6061 Aluminum Price Per Pound

6061 aluminum is one of the most widely used alloys in industries ranging from aerospace to construction. Its versatility, strength, and corrosion resistance make it a top choice for manufacturers and buyers globally. However, understanding the 6061 aluminum price per pound requires analyzing multiple variables, including market dynamics, alloy specifications, and global demand.

This comprehensive guide covers 2024 market prices for 6061 alloy (including T6 temper), factors affecting costs, scrap value, and where to buy at the best rates.

What is 6061 Aluminum?

6061 aluminum is a heat-treatable alloy composed of magnesium, silicon, and trace elements like chromium. Known for its excellent weldability and machinability, it’s commonly used in structural components, automotive parts, and marine applications. Two popular tempers include 6061-T6 and 6061-T651. Due to the difference in processing costs, 6061 T651 aluminum is more expensive per pound than 6061 T6.

Current 6061 Aluminum Price Per Pound

The 6061 aluminum price per pound fluctuates based on market demand, alloy temper, and order volume. Below are the latest price ranges:

Material Form	Price Per Pound (USD)	Common Applications
6061 Aluminum Sheet (T6 Temper)	2.2-3.5	Aerospace, marine frames, structural parts
6061 Aluminum Bar/Rod (T6 Temper)	2.50–4.00	Machined components, automotive parts
6061 Aluminum Plate (T6 Temper)	2.80–4.50	Heavy-duty industrial equipment
6061 Aluminum Scrap (Clean, Unpainted)	1.00–2.20	Recycling, remelting
6061-T6 Aluminum Extrusions	2.40–3.80	Window frames, railings

Note: Prices may vary by supplier location, order volumeve global aluminum market trends.

Factors Affecting 6061 Aluminum Price Per Pound

Raw Material Costs: Aluminum prices are tied to the London Metal Exchange (LME). Fluctuations in primary aluminum costs ripple into the aluminum 6061 T6 price per pound. As of July 2024, LME aluminum trades at ~$2,400/ton.

Order Quantity: Many suppliers lower the 6061-T6 aluminum price per pound for orders over 5,000 lbs.

Order Size	Price Per Pound (Estimated Discount)
1 – 100 lbs (Retail)	3.00–4.50
100 – 1,000 lbs (Small Bulk)	2.50–3.80
1,000+ lbs (Wholesale)	2.20–3.20

Processing Methods: Heat treatment, milling, and anodizing increase the 6061-T6 aluminum price per pound compared to untreated variants.

Recycling Trends: Scrap availability lowers the 6061 aluminum scrap price per pound but depends on collection efficiency.

6061 vs Other Aluminum Alloys

While 6061 is costlier than pure aluminum (e.g., 1100 alloy), it’s more affordable than high-strength options like 7075.

Alaşım	Price Per Pound	Strength (MPa)	Kullanımlar
6061 T6 Aluminum	2.2-4.5	290	General machining, structural parts
7075 T6 Aluminum	4.0-7.0	570	Aerospace, high-stress components
5052 Aluminum	1.8-3.5	210	Marine applications, sheet metal work
3003 Alüminyum	1.5-3.0	110	Decorative trim, fuel tanks

Where to Buy 6061 Aluminum at the Best Price

Local Metal Suppliers (Best for Wholesale Buyers)

• Alro Metals, Reliance Steel, Metals Depot – Ideal for bulk orders (1,000+ lbs).
• Metal Supermarkets – Good for smaller retail purchases.

Online Metal Marketplaces (Fast Shipping, Variable Pricing)

• OnlineMetals.com (~$3.50–$5.00/lb, higher retail rates).
• eBay / Amazon (Limited bulk discounts, but quick delivery).

China-Based Suppliers (Lowest 6061 Aluminum Price Per Pound for Large Orders)

• China Aluminum (Chalco) – Best for aerospace-grade 6061.
• Hena Yongsheng Aluminum – Competitive extrusion prices ($2.00–$3.20/lb for 10,000+ lbs).

6061 Aluminum Price Future Trends

Analysts predict moderate increases (3–5% annually) in the 6061 aluminum price per pound through 2025, driven by:

1. Rising demand for lightweight materials in EVs and renewable energy.
2. Stricter carbon regulations raising production costs.
3. Supply constraints from aging smelters and energy shortages.

In conclusion, the price per pound of 6061 T6 aluminum requires you to work with reliable suppliers and pay close attention to the trends of the London Metal Exchange (LME). Let suppliers quote prices every day to ensure efficient procurement costs.