handbook properties for preliminary material selection. Green values mark the preferable metric for that row (higher strength, lower density, better fabrication rating).
6061-T6 Aluminum
6xxx · ASTM B209 / EN AW-6061
The most common general-purpose structural aluminum. Balanced strength, weldability, and machinability. Density 2.70 g/cm³.
Density
2.70 g/cm³
Yield
275 MPa
6082-T6 Aluminum
6xxx · EN 573-3 / EN AW-6082
Higher-strength European 6xxx structural alloy. Often chosen over 6061 for heavy structural sections in EN markets.
Density
2.71 g/cm³
Yield
310 MPa
| Property | 6061-T6 Aluminum | 6082-T6 Aluminum |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ | 2.71 g/cm³ |
| Error if using 2.70 | 0.0% | +0.4% |
| Yield strength | 275 MPa | 310 MPa |
| Tensile strength | 310 MPa | 340 MPa |
| Elongation | 12% | 10% |
| Modulus E | 69 GPa | 70 GPa |
| Weldability | Good | Good |
| Machinability | Good | Good |
| Corrosion | Good | Good |
| 1 m² × 10 mm plate | 27.00 kg | 27.10 kg |
Quick selection guide
- Choose 6061-T6 Aluminum when you prioritize structural frames and bike frames, and welding is acceptable.
- Choose 6082-T6 Aluminum when you prioritize bridges and trusses (higher yield: 310 vs 275 MPa).
- Weight difference on a 1 m² × 10 mm plate: 0.10 kg (6061-T6 Aluminum is lighter).