6061-T6 Aluminum Plate Blanks

6061-T651 aluminum plate blanks are the workhorse material for CNC machining, tooling, and structural fabrication where thicknesses of 0.250 inches and above are required. The T651 temper indicates the plate has been solution heat treated, stress relieved by controlled stretching, and artificially aged — the stretching step reduces internal residual stresses that would otherwise cause warping when material is removed during machining. 6061-T651 plate is the most popular aluminum alloy for general-purpose CNC machining, and for good reason. It machines cleanly at high speeds with excellent surface finish, accepts anodizing with consistent color and coating quality, and can be welded when needed using 4043 or 5356 filler wire. No other aluminum alloy matches this combination of machinability, finishability, weldability, and moderate strength at a reasonable price point. Tooling plate is one of the highest-volume applications. Fixture plates, vacuum tables, jig bases, and modular fixturing systems are routinely machined from 6061-T651 plate because it offers sufficient rigidity and strength for workholding applications while being far easier to machine than steel alternatives. For applications requiring superior flatness beyond standard mill plate tolerances, MIC-6 cast aluminum plate is an alternative worth considering, though it has lower mechanical properties than wrought 6061-T651. Our plate blanks are saw-cut from certified domestic mill plate conforming to ASTM B209. Standard thicknesses range from 0.250 inches through 3.000 inches.