Aluminum Smooth Round Bars — Solid Bar Stock for CNC Machining, Turning and Structural Applications
Aluminum smooth bars (round bars, aluminum rods) are solid cylindrical bar stock used across CNC machining, precision turning, mechanical engineering and structural construction. ULAMEX supplies aluminum round bars in two alloys: PA38 (EN AW-6060 T6) in diameters from 8 to 55 mm and PA6 (EN AW-6082 T6) in diameters from 20 to 200 mm. Both alloys are stocked in standard lengths and available for immediate dispatch or cutting to your specified dimensions. As a wholesale aluminum rod supplier, we deliver across Europe with full mill certification.
Material Properties and Technical Data
Both alloys belong to the 6000 series (Al-Mg-Si) and are supplied in the T6 temper — solution heat-treated and artificially aged for optimal mechanical properties.
EN AW-6060 T6 (PA38, material no. 3.3206, AlMgSi):
- Tensile strength (Rm): 190-220 MPa
- Yield strength (Rp0.2): ≥150 MPa
- Elongation (A50): ≥8%
- Brinell hardness: ~75 HB
- Excellent surface finish after machining, ideal for anodizing
EN AW-6082 T6 (PA6, material no. 3.2315, AlSi1MgMn):
- Tensile strength (Rm): 295-340 MPa
- Yield strength (Rp0.2): ≥250 MPa
- Elongation (A50): ≥6%
- Brinell hardness: ~95 HB
- Highest strength of the 6000 series, suited for load-bearing components
Both alloys share a density of 2.70 g/cm³, good corrosion resistance, excellent thermal conductivity and full weldability. Manufacturing standards: EN 755-1/2 (extruded rod and bar), EN 573-3 (chemical composition).
Dimensions and Available Sizes
PA38 (EN AW-6060 T6) aluminum round bars are available in diameters: 8, 10, 12, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 25, 28, 30, 32, 35, 38, 40, 42, 45, 50 and 55 mm. Standard length: 6,000 mm.
PA6 (EN AW-6082 T6) aluminum round bars are available in diameters: 20, 22, 25, 28, 30, 32, 35, 38, 40, 42, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 180 and 200 mm. Standard length: 3,000 mm.
Custom cutting to your specified length is available. Tolerances per EN 755-2. For non-standard diameters or lengths, contact our sales team.
Applications by Industry
CNC Machining and Turning: Aluminum round bar is the starting material of choice for CNC-turned components, precision bushings, spacers, rollers, pins and prototype parts. Alloy 6082 delivers excellent chip formation and dimensional stability during high-speed turning, while 6060 produces superior surface finish for decorative or anodized parts. Both alloys are among the best aluminum bar stock options for CNC machining workshops.
Mechanical Engineering: Solid aluminum rods serve as dowel pins, guide rods, axle shafts, spacer sleeves, piston rods and coupling elements. PA6 (6082) round bars in larger diameters (60-200 mm) are used for heavy-duty bearing housings, flanges and adapter plates machined from solid stock.
Construction and Architecture: Aluminum round bars function as structural tie rods, bracing elements, balustrade components and connection hardware in curtain wall systems. The natural corrosion resistance eliminates the need for protective coatings in exposed outdoor applications.
Electrical Engineering: Round aluminum bars serve as conductor rods and earthing electrodes. The high electrical conductivity of EN AW-6060 (56% IACS) makes it suitable for bus bar and current-carrying applications where copper weight is prohibitive.
Automotive and Transport: Lightweight aluminum rods replace steel components in chassis reinforcements, seat frame substructures and suspension linkages, achieving up to 65% weight reduction with adequate strength in 6082 T6.
Food and Pharmaceutical Industry: EN AW-6060 round bars are used for non-reactive machine components, conveyor rollers and guide pins in food processing lines, thanks to the alloy’s inert surface and suitability for anodizing to food-safe standards.
Material Comparison: EN AW-6060 vs EN AW-6082
Choosing between 6060 vs 6082 aluminum (PA38 vs PA6) depends on your application’s structural demands. EN AW-6060 offers better surface finish, easier machinability, superior anodizing quality and lower cost — making it the standard choice for general-purpose turned parts, decorative components and electrical applications. EN AW-6082 provides approximately 50% higher tensile strength and is the preferred alloy for load-bearing structural members, high-stress machined parts and applications requiring fatigue resistance.
Compared to steel round bar, aluminum smooth bars offer a 65% weight saving (density 2.70 vs 7.85 g/cm³), inherent corrosion resistance without coatings, 3-4x faster machining speeds and non-magnetic properties. For applications where ultimate strength governs, see our steel rod range.
Machining and Processing Guide
Aluminum round bars machine exceptionally well on both manual and CNC lathes. Recommended cutting: band saw or circular saw with carbide-tipped blade at 2,500-3,500 m/min. For CNC turning, cutting speeds of 200-600 m/min with feed rates of 0.05-0.30 mm/rev and uncoated carbide or PCD tooling deliver excellent results. Both alloys are TIG and MIG weldable using AlSi5 (4043) or AlMg5 (5356) filler wire. Post-weld heat treatment restores T6 properties in critical joints. Bending: 6060 bends more readily; 6082 requires larger radii to avoid cracking.
Quality and Certification
All ULAMEX aluminum round bars are supplied with mill test certificate 3.1 per EN 10204 documenting chemical composition, mechanical properties and dimensional conformity. Our supply chain is certified to ISO 3834-2 quality management. For structural applications, we support documentation requirements under EN 1090 (execution of steel and aluminum structures).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between EN AW-6060 and EN AW-6082 aluminum round bars?
EN AW-6060 (PA38) is a medium-strength alloy with excellent surface finish and anodizing properties, ideal for general machining and decorative parts. EN AW-6082 (PA6) offers roughly 50% higher tensile strength (295-340 MPa vs 190-220 MPa) and is selected for structural, load-bearing and high-stress applications.
Can aluminum round bars be used for CNC machining?
Yes. Aluminum round bar stock is one of the most commonly machined materials in CNC turning and milling. Both 6060 and 6082 offer excellent chip formation, low tool wear and high cutting speeds (200-600 m/min), making them significantly faster to machine than steel.
What is the weight of aluminum round bar per meter?
The weight per meter is calculated as: cross-sectional area (mm²) × 0.0027 kg/mm²/m. Examples: ∅20 mm = 0.85 kg/m, ∅40 mm = 3.39 kg/m, ∅60 mm = 7.63 kg/m, ∅100 mm = 21.2 kg/m. Formula: π × (D/2)² × 2.70 / 1,000,000 kg per mm of length.
Which aluminum alloy is best for turning and lathe work?
For general turning, EN AW-6060 T6 provides excellent surface finish at lower cost. For structural turned parts requiring higher strength, EN AW-6082 T6 is preferred. For free-cutting applications demanding the best machinability, consider EN AW-2011 or EN AW-6012.
What is the maximum diameter available for aluminum round bars?
ULAMEX stocks aluminum round bars up to ∅55 mm in PA38 (EN AW-6060 T6) and up to ∅200 mm in PA6 (EN AW-6082 T6). For diameters beyond 200 mm, contact us for availability and lead times.
Compatible Products and Related Bar Stock
Complete your project with complementary aluminum bar products from ULAMEX: square bars for machine bases and jig construction, flat bars for brackets and bus bars, aluminum pipes for hollow structural members, and T-bars for profile connections. Browse our full aluminum pipes and rods category.