With the main alloying component in 6061 aluminum being magnesium, this material doesn’t match the tensile and yield strength of 2024 aluminum. It is much easier to work with though, if the project requires a lot of machining and welding.

The name “structural aluminum” for 6061 emanates from the fact that the alloy is highly applicable in structures and products due to its versatility.

The periodic stresses in the aerospace and related industries can be too much for 6061 aluminum. 2024 aluminum works much better in such situations because of its superior strength.