Aluminum 6060 belongs to the 6000-series aluminum alloys (alloyed with silicon and magnesium), and the T6 temper (solution heat-treated + artificial aging) unlocks its key properties tailored for bearing applications:
Aluminum 6060T6 has a density of just 2.7 g/cm³—roughly 1/3 the weight of steel. For ball bearing systems in weight-sensitive equipment (e.g., portable machinery, automotive components, or small industrial robots), this lightweight nature reduces overall device mass without sacrificing load-bearing capability. Its tensile strength (210–260 MPa) and yield strength (180–220 MPa) are sufficient to support the radial/axial loads of most small-to-medium ball bearings, preventing deformation under operational stress.
Like other 6000-series alloys, Aluminum 6060T6 forms a dense, self-healing oxide layer when exposed to air. This layer shields the base plate from moisture, mild chemicals, and atmospheric corrosion—critical for bearings used in indoor humidity (e.g., HVAC systems) or outdoor sheltered environments (e.g., small wind turbines). Unlike uncoated steel, it requires no additional anti-rust treatments (e.g., painting or plating) for general use, simplifying maintenance.
Ball bearing base plates demand tight tolerances (often ±0.05mm for mounting holes and flatness) to ensure bearings align with rotating shafts. Aluminum 6060T6 machines easily: it cuts cleanly with CNC mills/drills, produces smooth surface finishes (Ra <1.6μm), and holds dimensional accuracy even after machining. This precision is vital for avoiding bearing misalignment— a common cause of noise, premature wear, and reduced bearing lifespan.
Compared to high-strength aluminum alloys (e.g., 6082T6) or exotic materials (e.g., titanium), Aluminum 6060T6 balances performance and cost. It is readily available in sheets, blocks, or extruded profiles, and its low machining costs make it ideal for mid-volume applications (e.g., OEMs producing small electric motors or office equipment bearings).
In compact equipment like conveyors for packaging lines, small pumps, or desktop 3D printers, Aluminum 6060T6 base plates secure miniature ball bearings (e.g., 608 or 6203 series). Their lightweight design keeps the machinery portable, while corrosion resistance handles factory humidity.
For non-critical automotive bearings (e.g., interior fan motors, power window mechanisms), Aluminum 6060T6 base plates reduce unsprung weight and improve fuel efficiency. In EVs, they are used in auxiliary systems (e.g., coolant pumps) where weight savings directly boost battery range.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units rely on ball bearings for fan shafts. Aluminum 6060T6 base plates resist the moist, dusty environment inside HVAC ducts and are easy to integrate into compact unit designs. They also find use in home appliances like washing machines or dryers, where cost and corrosion resistance are priorities.
In lightweight medical devices (e.g., portable ultrasound machines or lab centrifuges), Aluminum 6060T6 base plates support small bearings while keeping the equipment easy to transport. Their non-magnetic properties (austenitic aluminum structure) also avoid interference with sensitive medical sensors.
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Flatness Matters: Ensure the base plate’s mounting surface has a flatness tolerance of ≤0.1mm/m to prevent bearing tilting.
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Hole Precision: Drill bearing mounting holes with H7 tolerance to ensure a snug fit (avoid over-tightening, which can distort the aluminum).
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Edge Finishing: Deburr all edges to prevent damage to bearing seals during installation.
At Bomei Precision Machining, we specialize in manufacturing precision Aluminum 6060-T6 ball bearing base plates tailored to your specs:
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CNC Machining: Tolerances as tight as ±0.005mm for critical applications.
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Customization: Custom hole patterns, thicknesses (2mm–50mm), and surface treatments (anodizing, powder coating).
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Quality Assurance: Each plate undergoes CMM inspection to ensure alignment and dimensional accuracy.
Contact us today to get a quote for your Aluminum 6060-T6 ball bearing base plate needs—engineered for performance, built to last.
Evan Xiao