6061 6063 T5 T6 Aluminum Machine Tube - Round Tubing for CNC Machined Parts

6061 / 6063 Aluminum Machine Tube Overview

This aluminum machine tube is extruded from 6061 and 6063 alloy billets into a round hollow section and delivered in T5 or T6 temper. Because the tube is bought for machining rather than for decorative framing, the extrusion line is set so that the wall thickness stays even around the circumference, the bore stays concentric with the outside diameter, and each length is straight enough to be gripped in a three-jaw chuck or a CNC fixture without re-straightening on site.

6061 is the grade that carries the higher mechanical strength, with magnesium and silicon as the main alloying elements and a small addition of copper. In T6 temper it machines into clean chips, holds a thread well and accepts anodising after machining. 6063 is the softer, more formable grade; its tighter surface finish makes it a practical choice for parts that will be polished, brushed or anodised in clear or coloured finishes, and for housings where the outside surface is seen by the end user.

Dimensions and Machining Behaviour

Round tubing is supplied across a range of outside diameters and wall thicknesses so that boring, drilling, tapping and milling operations can be planned around a known section. The hollow centre reduces the volume of metal that has to be removed during turning, which shortens cycle time on shaft, sleeve, spacer and bushing work compared with machining the same part from solid bar.

• Alloy: 6061 and 6063, other 6xxx grades on request
• Temper: T5 or T6
• Form: round extruded tube in straight lengths
• Cutting: mill lengths or cut-to-size machining stock
• Surface: mill finish, anodised or powder coated after machining

Typical Machined Applications

The tube is used for CNC turned and milled parts such as spacers, sleeves, bushings, threaded connectors, roller cores and machine frame components. It also suits pneumatic and hydraulic cylinder bodies where a concentric bore matters, and lighting or electronic housings where a round anodised body is required.

Because 6061-T6 and 6063-T5 respond differently to cutting tools, buyers who need tight tolerances usually nominate the grade and temper at the enquiry stage so that feeds, speeds and fixture design can be matched to the material before production starts.

Ordering Notes

Please state the alloy, temper, outside diameter, wall thickness, length and quantity when requesting a quotation. Custom cut lengths, deburred ends, drilled or tapped holes and anodised finishes can be quoted against the drawing supplied by the buyer.