Aluminum Types (6061, 5052)

FRC teams commonly use two types of aluminum: 6061 and 5052 . They look similar but are used for very different purposes in robot construction. 

 

 6061-T6 Aluminum 

 6061-T6 is the most common structural aluminum extrusion used in FRC. 

 Properties: 

 

 High strength and stiffness 

 Excellent for machining and tapping 

 Holds threads well 

 Common in standardized extrusions (like 1x1, 2x1, 2x2 tubing) 

 

 Best uses: 

 

 Robot frames and drivetrains 

 Structural extrusion systems 

 Tapped holes for mounting mechanisms 

 Load-bearing assemblies 

 

 

 5052 Aluminum 

 5052 is most commonly used for custom cut sheet metal plates , often provided by sponsors or local suppliers. 

 Properties: 

 

 More flexible and bendable than 6061 

 Excellent for sheet metal forming 

 Not ideal for tapped threads 

 Resistant to cracking when bent 

 

 Best uses: 

 

 Custom gussets and brackets 

 Sponsor-cut plates 

 Panels, covers, and guards 

 Lightweight structural sheet parts 

 

 

 6061 vs 5052 (Quick Comparison) 

 

 6061-T6 → extrusion, rigid, machinable, structural 

 5052 → sheet metal, bendable, laser/waterjet cut plates 

 

 

 Key Idea 

 6061-T6 is primarily used for extruded structural tubing , while 5052 is used for custom sheet metal plates , often cut by sponsors. Choosing the correct material improves both strength and manufacturability in FRC designs.