VT machining provides CNC Drilling 6061 Aluminum for customers who need accurate, repeatable 6061 Aluminum components. The machinability of 6061 Aluminum is excellent; high cutting speeds and superb finishes achievable, so we set the operation up specifically for this grade.
CNC Drilling Capability for 6061 Aluminum
- Lightweight (~2.7 g/cm³)
- Excellent machinability
- Tolerance to ±0.01 mm
- Anodising-ready
6061 Aluminum Material Data
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 310 MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | 276 MPa |
| Hardness | 95 HB |
| Melting point | 582–652 °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 167 W/m·K |
| Thermal expansion | 23.6 ×10⁻⁶/K |
| Electrical conductivity | 43% |
| Machinability (C36000 = 100%) | 190% |
| Grades we run | 6061, 6082, 6063, 7075-T6, 5052, 2024-T3, MIC-6 cast plate |
Published typical values for 6061-T6. Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.
Thin walls relax after roughing. We rough, let the part stabilise, then finish — otherwise a 1.5 mm wall bows by more than the tolerance it was cut to.
Machining 6061 Aluminum with CNC Drilling
The machinability of 6061 Aluminum is excellent; high cutting speeds and superb finishes achievable. For CNC Drilling we select tooling, feeds, speeds and coolant to match, keeping the 6061 Aluminum workpiece stable and the result accurate.
Because we machine 6061 Aluminum regularly, proven settings shorten setup and keep quality repeatable across reorders.
Achievable Tolerances for CNC Drilling 6061 Aluminum
| Feature | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Linear dimension (< 100 mm) | ±0.05 mm | ±0.010 mm |
| Linear dimension (100–300 mm) | ±0.10 mm | ±0.025 mm |
| Hole diameter (reamed) | H9 | H7 |
| True position of hole pattern | ±0.10 mm | ±0.025 mm |
| Flatness over 100 mm | 0.05 mm | 0.015 mm |
| Perpendicularity | 0.10 mm | 0.020 mm |
| Surface finish, as machined | Ra 1.6 µm | Ra 0.4 µm |
Standard is what a normal quotation assumes. Precision is available on nominated features and is priced separately, because it needs extra setups, in-process gauging and CMM verification. Call out only the features that need it — blanket-tightening a drawing is the single most common reason a quote comes back expensive.
CNC Drilling Quality & Inspection
Consistent quality comes from disciplined process control. Critical dimensions on 6061 Aluminum parts are checked in-process and verified at final inspection using calibrated instruments and, where required, CMM measurement. Full documentation — dimensional reports, mill certs, FAIR — is available when your programme needs it.
Secondary Operations & Finishing
We complete 6061 Aluminum components with the secondary steps your drawing calls for. We arrange heat treatment, surface treatment, marking and assembly as needed. Tell us the final spec and we will plan the full route so parts arrive ready to use.
Why 6061 Aluminum?
Specifying 6061 Aluminum for CNC Drilling 6061 Aluminum is usually about its properties: lightweight with excellent machinability. Tell us the condition you need and we machine to it.
CNC Drilling Tolerances & Surface Finish
For CNC Drilling, dimensional and positional tolerances around ±0.01 mm are routine, tightening toward ±0.005 mm on precision setups. Surface finish on machined faces typically falls in the Ra 0.4–1.6 µm range depending on tooling and pass strategy.
The tightest tolerances are reserved for the features your drawing flags as critical. Share your tolerance scheme and we will confirm what is realistic before quoting.
Design Tips for CNC Drilling 6061 Aluminum
A few design choices make a real difference to cost and quality. Generous internal radii, sensible pocket depth-to-width ratios and avoiding very thin unsupported walls all reduce cost and improve accuracy in 6061 Aluminum. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.
Applications of CNC Drilling 6061 Aluminum
CNC Drilling of 6061 Aluminum supports parts across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor, energy and general industrial sectors. We scale from one-off prototypes to ongoing production while holding the same quality.
How to Order CNC Drilling 6061 Aluminum
Ordering 6061 Aluminum parts is straightforward. Provide the drawing, material, quantity and any certification needs. Our engineers reply — in English — with feasibility, pricing and a realistic lead time, usually within one business day.
Finishing Options for 6061 Aluminum
| Finish | Thickness / effect | Why it gets specified |
|---|---|---|
| Clear anodise (Type II) | 5–25 µm | Corrosion protection, keeps the natural colour |
| Colour anodise | 10–25 µm | Black, red, blue, gold; add 0.02 mm to close tolerances |
| Hard anodise (Type III) | 25–50 µm | 60–70 HRC surface, grows 50% into the part |
| Chromate / Alodine 1200 | < 1 µm | Conductive, meets MIL-DTL-5541 |
| Powder coat | 60–120 µm | RAL colours, needs 0.3 mm clearance on mating features |
| Deburr / edge break | 0.05–0.3 mm | All parts unless the drawing says otherwise |
| Bead blast | Ra 1.6–3.2 µm | Uniform matt finish, hides tool marks |
| Laser marking | — | Part number, lot code, data matrix |
No drawing yet? Build one in the browser.
Set the metal, dimensions and features, watch the 3D model update as you type, then switch to the 2D sheet to add dimensions and tolerances. Download it or send it straight to us with your RFQ.
What We Need to Quote CNC Drilling 6061 Aluminum
- GeometrySTEP or IGES for the 3D model, plus a PDF drawing if you have tolerance callouts. A dimensioned sketch is enough to start.
- MaterialThe exact 6061 Aluminum grade and condition — temper, heat-treat state or hardness. If you are not sure, tell us the function and we will suggest one.
- QuantityPrototype count and the expected annual volume. Both change how the part is made and therefore what it costs.
- TolerancesWhich features are critical. Everything else runs to our standard tolerance, which is what keeps the price sensible.
- FinishSurface treatment, cosmetic requirements, and any faces that must be masked.
- DocumentsWhether you need a material certificate, dimensional report, FAIR or PPAP with the shipment.
Missing something from the list is not a problem — send what you have. We will come back with the specific questions rather than a generic form.
6061 Aluminum in Other Processes
Related
Send the drawing, the 6061 Aluminum condition and the quantity — pricing and lead time come back the same or next business day.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
What material thickness or size range suits CNC Drilling 6061 Aluminum?
We machine 6061 Aluminum across a broad size range; share your part envelope for confirmation.
What surface finish is achievable on 6061 Aluminum with CNC Drilling?
Surface finish on 6061 Aluminum is controlled to your specification; we confirm the achievable Ra against your callout.
Which industries use CNC Drilling 6061 Aluminum parts?
CNC Drilling 6061 Aluminum parts are used across aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics, semiconductor and general industrial sectors — anywhere precise 6061 Aluminum components are required.
Does CNC Drilling 6061 Aluminum require dedicated tooling?
Most 6061 Aluminum machining work uses standard cutting tools and CNC programs; dedicated fixtures are made only when geometry or volume requires them.
Can VT machining make custom 6061 Aluminum parts to my drawing?
Yes. 6061 Aluminum 6061 Aluminum machining is made to order from your CAD/2D drawing. Share your geometry, material grade, tolerance and quantity and we will confirm feasibility, lead time and pricing.
What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Drilling 6061 Aluminum?
CNC Drilling prototypes for 6061 Aluminum can be produced quickly and scaled to series production. Send your drawing and quantity and we will advise lead time and any minimum order.