If you're shopping raw materials metal stock between two 6061 aluminum blanks, the first decision is size. Do you need a compact 1/2" x 8" x 8" flat bar, or a much larger 1/2" x 16" x 19" plate? The listed prices split the field: $40.99 for the flat bar and $158.08 for the plate. Both are listed as New 6061 aluminum from the United States, so the real difference comes down to footprint, temper, and how much material you need for the job.
Quick Verdict
Pick the 6061 Aluminum Flat Bar when you want a smaller, compact solid stock for machining jobs. Pick the 1/2" x 16" x 19" 6061 Sheet Plate when you need a large 1/2-inch-thick aluminum surface and can use the bigger 16-by-19-inch working area. In short: match the blank to the largest part you plan to machine.
Comparison at a Glance
| Product | Listed Price | Price Bar | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6061 Aluminum Flat Bar (1/2" x 8" x 8") | $40.99 | Flat Stock; T6511 temper | |
| 1/2" x 16" x 19" 6061 Sheet Plate | $158.08 | Metal Plate; T6 temper; larger 16" x 19" area |
The listed price gap between the two is $117.09. Both are New, from the United States, and made of 6061 aluminum, so the designations of Flat Stock versus Metal Plate are the deciding characteristics.
Where Each Product Wins
Choose the 6061 Aluminum Flat Bar if...
The flat bar is a 1/2" x 8" x 8" piece of 6061 flat stock. It has an 8-inch length and 8-inch width, and a T6511 machined finish. That makes it a better fit for smaller machining jobs where you don't need a large plate.
Choose the 1/2" x 16" x 19" 6061 Sheet Plate if...
The 1/2" x 16" x 19" 6061 Sheet Plate is a Metal Plate with a 19-inch sheet length and a T6 temper designation. The extra surface area is the reason to choose it: you can lay out larger parts or cut multiple smaller blanks from one plate.
Product Notes
6061 Aluminum Flat Bar, 1/2" x 8" x 8" long
This is the compact option. It is 6061 aluminum flat stock with a T6511 machined finish, a thickness/width tolerance of -.002" to +.020", and a length tolerance of +.000" to +.250". That makes it a reasonable match for small machining jobs that need a solid 1/2" x 8" x 8" blank. The limitation is the footprint: you can't machine a wide 16-inch part from it. The surface may also show normal scratches and nicks and is not intended to be finished, so this is workhorse stock, not a decorative panel.
1/2" x 16" x 19" ALUMINUM 6061 Sheet Plate
This is the larger blank. It is a single piece of 1/2" thick 6061 T6 aluminum plate, cut new, sized 1/2" x 16" x 19". The main reason to choose it is the generous working area: 16 inches by 19 inches gives you room for bigger parts or multiple smaller pieces in one cut. The limitation is that all that surface area comes with a larger footprint to manage. If your project only calls for an 8-inch piece, this plate is more material than you need. For a large, flat 1/2-inch-thick 6061 blank, it provides the surface area.
Final Choice by Use Case
Choose the 6061 Aluminum Flat Bar for compact jobs where an 8" x 8" blank is enough. Choose the 1/2" x 16" x 19" 6061 Sheet Plate when you need a large, flat 1/2" aluminum surface for bigger layouts or multi-part cutting. If you're still undecided, let the largest part you need to machine make the decision: smaller parts align with the flat bar, larger parts align with the plate.
