1100-H14 vs 6061-T6
1100-H14 and 6061-T6 are very different aluminums. 1100 is nearly pure aluminum (≥99%), soft and weak (~110 MPa tensile / 100 MPa yield) but with outstanding corrosion resistance, formability, and thermal/electrical conductivity. 6061 is a heat-treatable structural alloy, far stronger (~310 MPa tensile / 276 MPa yield) and machinable. Choose 1100 for chemical, conductive, and formed work; 6061 for any structural load.
The verdict
Choose 1100-H14 for chemical and food-grade fabrications, deep-formed sheet, and conductive parts where corrosion resistance, formability, and high thermal conductivity (220 W/m·K) outweigh strength. Choose 6061-T6 for structural and machined parts needing real strength (~276 MPa yield vs 100 MPa) and good machinability.
Side-by-side data
| Property | 1100-H14 | 6061-T6 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Density (g/cm³) | 2.71 | 2.7 |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 110 | 310 |
| Yield strength (MPa) | 100 | 276 |
| Elongation (%) | 9 | 12 |
| Hardness | 32 HB | 95 HB |
| Max service temp (°C) | 120 | 170 |
| Machinability | ●●●●● | ●●●●● |
| Corrosion resistance | ●●●●● | ●●●●● |
| Relative cost | ●●●●● | ●●●●● |
| Thermal cond. (W/m·K) | 220 | 167 |
| Typically used for | Chemical & food-grade fabrications | All-round structural & machined parts — the default aluminum |
Which should you choose?
Choose 1100-H14 when…
- Fabricating chemical or food-grade tanks, vessels, and ductwork
- Deep-forming, spinning, or tight bends — exceptional formability
- High thermal conductivity is needed (220 W/m·K vs 6061's 167)
- Excellent corrosion resistance is required (4.5/5 vs 6061's 3.5)
- Welded fabrications where 1100 weldability is ideal
- Electrical or heat-transfer parts using near-pure aluminum
Choose 6061-T6 when…
- Parts must carry structural load (~276 MPa yield vs 1100's 100 MPa)
- Machining functional components — 6061 machines far better (4.5 vs 2.0)
- Strength-to-weight matters for brackets, frames, and housings
- Threaded or fatigue-loaded parts that soft 1100 can't support
- A general-purpose, heat-treatable structural alloy is required
- Dimensional rigidity is needed; soft 1100 deflects under load
Key differences that matter
- Strength: 6061-T6 ~310 MPa tensile / 276 MPa yield vs 1100-H14 ~110 MPa / 100 MPa — 6061 has roughly 2.7x the yield
- 1100 is ≥99% pure aluminum, non-heat-treatable; 6061 is an alloyed, heat-treatable (T6) structural material
- Thermal conductivity: 1100 220 W/m·K vs 6061 167 W/m·K — 1100 is the better heat-transfer/conductive choice
- Corrosion: 1100 (4.5/5) beats 6061 (3.5/5); near-pure aluminum resists chemical attack very well
- Machinability: 1100 is gummy and machines poorly (2.0 index) vs 6061's clean chipping (4.5)
- Formability: 1100 is exceptionally formable for deep draws and tight bends; 6061-T6 is comparatively stiff
- Both weld well, but 1100 is preferred for chemical/food fabrications; 6061 needs post-weld aging to recover strength
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Open the Material SelectorGet a Quote →Frequently asked questions
What is 1100 aluminum used for?
1100 is commercially pure aluminum (≥99%) used where formability, corrosion resistance, and conductivity matter more than strength — chemical and food-processing tanks, ductwork, heat exchangers, spun parts, and electrical components. It bends, draws, and welds beautifully but is soft (~100 MPa yield), so it isn't used for structural or load-bearing parts.
Is 6061 stronger than 1100 aluminum?
Yes, dramatically. 6061-T6 reaches about 276 MPa yield versus only 100 MPa for 1100-H14 — roughly 2.7 times stronger. 6061 is a heat-treatable structural alloy, while 1100 is near-pure aluminum chosen for corrosion resistance and formability, not load capacity. For any structural part, 6061 is the right choice.
Which aluminum conducts heat better, 1100 or 6061?
1100 conducts better, at about 220 W/m·K versus 167 W/m·K for 6061. Because 1100 is nearly pure aluminum with few alloying elements to scatter electrons and phonons, it offers higher thermal and electrical conductivity. That makes it preferable for heat exchangers, bus bars, and heat-transfer parts where 6061's strength isn't needed.
Why is 1100 aluminum hard to machine?
1100 is soft and gummy because it's nearly pure aluminum with no hardening alloy content, so it tends to smear, build up on tools, and leave a poor finish — reflected in its low machinability rating (about 2.0). 6061, with its harder T6 temper and alloy content, machines cleanly and is far better suited to CNC parts.
Property values are typical/nominal figures for early-stage guidance only and vary by temper, grade, supplier and heat treatment. Confirm critical specifications against a certified datasheet or with an mfgiq engineer before production.